Ruby's Reward — page 206: what you’re looking at

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

“Ol, how I wish I were ina position to warrant my taking you at once to ahome of our own,’ Walter si ched; ‘but I shall have to be patient a little longer. Mr, Conant is giving me a commission this year, “be- sides my salary, and as it has been, and promises still to be, a busy season, I am likely to do very well. Next year, if I desire it, he will ghee me an interest in the business; then, my darling, I shall pass the sentence of the law upon you tor the depredations you committed so long ago,” he concluded, with a fond smile. “What asense of power and independence it gives one to feel competent to take care of one’s self!” Ruby said, animatedly. “LT have enjoyed the feeling intensely during the last few months, while I can see that you have grown wonder fully, selt- reliant since I tirst became acquainted with you.’ “Thanks, dear; I know there has been something of a change ininein that respect; and, though T have seen some rough times since my good triend Mr. Carpenter died, ‘yet, in the end,f knowit will prove the best thing that could have happened to me to have been cast Upon My own resources. But I am afraid, Ruby, that even at the best, it will be a long time before I can give you such a home as you have always been accustomed to,” “An elegant home isn’t the most essential thing in the world, by any means. Li have been very happy here in this humble place,“ Ruby responded, glancing about the small room, while the tears rushed to her | OY SS. How little the loss of fortune and the elegancies of life seemed to her compared with the greater loss that had lett her so desolate ! “That is very true,” Walter assented, ‘‘andI have no doubt there is, gre@t deal of unhappiness in.the prance meee — by _ er ob have you bens er learned who wag. the,purchaser o your beautiful residence?” | Ki BBONERs