Ruby's Reward — page 41: what you’re looking at

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

“Ah! Well, how are you getting on, | and how do you enjoy the carpenter's trade ?” The tone, more than the question itself, brought nhot flush to Walter’s cheek. “*T believe I have been doing very well: al all events Iam sure that the knowledge which I have gained will be of the greatest practical use to me in the future,” he answeied, with quiet dignity. “Indeed; when you graduate ict me know, and maybe I shall have a job that I can give you. Ah! Miss Ruby, you are ready ; we have a delightful evening for Mrs White’s party,” and Edmund Carpen- ter turned abruptly from the young inan, who had shared his home for many years, the unpleasant glitter in his eyes, the dis- agreeable sneer on his lips changing to smniles as Ruby Gordon came tripping down stairs, enveloped in a long wrap, a “ fleecy nothing” of bluc and white wool wound about her golden head. “ Are you acquainted with Mr Richard- son?” she asked, looking a trifle surprisod at finding them engaged in conversation. “«T have that honour; our acquaintance } dates back teu years or more,” Edmund ro- plied, a sarcastic smile revealing his white teeth, while his face clouded again as he noticed the light which came into Walter's eyes as they rested upon the fair girl. Ruby remarked it, also the hot flush which the words had called again to the young man’s cheek, and somehow she felt as if she wished to make amends for it, ‘Tell me, please, Mr Richardson,” she said, turning to him with her most win- ning smile, ‘were those the plans for my brother’s new house that I saw upon the library-table ?” ‘‘They were, Miss Gordon.” ** And did you make them %” “Oh, no,” replied Walter, with a smile. Tam too young in the business to have such a responsibility upon my shoulders. E merely assisted Mr Canad about some of the minor details and with the specifica- tions.” conichooks.coun