ess ceased, shops were
closed, usual occupations suspended, and the entire community flocked
to the meetinghouse of the parish to listen to the discourse of the
minister. At the time this story begins, the obligation was not quite
so binding as in former years.]

"Shall I give him my hand, if I cannot at the same time give him my
heart?" Ruth asked, her earnest eyes scanning her mother's face.

"Oh, but you will do both, dear. Many a girl has asked the same
question at first, but soon found that the heart and hand went
together."

"I think," Ruth replied, "if one may judge from outward appearances,
there are some women who have given their hands to their husbands, but
never their hearts. I see faces, now and then, which make me think of
what I have read descriptive of deserts where there is no water to
quench the thirst, no oasis with its green palms giving grateful shade
from the summer heat,--faces that tell of hunger and thirst for the
bread and water of love and sympathy."

"You fancy it is so, and possibly here and there you may find a
mismated couple, but, daughter, you will see things in a different
light when once you get acquainted with Lord Upperton. I believe there
is not another girl in Boston who would not jump at such a catch. You
may not fancy him this moment, but in a short time you will say there
is not another like him in all the world. You feel just as I did
towards Theodore. At first, I almost hated him, because he presumed to
ask permission to visit me, but now he is the best man that ever
lived. Just think of the offer that has come to you in contrast with
what your father had to offer me. Lord Upperton brings you his high
station in life, his nobility, his long line of ancestors, a barony, a
castle with its ivied walls, a retinue of servants, his armorial
bearings inscribed on banners borne by Crusaders. He will offer you
rank, wealth, privilege, honor at his majesty's court. Theodore had
only himself to offer me. He was not much then, but he is more now. I
have done what I could to make him what he is, and now our daughter
has the prospect of wearing laces such as are worn by duchesses; to be
received at court; to be spoken of as Her Grace. Now to bed, dear, and
be happy in thinking it over."

"But I do not love Lord Upperton, nor shall I ever care for him."

"Don't talk in that way, Ruth. You think so now, but when you are once
married and begin to enjoy what will be yours,--a coach, wait