CHAPTER V.
A CHANGE OF OPINIONS AND OF HOUSEMAIDS.
CAN'T think what's come to Ruth," said Mr. Groombridge one day, at dinner-time, about six months after John Greenwood had sailed for Australia; "she's lost all her brightness, and goes about the house as white and silent as a ghost."
"She is greatly changed, poor girl, and though I cannot get her to confess it, cook tells me there was some misunderstanding between her and John, and that she has not heard from him since he sailed," replied his wife.
"She told me the other day he had arrived safely and was doing well in a store," said Harry.
"She would hear all that from his parents; but, my dear, you had better try and win the girl's confidence, and see if you can do anything. It's a thousand pities for a young thing to mope and pine away her best years, when a little advice may set matters right, and make two people happy."
"I'll do what I can, but I'm afraid it will not be of much use," said Mrs. Groombridge.
"Ruth," she said, when retiring that evening, "I want you to do one or two little things in my room."
"Yes, ma'am," replied Ruth, and followed her mistress upstairs. As she was flitting about the bedroom Mrs. Groombridge suddenly asked: