in the church the
journey home had been too much for her. Perhaps, also, the awfulness
of her position together with dread memories, were too great for her to
bear, so I bade the servants hurry in getting refreshments for her.

After taking some food she was, however, strong enough to sit up and to
talk.

I will not describe what followed, nor how the servants crowded around
her, weeping and trembling. Some I found were on the point of leaving,
having received their discharge, while others wondered what their
future would be. There had been every probability that the household
would be broken up, and those who had grown grey-headed in the service
of the family grieved much at the thought of leaving. And now, when
all hope was gone, their mistress had come back, and their joy and
their astonishment knew no bounds.

Presently we heard a tottering step outside the door, and in another
second Mr. Inch appeared on the scene. For a minute I thought he would
have fainted; but by a great effort he mastered himself, and came
slowly to the place where Ruth sat, looking at her steadily in the face
for, I should think, a minute. Then he heaved a great sigh, and said;
"Great God, Thy ways are wonderful!"

I had been holding Ruth's hand all the while, and I felt her shudder as
Mr. Inch approached. I was sure that she felt that he had not acted as
her friend, and now, in spite of herself, she feared him, and
unconsciously she came nearer to me.

I think the old man saw this, for a strange look passed over his face,
and he did not take her hand, as I was sure he had intended to do. He
turned towards me, however, and said:

"Tell me, Roger Trewinion--tell us all, how this great miracle has been
accomplished."

A look of intelligence passed over the servants' faces as my name was
mentioned. Apparently, it was well known to them, and all listened
eagerly for my answer.

Then I told how, in leaving the house that morning, I had heard the
voice telling me to visit her tomb, and had determined to do so. I
will not describe the excitement and wonder of those who heard my
experiences. It would take a pen far more able than mine to convey to
the minds of my readers the terrible interest that was taken.

Perhaps I ought not to have told the story before the servants; but we
were too excited to know what was right and seemly. Indeed, so
overwrought were we that Ruth had not been divested of her strange
garments, and soon a