Ruby's Reward — page 254: what you’re looking at

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

He was conducted to her private parlor—a beauti- ful room in the second story of the house, where he found her sitting in a huge invalid-chair, both handa bandaged and helpless, and looking somewhat worn from the pain that she had suffered, but still bearing herself proudly, and with the distinguished air that had so attracted Walter when he first saw her. She glanced up, as he entered, in a bright and ani- mated way, saying: “Well, young man, you find me still crippled, and I imagine it will be some time yet before I shall be able to shake that good right hand of yours that did me such efficient service. However, I wanted to see you. 80 draw a chair near to me, and talk to me for a little while.” Walter obeyed, remarking, as he sat down, that he was glad to find her so much more comfortable than when he saw her last. “Yes, if you callit comfortable to be a literal ex- ample of what it is to have your hands tied,” she re- sponded, laughingly. She was acharming old lady, and entertained her young guest brilliantly for half an hour, and, ignor- ing herself, gradually led him to talk about his own life, questioned him about his business, and at last adroitly managed to draw from him something of his history. ‘ He was very much attracted by her, and was sur- prised at the interest she manifested in him. “What can I do to reward you for your kindness to me?’ she asked, with a benignant smile, when he finally arose to leave. : “Pray never mention the matter again in that way, madam,’ Walter responded, flushing, and drawing himself up a trifle proudly. “IT am only too glad that I was able to be of service to you, and I hope if there is anything that I can do at any time, you will com- mand me.” “Thank you, and I shall take you at your word in- stantly,’’ madam replied, smiling. ‘You, can be of use to me, for you have cheered me wottruted ames