She had upon his mind that peaceful influence that Mrs.
Bolton had when, occasionally, she sat by his bedside with her work.
Some people have this influence, which is like an emanation.

They bring peace to a house, they diffuse serene content in a room full of mixed company, though they may say very little, and are apparently, unconscious of their own power.
Not that Philip did not long for Ruth's presence all the same.

Since he was well enough to be about the house, she was busy again with her studies.

Now and then her teasing humor came again.

She always had a playful shield against his sentiment.