 Gentlemen like you must know, Mr. Jones, that we can't always
look too closely into the ways of young men who come to our houses. Not but what
I am sorry for her, for she's an innocent, inoffensive young creature. I always
think it right, for my own morals, to put a little scorn into my manners when
such as her come to stay here; but indeed, she's so gentle, I've found it hard
work to show the proper contempt.«
    She would have gone on to her inattentive listener if she had not heard a
low tap at the door, which recalled her from her morality, and Mr. Jones from
his consideration of the necessary prescriptions.
    »Come in!« said Mrs. Morgan sharply. And Ruth came in. She was white and
trembling; but she stood in that dignity which strong feeling, kept down by
self-command, always imparts.
    »I wish you, sir, to be so kind as to tell me, clearly and distinctly, what
I must do for Mr. Bellingham. Every direction you give me shall be most
carefully attended to. You spoke about leeches - I can put them on, and see
about them. Tell me everything, sir, that you wish to have done!«
    Her manner was calm and serious, and her countenance and deportment showed
that the occasion was calling out strength sufficient to meet it. Mr. Jones
spoke with a deference which he had not thought of using upstairs, even while he
supposed her to be the sister of the invalid. Ruth listened gravely; she
repeated some of the injunctions, in order that she might be sure that she fully
comprehended them, and then, bowing, left the room.
    »She is no common person,« said Mr. Jones. »Still she is too young to have
the responsibility of such a serious case. Have you any idea where his friends
live. Mrs. Morgan?«
    »Indeed and I have. His mother, as haughty a lady as you would wish to see,
came travelling through Wales last year; she stopped here, and, I warrant you,
nothing was good enough for her; she was real quality. She left some clothes and
books behind her (for the maid was almost as fine as the mistress, and little
thought of seeing after her lady's clothes, having a taste for going to see
scenery along with the man- and we had several letters from her. I have them
locked in the drawers in the bar, where I
