a child's pride.

"She looks very nice and tidy," said Miss Benson, who had an idea
that children should not talk or think about beauty.

"I think my ruff looks so nice," said Ruth, with gentle pleasure. And
indeed it did look nice, and set off the pretty round throat most
becomingly. Her hair, now grown long and thick, was smoothed as close
to her head as its waving nature would allow, and plaited up in a
great rich knot low down behind. The grey gown was as plain as plain
could be.

"You should have light gloves, Ruth," said Miss Benson. She went
upstairs, and brought down a delicate pair of Limerick ones, which
had been long treasured up in a walnut-shell.

"They say them gloves is made of chickens'-skins," said Sally,
examining them curiously. "I wonder how they set about skinning 'em."

"Here, Ruth," said Mr Benson, coming in from the garden, "here's a
rose or two for you. I am sorry there are no more; I hoped I should
have had my yellow rose out by this time, but the damask and the
white are in a warmer corner, and have got the start."

Miss Benson and Leonard stood at the door, and watched her down the
little passage-street till she was out of sight.

She had hardly touched the bell at Mr Bradshaw's door, when Mary and
Elizabeth opened it with boisterous glee.

"We saw you coming--we've been watching for you--we want you to come
round the garden before tea; papa is not come in yet. Do come!"

She went round the garden with a little girl clinging to each arm. It
was full of sunshine and flowers, and this made the contrast between
it and the usual large family room (which fronted the north-east, and
therefore had no evening sun to light up its cold, drab furniture)
more striking than usual. It looked very gloomy. There was the great
dining-table, heavy and square; the range of chairs, straight and
square; the work-boxes, useful and square; the colouring of walls,
and carpet, and curtains, all of the coldest description; everything
was handsome, and everything was ugly. Mrs Bradshaw was asleep in her
easy-chair when they came in. Jemima had just put down her work, and,
lost in thought, she leant her cheek on her hand. When she saw Ruth
she brightened a little, and went to her and kissed her. Mrs Bradshaw
jumped up at the sound of their entrance, and was wide awake in a
moment.

"Oh! I thought your father was here," said she, evidently relieved to
find that he had not come in and caught her sleeping.

"