Ruby's Reward — page 323: what you’re looking at

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

“Walter—Walter Richardson, don’t be too hard on an old woman; do not condemn me utterly. I would that I could answer your question in away which should still make you respect and esteem me, but I cannot, for—I have done zt myself all my life.” “But, madam,’ Walter stammered, in confusion, and wondering to see herso agitated, “that cannot be possible! You are noble and good. You have been very kind to the poor and helpful, also to me, who am buta poor young man struggling hard to work my own way up in the world.” “Ah! But you forget how much lowe you for your kindness tome when I s0 sadly needed it,” returned madam, touching her bandaged right arm with the a hand which she was just beginning to use a ittle. “T suppose it is natural that you should appreciate a service like that,” Walter answered, thoughtfully, “but you did not ‘owe’ me anything; the freedom of your lovely home, the pleasure of your society, be- sides the many other favors which I have received from you,these have all been great kindnesszes to me.”’ “T did—I do,” cried the woman, in a broken voice, while she leaned forward and laid her hand upon the young man’s arm. ‘I owe you more than [ ean ever repay—imore, I fear, than you will ever be willing to forgive me; for, Walter, lam your father’s mother, and—your grandmother!” (TO BE CONTINUED.) comichooks.com —}- ¢ >