. He had been really afraid he was too much "used-up" for such
sensations. But Hickson must keep his place. What he was paid for was
doing the talking to the electors, not paying attention to the ladies
in their families. Mr Donne had noticed that Mr Hickson had tried to
be gallant to Miss Bradshaw; let him, if he liked; but let him beware
how he behaved to this fair creature, Ruth or no Ruth. It certainly
was Ruth; only how the devil had she played her cards so well as to
be the governess--the respected governess, in such a family as Mr
Bradshaw's?

Mr Donne's movements were evidently to be the guide of Mr Hickson's.
Mr Bradshaw always disliked going to church, partly from principle,
partly because he never could find the places in the Prayer-book. Mr
Donne was in the drawing-room as Mary came down ready equipped; he
was turning over the leaves of the large and handsome Bible. Seeing
Mary, he was struck with a new idea.

"How singular it is," said he, "that the name of Ruth is so seldom
chosen by those good people who go to the Bible before they christen
their children. It is a pretty name, I think."

Mr Bradshaw looked up. "Why, Mary!" said he, "is not that Mrs
Denbigh's name?"

"Yes, papa," replied Mary, eagerly; "and I know two other Ruths;
there's Ruth Brown here, and Ruth Macartney at Eccleston."

"And I have an aunt called Ruth, Mr Donne! I don't think your
observation holds good. Besides my daughters' governess, I know three
other Ruths."

"Oh! I have no doubt I was wrong. It was just a speech of which one
perceives the folly the moment it is made."

But, secretly, he rejoiced with a fierce joy over the success of his
device.

Elizabeth came to summon Mary.

Ruth was glad when she got into the open air, and away from the
house. Two hours were gone and over. Two out of a day, a day and a
half--for it might be late on Monday morning before the Eccleston
party returned.

She felt weak and trembling in body, but strong in power over
herself. They had left the house in good time for church, so they
needed not to hurry; and they went leisurely along the road, now and
then passing some country person whom they knew, and with whom they
exchanged a kindly, placid greeting. But presently, to Ruth's dismay,
she heard a step behind, coming at a rapid pace, a peculiar clank
of rather high-heeled boots, which gave a springy sound to the walk,
that she had known well long ago. It was like a nightmare, where the