Ruby's Reward — page 186: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXIII A PROPOSAL REJECTED. Mr. Gordon greeted the young man cordially, and Mrs. Gordon seemed inspired with more of animation than she had displayed since their misfortune. It was pleasant to see an old friend, while the thought that, perhaps, the fallen fortunes of the house might be improved through him incited her to make herself as agreeable as possible. Ruby, however, was quiet and reserved, although she drew a chair near the fire for their caller, for she could not be inhospitable, and yet in her heart she wished he had staid away, for there was something in his manner that impressed her that he had come with a special purpose in view, Mr. Carpenter, Bore Fed, devoted himself almost exclusively to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon, chatting pleas- antly and socially with them, although both could see that he watched with eager interest Ruby’s white fingers, as they wove the needle in and out upon her homely work, which she had not seen fit to lay aside upon the entrance of their visitor. She made a pretty, home-like picture, of which she was wholly unconscious, and the young man thought her more lovely than ever, with that placid look upon her brow, and a new sweetness illuminating her whole face. “Ruby has become a regular Dorcas, Mr. Carpen- ter,” said Mrs. Gordon, with a laugh, a8 he noticed how closely he was observing his sister, “How so?” he queried, “Because she ‘maketh and mendeth the garments of the poor,” replied Mrs. Gordon, in the same light tone, yet with a perceptible ring of bitterness. A color like that of the wild roge sprang into Ruby's cheeks, but she Yooked up with & smile and said, as sbe composedly drew the stocking off her hand: ‘Oh, this is only a novel kind of fancy work, Mr. Carpenter, and I imagine I am becoming Auite an adept at it.” Commichooks.com S we gey «< a eh oe” sé a eee. |