Ruby's Reward — page 330: what you’re looking at

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

you are tinctured with something of my own spirit, but do not yield toit, Whatis my wealth to me ex- cept as I can share it with you? I have no oue else to leave it to,and I shall feel sure that it will be wisely dispensed by your hands. I long for you, I have allowed myself to learn to love you very dearly during the little while that I have known you, and I cannol give you up. Myson, you will not break your grandmother’s heart.” He was deeply touched, and yet he was not quite ready to yield even now. “T could not bear to be opposed in my chosen pro- tession; Lam going to be an architect and builder, and I cannot give up the opportunity to make aname for myselt,” he said, decidely. “No one shall oppose you—that kind of pride died out of my heart long ago, and I honor our self-made men—you shall do whatever you like; [ will not lay even a straw in your way,’ returned Madam How- land, eagerly, her face lighting with something of al 5 and joy as she saw that he was yielding. “But—srandmother——” “Oh, my son, my son,” cried the old lady, tremu- lously, and almost weeping at the sound of the name she had so longed to hear; for to her it was the sign of entire capitulation. He smiled. for it had escaped him almost un- awares. Hehad been repeating to himself, “She is my tather’s mother—she is my grandmother,” and now he had said it, and it seemed to cement the bond between them. He laid her hand gently on her arm and spoke al- most fondly. “JT was going to tell you something more; I do not wish to conceal anything from you. I, too, like my poor father, who gave you such grave offense, am betrothed to a poor girl—a teacher in the public schools.” “Then marry her as soon as you like, if she is beet and God bless you both! madam returned.