"Hoping you are in health, I remain,
"Your obedient servant,
"R. Greenwood."
Ruth sat stunned. The bell rang, but she heeded not. Alice came up, but she took no notice of her anxious inquiries. Hearing of her condition, Harry Groombridge left the dinner-table and went to her.
"She's had some shock; this letter doubtless! May I read it, Ruth?" he asked.
The girl mutely assented.
The young man glanced through the contents, and handed it to his mother, who had followed him. She read it, and they exchanged looks. Then Mrs. Groombridge took one of Ruth's cold hands in hers, and said:
"Ruth, my dear girl, this letter is a hoax, I am persuaded, for you know John's brother is an unprincipled man. I think he has quarrelled with John, and then revenged himself by writing to you in this cruel way. I can't think John has gone so far wrong as to talk of you before his brother in such a manner. My impression is, that he was glad to get your letter, and left his brother, resolving to prove himself worthy of you yet."
"That's about it," remarked Harry.
Ruth gasped with a sense of relief.
"Oh, if I could but think so; but then, why doesn't he write himself?" she said.