 are
sulky and abrupt, particularly when he is by - and I want you (of whom she is so
fond) to speak to her about it.«
    »But I have never had the opportunity of noticing them. Whenever I have seen
her, she has been most gentle and affectionate.«
    »But I think you do not hesitate to believe me when I say that I have
noticed the reverse,« said Mr. Bradshaw, drawing himself up.
    »No, sir. I beg your pardon if I have expressed myself so badly as to seem
to doubt. But am I to tell Miss Bradshaw that you have spoken of her faults to
me?« asked Ruth, a little astonished, and shrinking more than ever from the
proposed task.
    »If you would allow me to finish what I have got to say, without
interruption, I could then tell you what I do wish.«
    »I beg your pardon, sir,« said Ruth gently.
    »I wish you to join our circle occasionally in an evening; Mrs. Bradshaw
shall send you an invitation when Mr. Farquhar is likely to be here. Warned by
me, and, consequently, with your observation quickened, you can hardly fail to
notice instances of what I have pointed out; and then I will trust to your own
good sense« (Mr. Bradshaw bowed to her at this part of his sentence) »to find an
opportunity to remonstrate with her.«
    Ruth was beginning to speak, but he waved his hand for another minute of
silence.
    »Only a minute, Mrs. Denbigh. I am quite aware that, in requesting your
presence occasionally in the evening, I shall be trespassing upon the time which
is, in fact, your money; you may be assured that I shall not forget this little
circumstance, and you can explain what I have said on this head to Benson and
his sister.«
    »I am afraid I cannot do it,« Ruth began; but, while she was choosing words
delicate enough to express her reluctance to act as he wished, he had almost
bowed her out of the room; and thinking that she was modest in her estimate of
her qualifications for remonstrating with his daughter, he added, blandly -
    »No one so able, Mrs. Denbigh. I have observed many qualities in you -
observed when, perhaps, you have little thought it.«
    If he had observed Ruth that morning he would have seen an absence of mind
and depression of spirits not much to her credit as a teacher; for she could not
bring herself to
