Ruby's Reward — page 267: what you’re looking at

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

Early Tuesday morning, Ruby, in spite of her sia- ter’s commands and even threata, went into the city to consult with Mr. Conant regarding her lover's trouble, and with the intention of going to comfort him, if possible, She had not a doubt of his honesty, and, #8 some of her remarks to Mrs. Gordon, be- trayed, believed that suspicion had been thrown upon him with the hope that it would serve to break her engagement with him. She was in a very unhappy frame of mind, for it seemed as if everything conspired against ber, and she did not know whom to trust. She had not yet heard anything trom Mr. Ruggles, and she now began to fear that her letter to him had been intercepted to prevent her going to Redville. She relinquished all thought of going now, for she was resolved that she would not leave Walter while he was in such trouble—she would stay where she could see him occasionally and cheer him as much as she might, Mr, Conant received her very kindly. “Do not worry, my dear Miss Gordon,” he said, almost tenderly, as he looked into her pale, anxious face, “for it will come out all right. é know that Mr, Richardson isabove doing any such contemptible deed, and I believe it is only a matter of personal apite that has caused his arrest.” “But circumstantial evidence, you know, some- times convicts a person,” said Ruby, still looking dis- tressed. “True; but hardly in such a case as this, unless the stolen property is found in his possession, or it can be proved beyond a doubt that he took if, no sentence can be passed upon hin.” “But the stigma will remain, unless the real cul- ovit can be found, for suspicion will still rest upon im,” returned Ruby, dejectedly. “There may be a doubt in the minds of some,” Mr. Conant replied; “but no one who has eyer known Walter will for anfoment believe him guilty of so despicable a crime,” eo imishooks tom