n subjects far removed from the present,
and left them at the end of that time soothed and calm.

But the present gave a new current to Ruth's ideas. Her heart was as
yet too sore to speak, but her mind was crowded with plans. She asked
Sally to buy her (with the money produced by the sale of a ring or
two) the coarsest linen, the homeliest dark blue print, and similar
materials; on which she set busily to work to make clothes for
herself; and as they were made, she put them on; and as she put them
on, she gave a grace to each, which such homely material and simple
shaping had never had before. Then the fine linen and delicate soft
white muslin, which she had chosen in preference to more expensive
articles of dress when Mr Bellingham had given her _carte blanche_ in
London, were cut into small garments, most daintily stitched and made
ready for the little creature, for whom in its white purity of soul
nothing could be too precious.

The love which dictated this extreme simplicity and coarseness of
attire, was taken for stiff, hard economy by Mr Bradshaw, when he
deigned to observe it. And economy by itself, without any soul or
spirit in it to make it living and holy, was a great merit in his
eyes. Indeed, Ruth altogether found favour with him. Her quiet
manner, subdued by an internal consciousness of a deeper cause for
sorrow than he was aware of, he interpreted into a very proper and
becoming awe of him. He looked off from his own prayers to observe
how well she attended to hers at chapel; when he came to any verse
in the hymn relating to immortality or a future life, he sang it
unusually loud, thinking he should thus comfort her in her sorrow
for her deceased husband. He desired Mrs Bradshaw to pay her every
attention she could; and even once remarked, that he thought her so
respectable a young person that he should not object to her being
asked to tea the next time Mr and Miss Benson came. He added, that he
thought, indeed, Benson had looked last Sunday as if he rather hoped
to get an invitation; and it was right to encourage the ministers,
and to show them respect, even though their salaries were small.
The only thing against this Mrs Denbigh was the circumstance of her
having married too early, and without any provision for a family.
Though Ruth pleaded delicacy of health, and declined accompanying Mr
and Miss Benson on their visit to Mr Bradshaw, she still preserved
her place in his esteem; and Miss Benson had t