Ruby's Reward — page 222: what you’re looking at

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

“Thanks. Thatis avery tempting invitation; but IT tear I shall intrude upon you quiet,’ responded the man, with an appealing glance at Ruby, who, after civilly returning his greeting, had given her attention to the horses, determined to have nothing to say to hin, “No, indeed,” persisted Mrs. Gordon, animatedly ; “we shall have to take our tea alone unless you will share it, and it will be pleasant to have an addition to our party. Come, and tell us about the sermon that you heard this morning. We have been quite like the heathen to-day.” Mr. Carpenter laughed. “Tam afraid my memory will not serve me well enough for that, as sermons are not much in my line; but L-will join you at tea with pleasure.” So he rode home with them, keeping up a lively conversation all the way, although he was not suc- cessful in drawing Ruby into it. She was too much disturbed by the encounter to feel very social. She liad hoped, by getting out of the city, to escape his visits and attentions } and here, at the very outset, he was cominy to them as freely as of old, , When Mis. Coxon had informed her master whom she had secured for bourders, he had intormed her that they were acquaintances of his, and that he did not wish them to know him as the owner of the place, as he should Beery visit them, and they would feel more freedom not to know it. The coach- ian had also received his orders; therefore, when he muie his appearance with the ladies upon their re- turn from their drive, he was simply recognized as their guest. But Ruby was determined that she would not be annoyed with his visits. If her sister would persist in inviting him, she might entertain him; and so, after tea was over, she stole away DY fitetdorS eas leaving the two arch-plotters by themselves.