, I felt I was quite alone. Everything told me
that all in the house, excepting, perhaps my sisters, were in league
with my mother against me.

I made up my mind, however, that I would not speak for three days to
Ruth concerning her father's wish, and that then I would, if I dared,
say the words my heart was burning to make known.

Nothing worthy of mention passed during the dinner-hour, but
afterwards, having occasion to go into the library, I found Ruth alone.
Instantly I wanted to refer to what had been said concerning us. My
blood rushed madly to my head and my hands trembled.

I do not know, but I think she saw what was in my mind, for she turned
away her face and walked toward the window.

"Ruth," I said, "why do you go away from me?"

She began to sob violently.

"Ruth," I continued, "something must grieve you to make you cry thus.
Is it because of what has been said about us? If so, do not grieve any
more. I will never ask you to do what would give you pain."

Her sorrow was terrible to see. Was it because of me that her grief
was so bitter?

"Don't give way so," I went on. "Shall I leave you alone? I am sure I
do not wish to give you any trouble. After our walk the other night I
determined I would never say another word to hurt your feelings, and
I'll be true to my determination. I did not mean to speak about the
will for some time, but perhaps it would be better if I were to tell
you now. Ruth, it is the dearest wish of my life that we should fulfil
our fathers' wish in this matter. I have loved you ever since--since
that terrible night, when you first came, but I never realized it until
the day that Wilfred came home from Oxford. Then I was nearly mad with
jealousy. I am afraid I have been very rude to you since, but it was
because I love you so, for Ruth, I would do anything to make you happy."

Still she sat leaning forward on a table, her head buried in her hands,
and sobbing as though her heart would break.

"It hurts me to hear you cry so," I said, "and I can see now why it is.
But cheer up, Ruth. I will not speak of this any more. I will never
ask you to obey your father's will. You shall not have the pain of
linking your life to mine. I love you too well for that. God bless
you, Ruth. I will try and find out what will make you happy, and then
you shall see how I love you; for I will do all in my power to give you
what you want."

She held up her head. There was an expre