I can't tell
you how I think about it, and love to feel that my own little lass is
doing so well there. And if you get the scholarship, why, we will be
made; we won't have another care nor anxiety; we won't have another
wrinkle of trouble as long as we remain in the world."

Ruth went straight over to the old man, knelt down by his side, and
looked into his face.

"Stroke my hair, granddad," she said.

He raised his trembling hand and placed it on her head.

"That is nice," she said, and caught his hand as it went backwards and
forwards over her silky black hair, and kissed it.

"Granddad," she said after a pause, "is it the best thing--quite the
best thing--always to come out on the right side of the ledger?"

"Eh? Listen to the little woman," said the old man, much pleased and
interested by her words. "Why, of course, Ruth; it is the only thing."

"But does it mean sometimes, grandfather--dishonor?"

"No, it never means that," said Mr. Craven gravely and thoughtfully.
"But I will tell you what, Ruthie. It does mean sometimes all you have
got."

"Yes," said Ruth, "I understand." She rose to her feet. Do you think my
father would have come out on the right side of the ledger?"

"Ah, child! when he lay dead on the field of battle he came very much
out on the right side, to my thinking. But why that melancholy note in
your voice, Ruth? And why are your cheeks so flushed? Is anything the
matter?"

"Kiss me," said Ruth. "I am glad you have said what you did about
father. I am more glad than sorry, on the whole, this morning. Good-bye,
grandfather."

She kissed him; then she raised her flower-like head and walked out of
the room with a gentle dignity all her own.

"What has come to the little woman?" thought the old man.

But in a minute or two he forgot her, and called to his wife to bring
him the account-books.

"Why do you bother yourself about them?" she asked.

"It has come over me," he replied, "that I have counted things wrong,
and that I'll come out on the right side if I am a bit more careful. Put
the books on this little table, and leave me for an hour or two. That's
right, old woman."

"Very well, old man," she replied, and she pushed the table towards him,
put the account-books thereon, and left the room.

Meanwhile Ruth went slowly to school. She was in good time. There was
no need to hurry. The morning was fresh and beautiful; there was a
gentle breeze which fanned her face. It seemed to