FOR JOHN'S SAKE.
CHAPTER I.
AFRAID FOR HERSELF.
SAY, John."
"Well, Ruthie."
"Master's just rung, and he says he wants you and me to come upstairs together."
"What for, I wonder! Don't look so troubled, little woman;" and John, the well-built, broad-shouldered gardener, looked up with an unmistakable glance of affection at the somewhat clouded face of Ruth, the trim, neat parlour-maid, who had come into the conservatory to bring him the message from the dining-room. "I'll just wash my hands and be ready in a minute," he continued, following her into the kitchen. With much inward trepidation, Ruth, accompanied by John, entered the dining-room a few minutes later.