d she began to
wonder if she had done right in giving her promise so quickly, without
any reflection.

A promise was to her a sacred thing, not to be lightly given or easily
broken, but she comforted herself with the thought that she was really
doing good to her cousin. Had he not promised her in return that he
would give up these forbidden pleasures? And was not that something to
rejoice over?

She did not know enough of the world to reflect that one who wilfully
deceived his parents was hardly likely to keep a promise so readily made
to his little country cousin.

CHAPTER XV.

EXAMINATION.

After the events of that night Gerald took more notice of Ruth, spoke
kindly to her, and often remarked upon her studious industry, usually to
his sister's disparagement. Although she was not very fond of Julia,
Ruth could not help feeling that this must be very galling to her, for
Julia certainly seemed more fond of Gerald than of any other person, and
she felt his sarcastic remarks very keenly.

He appeared to be keeping his promise, for he came down to breakfast in
good time and did not look so pale and languid as usual. But Ruth soon
forgot both Gerald and her promise for a time in a matter of great
importance to herself--the school examination.

She had been working steadily throughout the term, and was very anxious
to pass the examination creditably, more especially as, in addition to
the usual prizes, Miss Elgin had offered one for general improvement,
which she was very desirous of obtaining. It would, she knew, be such a
joy to her father and mother, who were expecting great things of her,
and their pride and approval would be more to her than the honour of
receiving the prize.

In English studies Ruth had made very considerable progress, and did not
much fear the result of the examination, but she was not so sure about
French. That was always her weak point, perhaps on account of the very
English fashion in which she had learnt it at Miss Green's. Still she
persevered with it, and had some hopes of success.

But when the hour of the examination came, and the papers were given
out, her courage almost failed.

There were grammatical questions, phrases to be explained, and short
sentences to be translated into French. These she understood fairly, but
the paragraph that filled her with dismay was a short French poem of
three verses to be put into English prose. She read it again and again,
but, from the