had experienced many mortifications in his
intercourse with that gentleman, but they had fallen off from
his meek spirit like drops of water from a bird's plumage; and
now he only remembered the acts of substantial kindness rendered
(the ostentation all forgotten)--many happy hours and pleasant
evenings--the children whom he had loved dearer than he thought
till now--the young people about whom he had cared, and whom he had
striven to lead aright. He was but a young man when Mr Bradshaw
first came to his chapel; they had grown old together; he had never
recognised Mr Bradshaw as an old familiar friend so completely as now
when they were severed.

It was with a heavy heart that he opened his own door. He went to his
study immediately; he sat down to steady himself into his position.

How long he was there--silent and alone--reviewing his
life--confessing his sins--he did not know; but he heard some unusual
sound in the house that disturbed him--roused him to present life.
A slow, languid step came along the passage to the front door--the
breathing was broken by many sighs.

Ruth's hand was on the latch when Mr Benson came out. Her face
was very white, except two red spots on each cheek--her eyes were
deep-sunk and hollow, but glittered with feverish lustre. "Ruth!"
exclaimed he. She moved her lips, but her throat and mouth were too
dry for her to speak.

"Where are you going?" asked he; for she had all her walking things
on, yet trembled so, even as she stood, that it was evident she could
not walk far without falling.

She hesitated--she looked up at him, still with the same dry
glittering eyes. At last she whispered (for she could only speak in a
whisper), "To Helmsby--I am going to Helmsby."

"Helmsby! my poor girl--may God have mercy upon you!" for he saw she
hardly knew what she was saying. "Where is Helmsby?"

"I don't know. In Lincolnshire, I think."

"But why are you going there?"

"Hush! he's asleep," said she, as Mr Benson had unconsciously raised
his voice.

"Who is asleep?" asked Mr Benson.

"That poor little boy," said she, beginning to quiver and cry.

"Come here!" said he, authoritatively, drawing her into the study.

"Sit down in that chair. I will come back directly."

He went in search of his sister, but she had not returned. Then he
had recourse to Sally, who was as busy as ever about her cleaning.

"How long has Ruth been at home?" asked he.

"Ruth! She has never been at home sin