Ruby's Reward — page 230: what you’re looking at

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

“T surmised that you were not far off, and I was determined that IT would not be thwarted in any such way,” Walter answered; then added, gravely: “Ruby, it is evident that Mrs. Goedon does not in- tend that you and I shall meet very often il she can help it.” “She cannol help it, Walter; she skall not help it. Thave been upon the point two or three times, of late, of telling her how—bhow matters stand, I think it will be better for her to know,’’ Ruby said, blushing, ; “She will be very much opposed, my darling.” “T shall be sorry if she is; but that cannot change anything, Walter,” was the decided reply. Walter gave the hand he was holding a tender pressure at this assurance; then remarked : “Tit had not been for my old friend, Mrs. Coxon, Tshould have been obliged to go away without see- ing you to-night.” "Tt was shameful, and I shall settle the matter with Estelle the first thing to-morrow morning. But is Mrs. Coxon an old friend, Walter? Ah! yes’— with a start and a puzzled expression—‘‘I do remem- ber now your saying something about her a long time ago,” “T have known her ever since I was ten years old, Ruby, darling, I do not wish to distress you, but Iam very much afraid that there hes been a plot laid to part us, and—to compromise you,” “Why, Walter, what can possibly have put such an idea into your head?” Ruby exclaimed, “Will you tell me just how you happened to come out to this place to spend the summer?” he usked, She told him, relating how her sister had seen the advertisement, and what we already know of her ac- count of the circumatances, “Has it not appeared rather strange that you could secure such # residence all to yourselves, the attend- ance of servants, and the use of horses and carriage, reoadingly TtTavor » yz" oy r oy ek — eedingly favorable terms, 1 outer + = — a e a