and
nursed! I have just seen Miss Benson in the lobby, and had charge upon charge
not to fatigue you. Oh, Ruth! how we all love you, now we have you back again!
Do you know, I taught Rosa to say her prayers as soon as ever you were gone to
that horrid place, just on purpose that her little innocent lips might pray for
you - I wish you could hear her say it - Please, dear God, keep Ruth safe. Oh,
Leonard! are not you proud of your mother?«
    Leonard said »Yes,« rather shortly, as if he were annoyed that any one else
should know, or even have a right to imagine, how proud he was. Jemima went on -
    »Now, Ruth! I have got a plan for you. Walter and I have partly made it; and
partly it's papa's doing. Yes, dear! papa has been quite anxious to show his
respect for you. We all want you to go to the dear Eagle's Crag for this next
month, and get strong, and have some change in that fine air at Abermouth. I am
going to take little Rosa there. Papa has lent it to us. And the weather is
often very beautiful in November.«
    »Thank you very much. It is very tempting; for I have been almost longing
for some such change. I cannot tell all at once whether I can go; but I will see
about it, if you will let me leave it open a little.«
    »Oh! as long as you like, so that you will but go at last. And, Master
Leonard! you are to come too. Now, I know I have you on my side.«
    Ruth thought of the place. Her only reluctance arose from the remembrance of
that one interview on the sands. That walk she could never go again; but how
much remained! How much that would be a charming balm and refreshment to her!
    »What happy evenings we shall have together! Do you know, I think Mary and
Elizabeth may perhaps come.«
    A bright gleam of sunshine came into the room. »Look! how bright and
propitious for our plans. Dear Ruth, it seems like an omen for the future!«
    Almost while she spoke, Miss Benson entered, bringing with her Mr. Grey, the
rector of Eccleston. He was an elderly man, short, and stoutly built, with
something very formal in his manner; but any one might feel sure of his steady
benevolence