Ruby's Reward — page 181: what you’re looking at

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

Still she was not satisfied, and one evening, after he returned, and had had his tea, and Mrs. Gordon had retired to her room, she crept to his side, in a half-irresolute way, and said: “Robert, I am not exactly content with my life; I am 80 idle all day long. I want something to do.” “Tdle! I think I saw some one sweeping and dust- ing, the other morning, asif her very existence de- pended upon the occupation,” Mr. Gordon returned, siniling. “I am very sure that we had a delicious dessert to-day, prepared by the same hands that wielded the broom so vigorously. There are never any holes in my stockings, nor any buttons missing from my shirts, and I know that Estelle does not like tomend. Somebody must be be busy. What more do you need to occupy you, Ruby ?”’ “A erent deal. Vhat only requires a very little time, and—— Robert, Ihave something to tell you, Please do not be angry with me”’—the young girl's checks were flushed, and she spoke rapidly—"but I have seen Mr. Sampson to-day, and he Ras given me a position in his school. One of his teachers is sick, and has had to give up her place, and I am to begin teaching next Monday morning.” "way Uy. : Mr. Gordon's tone was one of surprise and re- proach. “T was afraid you wouldn't lke it, Robert,’”? Ruby continued, slipping her hands coaxingly around his arm, and laying her bright head upon his shoulder. “But just think—atter you go away in the morning I only have a very little to do. I dust, and put the par- lor and chambers in order, which usually takes only about an hour, and then time hangs heavily on my hands until lunch, unless I do fancy work, which now | seems almost a waste of time. I could easily teach from nine until twelve, come home to ltaoulichools.dam |