She was accustomed to exercise a sway over him, owing to her greater decision of character, and, probably, if everything were traced to its cause, to her superior vigour of constitution; but at times she was humbled before his pure, childlike nature, and felt where she was inferior.

She was too good and true to conceal this feeling, or to resent its being forced upon her.

After a time she said, "Thurstan, dear, let us go to her." She helped him with tender care, and gave him her arm up the long and tedious hill; but when they approached the village, without speaking a word on the subject, they changed their position, and she leant (apparently) on him.

He stretched himself up into as vigorous a gait as he could, when they drew near to the abodes of men.
On the way they had spoken but little.

He had asked after various members of his congregation, for he was a Dissenting minister in a country town, and she had answered; but they neither of them spoke of Ruth, though their minds were full of her.
Mrs Hughes had tea ready for the traveller on her arrival.