ma had allowed herself to speak to
Mr Farquhar in the old way--questioning, differing, disputing. She
was recalled to the remembrance of that miserable conversation by the
entrance of her father. After that she was silent. But he had seen
her face more animated, and bright with a smile, as she spoke to Mr
Farquhar; and although he regretted the loss of her complexion (for
she was still very pale), he was highly pleased with the success of
his project. He never doubted but that Ruth had given her some sort
of private exhortation to behave better. He could not have understood
the pretty art with which, by simply banishing unpleasant subjects,
and throwing a wholesome natural sunlit tone over others, Ruth had
insensibly drawn Jemima out of her gloom. He resolved to buy Mrs
Denbigh a handsome silk gown the very next day. He did not believe
she had a silk gown, poor creature! He had noticed that dark grey
stuff, this long, long time, as her Sunday dress. He liked the
colour; the silk one should be just the same tinge. Then he thought
that it would, perhaps, be better to choose a lighter shade, one
which might be noticed as different to the old gown. For he had no
doubt she would like to have it remarked, and, perhaps, would not
object to tell people, that it was a present from Mr Bradshaw--a
token of his approbation. He smiled a little to himself as he thought
of this additional source of pleasure to Ruth. She, in the meantime,
was getting up to go home. While Jemima was lighting the bed-candle
at the lamp, Ruth came round to bid good night. Mr Bradshaw could
not allow her to remain till the morrow, uncertain whether he was
satisfied or not.

"Good night, Mrs Denbigh," said he. "Good night. Thank you. I am
obliged to you--I am exceedingly obliged to you."

He laid emphasis on these words, for he was pleased to see Mr
Farquhar step forward to help Jemima in her little office.

Mr Farquhar offered to accompany Ruth home; but the streets that
intervened between Mr Bradshaw's and the Chapel-house were so quiet
that he desisted, when he learnt from Ruth's manner how much she
disliked his proposal. Mr Bradshaw, too, instantly observed:

"Oh! Mrs Denbigh need not trouble you, Farquhar. I have servants at
liberty at any moment to attend on her, if she wishes it."

In fact, he wanted to make hay while the sun shone, and to detain Mr
Farquhar a little longer, now that Jemima was so gracious. She went
upstairs with Ruth to help h