Finally, when Uncle Jabez drew up before one of the largest stores, she felt that she must break the awful silence. And stumblingly she preferred her request:
"If you are going to be some time trading, Uncle Jabez, can't I go down to call on Mercy Curtis? I can come here again and meet you at any time you say."
"Who's that? Sam Curtis' gal—the cripple?" asked Uncle Jabez, shortly.
"Yes, sir. She likes to have me come and see her."
"Can't you find nothing more interestin' to do when ye come to town than go to see a sick gal?" was the miller's surprising inquiry.
"I—I promised to call on her if I could whenever I was in town. She really likes to have me come," explained Ruth.
"Well, you can go," grunted Uncle Jabez. "I'll stop there for ye when I'm done tradin'."
He had already climbed down from the high seat. Ruth came lightly down after him and he actually turned and jumped her over the wheel so that her dress should not be soiled. Then, suddenly, he said:
"Wait. I want you to go into this store with me first."
He turned away abruptly, so that Ruth could not see what his countenance expressed. He carefully tied his mules to a hitching post and then stumped into the store without again glancing in her direction. Ruth followed him timidly.