le
Rosa there. Papa has lent it to us. And the weather is often very
beautiful in November."

"Thank you very much. It is very tempting; for I have been almost
longing for some such change. I cannot tell all at once whether I
can go; but I will see about it, if you will let me leave it open a
little."

"Oh! as long as you like, so that you will but go at last. And,
Master Leonard! you are to come too. Now, I know I have you on my
side."

Ruth thought of the place. Her only reluctance arose from the
remembrance of that one interview on the sands. That walk she could
never go again; but how much remained! How much that would be a
charming balm and refreshment to her!

"What happy evenings we shall have together! Do you know, I think
Mary and Elizabeth may perhaps come."

A bright gleam of sunshine came into the room. "Look! how bright and
propitious for our plans. Dear Ruth, it seems like an omen for the
future!"

Almost while she spoke, Miss Benson entered, bringing with her Mr
Grey, the rector of Eccleston. He was an elderly man, short and
stoutly-built, with something very formal in his manner; but any one
might feel sure of his steady benevolence who noticed the expression
of his face, and especially of the kindly black eyes that gleamed
beneath his grey and shaggy eyebrows. Ruth had seen him at the
hospital once or twice, and Mrs Farquhar had met him pretty
frequently in general society.

"Go and tell your uncle," said Miss Benson to Leonard.

"Stop, my boy! I have just met Mr Benson in the street, and my errand
now is to your mother. I should like you to remain and hear what it
is; and I am sure that my business will give these ladies"--bowing to
Miss Benson and Jemima--"so much pleasure, that I need not apologise
for entering upon it in their presence."

He pulled out his double eye-glass, saying, with a grave smile:

"You ran away from us yesterday so quietly and cunningly, Mrs
Denbigh, that you were, perhaps, not aware that the Board was sitting
at that very time, and trying to form a vote sufficiently expressive
of our gratitude to you. As Chairman, they requested me to present
you with this letter, which I shall have the pleasure of reading."

With all due emphasis he read aloud a formal letter from the
Secretary to the Infirmary, conveying a vote of thanks to Ruth.

The good rector did not spare her one word, from date to signature;
and then, folding the letter up, he gave it to Leonard, sayin