Would you like some tea now, my love ?" The very utterance of these gentle words was unlocking Miss Benson's heart.

Her brother was surprised to see her so full of interest, when he came to inquire later on in the morning.

It required Mrs Hughes's persuasions, as well as his own, to induce her to go to bed for an hour or two after breakfast; and, before she went, she made them promise that she should be called when the doctor came.

He did not come until late in the afternoon.

The invalid was rallying fast, though rallying to a consciousness of sorrow, as was evinced by the tears which came slowly rolling down her pale sad cheeks--tears which she had not the power to wipe away.
Mr Benson had remained in the house all day to hear the doctor's opinion; and now that he was relieved from the charge of Ruth by his sister's presence, he had the more time to dwell upon the circumstances of her case--so far as they were known to him.