Ruby's Reward — page 244: what you’re looking at

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

“Estelle has not been well to-day,’ Ruby was say- ing, just as the eavesdropper settled himself in his position. ‘T hope she is not going to be ill, for»just ag soon a8 IT receiye areply to my letter, I shall go to Redville.” Bickel you heard trom Mr. Ruggles yet?” Walter asked. “No; and I cannot understand it, for there has been ample time.” “Then you have not been able to persuade Mrs, Gordon to go with you.” “No; she does not appear to want to, though I am going to make one last attempt to induce her to ac- company me,” | “T wish you were going to-morrow,” Walter said, gravely; “I shall feel far safer about you when I know you are with our good friend, though it will take you so far from me; but I shall try to be patient until the time arrives for my vacation, when I shall come to you.” The listener behind the vines ground his teeth as he overheard this plan, and mentally vowed that Walter at least should not spend any portion of that summer at Redville, “Have you renewed your engagement with Mr, Sampson, Ruby?” Walter asked, after quite a pause. “Yes, virtually; he told me I could have the posi- tion if I wished it, and I told him I thought I should, But, Walter, I do not believe I can stay with Estelle after what has happened.” “What will you do, dear?” “T do not know; I have been thinking very serious- ly about it. I presume she will want me and will feel very much disturbed it I goelsewhere; but aside cron eee aes er Teles I would tar rather be en- tirely independent.” : “You will find it hard to go among atraweprs-com Sn ‘we ae Tie