Ruby's Reward — page 176: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘* My darling, what should I have done without you?” he said, kissing her fondly. “You shame me with your courage, and yeb you inspire me to arouse myself and make the hest of my situation. You have taken a load from my heart by striving to adapt yourself so cheerfully to circum- stances, and I will repine no more.” Ruby’s lip quivered slightly, for, in spite of the change in his tone, his face was very wan and haggard; but she smiled stead- fastly as she answered : ‘© 7T belicve I am almost happy to hear you say that, and I really begin to feel as if I am of some use in the world if I have helped you ever so little. And then, when I think of the poor man who has caused all this, Iam very, very thankful ; I am proud, too, for yow are stitl an honourable man, you will not have to hide from justice or run from the law ; you will find some way to pay the dehts that trouble you so; then you can begin again, and everyone will trust and respect you. We are all well and strong, and that is a great deal in our favour; and now,” she added, brighily, ‘while wo stay here Jam going to get the cook to teach me somethiug evory day, so that I can keep house for you and Estelle when we have to go away, and we shall not need to keep any servants.” Robert Cordon laughed aloud in spite of his misery at. the idea of his dainty sister, with her little jewelled hands, going into_ the kitchen and working like a common servant. But he went bravely to work himself after that, for he was greatly cheored by the strength of character and sympathy she displayed, and by the end of a fort- night he knew just where he stood and what he would have to do. comiebooks.com