The present was all-in-all.

When she heard people stirring, she went in search of Mrs Morgan, whose shrewd, sharp manners, unsoftened by inward respect for the poor girl, had awed Ruth even when Mr Bellingham was by to protect her.
"Mrs Morgan," said she, sitting down in the little parlour appropriated to the landlady, for she felt her strength suddenly desert her--"Mrs Morgan, I'm afraid Mr Bellingham is very ill;"-- here she burst into tears, but instantly checking herself, "Oh, what must I do ?" continued she; "I don't think he has known anything all through the night, and he looks so strange and wild this morning." She gazed up into Mrs Morgan's face, as if reading an oracle.
"Indeed, miss, ma'am, and it's a very awkward thing.

But don't cry, that can do no good, 'deed it can't.

I'll go and see the poor young man myself, and then I can judge if a doctor is wanting." Ruth followed Mrs Morgan upstairs.

When they entered the sick-room Mr Bellingham was sitting up in bed, looking wildly about him, and as he saw them, he exclaimed: "Ruth! Ruth! come here; I won't be left alone!" and then he fell down exhausted on the pillow.