But Ruth, in all things strong, was weak with Richard out of her very fondness for him.

To what she had he might help himself, and thus it was that things were not so bad with him at present.

But when Richard's calculating mind came to give thought to the future he found that this occasioned him some care.

Rich ladies, even when they do not happen to be equipped in addition with Ruth's winsome beauty and endearing nature, are not wont to go unmarried.

It would have pleased Richard best to have had her remain a spinster.