Nor was her religious character the result of temperament, or of a secluded life.

Ruth Bayard was a woman of thought and culture, and wise in the ways of the world, but not worldly.

Her personality was very attractive, she had a good form, an agreeable face, speaking gray eyes, and brown hair, soft and naturally wavy.

She was a distant cousin of Ethel's mother, but had been brought up with her in the same household, and always regarded her as a sister, and Ethel never remembered that she was only her aunt by adoption.

Ten years older than her niece, she had mothered her with a wise and loving patience, and her thoughts never wandered long or far from the girl.