"I don't believe Dick is as bad as that," said the mother, when Ruth's mistress had left the room.
"My dear," said Mr. Groombridge, after hearing the story; "I shall persuade Ruth to go out at once. Our friends, the Grahams, who find it so difficult to secure good servants in Melbourne, will be only too glad of Ruth's help until John can make her a home, and she will be a strength and stay to him, and all suspense for her will be over."
"I don't like to part with Ruth a day before I'm obliged, but I think your plan excellent," returned his wife.
It was discovered that, when consulted, Ruth's opinion coincided exactly with that of her mistress, and a month afterwards she bade farewell to her friends and sailed for Australia.
"You've a young man named Greenwood in your employ, I believe?" said a gentleman, walking into the store where John was engaged.
"Yes, I have, sir."
"Can you spare him an hour or two? I want him to meet a friend who is coming in by the steamer to-day from England."
"Certainly, sir. Here, John, this gentleman wants you to go down with him to the Docks."
John looked surprised, but, supposing it to be a business call, put on his coat and hat and walked out.