Ruby's Reward — page 205: what you’re looking at

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

ee ae a eee ee Oe ee eee Se ee a “No, nothing remains but to promaunee sentence upon the culprit, and that we will reserve for the present. But, my darling, “be continued, gravely, “T-want toask you abour the near future; do you know what Mrs, Gordon’s plans are 2" “No, Walter, she has said but little as yet; of one thing, however, I am quite sure, she will not remain here. You know that Estelle will be quite rich— now." an yoice faltered and broke over that last word. “Yea, Walter returned, “I heard that Mr. Gor- don's life was heavily insured; but wasit al made over to her?” “Yes, Robert had the matter attended to several years azo.” “T wish some of it could have come to you,’ Walter said, regretfully. “T suppose he had no idea that I should ever need it, for [had so much money of my owu then, But I am vlad for Estelle, for she does not seem able to bear being poor, and now she will be very comtort- able, Itseems hard, though, that it could only come to her through Robert’s death.” “It does seem hard,” Walter assented, ‘tand yet it was a wise provision on your brother’s part, and I have no doubt that Mrs. Gordon will share liberally with you. I hope so, at all events; for, darling, I cannot endure the thought of your toiling in that | ketiool. e “You do not consider it a—disgrace ?’ Ruby said, turning a startled look upon him. “No, indeed; tar from that. I have always felt that it was a very noble thing to do; but you are not the most rugged person in the world, and I fear the tax upon your strength.” “It can be no worse forme than for hundreds of others,” Ruby replied, ‘‘and it will be a mercy to me now to have constant employment, for I could hardly bear my sorrow if I had to live an idle life roe guiet would wear me out.”