Ruby's Reward — page 319: what you’re looking at

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

“Tt is a sad story,” Walter said, looking deeply pained, ‘and one that I never like to dwell upon, but to give you simple facts and not make it longer than I can help, my father had hitherto received an ample allowance from his parents, which had enabled him to live handsomely, even luxuriously ; but his friends were so displeased at the step he had taken, that they not only refused to receive his wife, but they cut off his income and left him dependent upon his own exertions, also forbidding him to return to them or communicate with them,” “Where did they reside ?” asked madam, curtly. “In Baltimore, T imagine that they were Southern people, but ag my mother was always made very un- happy by speaking of them, I never questioned her much about them, although I have since wished that IT had done so, for it would be a satisfaction to know to whom I belonged, even though [should never in- trude myself upon my purse-proud relatives.” Wal- ter remarked, with considerable spirit. “My father, as you may suppose, was obliged to renounce his studies and go to work to support his family. He was very proud, and accepted the fiat of his parents as final, and, with quiet resignation, never conmnnunieating with them afterward, never seeking to see them. The position which he succeeded in securing was an humble one, and his salary limited. When I was four years of age he met with an acci- dent. Ishall never forget that day, young as I was. He was caughtin some machinery, and received an injury from which he never recovered.” “What was the nature of the injury?* asked Madam Howland, regarding Walter with sad, pitying eyes. “It was an internal hurt; the doctors, failed to ascertain just what; but he suffered inteaweee see