"Take these and this," said Ruth, giving her unwelcome visitor a great bouquet of flowers, and a little basket brimming over with strawberries; "and please take our thanks to your mistress."
"But, about the old man up-stairs. How is he getting on? She will be sure to ask."
"Better."
"He is mending, then?"
"Yes, slowly."
Judith arose, but seemed reluctant to go.
"You look pale yet."
"No, no; I may have done, but not now," answered Ruth, blushing as she thought why her strength and color had come back so suddenly. "I am not as anxious as I was."
"But the nursing, and the work, too, must come hard," persisted the girl.
"Not now; I scarcely feel it now."