"Oh, father, how good you are!"
In her passionate gratitude the girl might have shaken the wounded man too sorely, for her arms were around him, and her face was pressed close to his; but even then she was thoughtful, and, lifting her face, said, with a sort of triumph:
"You see, godmother, how impossible it is that this story can be anything but scandal?"
"Scandal? But Sir Noel believes it," answered the puzzled dame.
"No! no!"
"But he does, and Lady Rose was consulting with me this very day about the present she would give. I never saw her so interested in anything."
"She is very good," said Ruth, with bitter dryness.
"Indeed she is. A sweeter or more kindly young lady never lived. 'The Rest' would be gloomy enough without her."
"I suppose you all think so?" questioned Ruth, with feverish anxiety.
"It would be strange if we did not. I'm sure Sir Noel loves her as if she was his own child, which, please God, she will be some of these days."