Ruby's Reward — page 368: what you’re looking at

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

The: commission, together with the carte blanche, just suited Mrs. Gordon, and she entered into the arrangements with all her heart; and between them all, Ruby was almost overwhelmed with kindness and beautitul gifts. Her trousseau was as lovely and complete as the affection of kind friends and the lavish expenditure of money could make it, although she protested that it ought not to be so, since she had no fortune of her own. “Tam only a poor girl, [haven't a penny of my own,” she said one evening to Walter, ‘“‘butone would think, to see all the finery up stairs, that I ought to be a millionaire atleast.” And he, bending to touch her forehead with his lips, said, with a queer little smile: ! “You underrate yourself, my darling—you de not | know how much you are worth.” | Florence and Annie Partridge, who, of all Rui, former friends, had proved most faithful during ‘) adversity, were chosen to be bride-maids, and whe) at length the all-important day arrived, Mr. Ruge le” | new residence and Ruby’s old home was once 1\0Vre | ablaze from attic to basement and most exquis tely | decorated in honor of the fair bride-elect. It was very home-like and beautiful. Nothing! hac | been disturbed in the house, the conservatory bse been retilled with choice plants and it almost seemed to Ruby as if the past year had been but asad dream ; but with the exception of a dear presence, which had once helped to brighten those lofty and elegant rooms, there was nothing wanting, S \ The young bride was very lovely in her ivory satizy, robe, with its beautiful lace overdress and the misty’ Sea ene at we real orange blossoins, while ue pre ride-malds were scarcely less attractive i white silk and tulle. : domiboote. adh t