"Why, I came for your sake, of course, John; but are you quite sure you want me?"
"You may well ask that, for I've been a brute to you; and now I know I ought to have written to you, but you might have sent me a line, Ruth."
"So I did, and I believe Dick must have got it."
"The scamp!" exclaimed John.
"Ah, don't say anything unkind now, for it's all happened for the best."
Then Mr. Graham came up, and John went to see about Ruth's luggage, further explanations and news from home being reserved till the evening, when John had finished his day's work.
When Ruth's long story was finished, John sat thoughtful and silent for some time.
"Yes, Ruthie, I do feel you are right. I want a stronger power than even my love for you to keep me from yielding to temptation, and I will from this time give my whole life, with its many sins and mistakes, into the Hand of the One who will forgive all, and make me a new creature," he presently said.
"Thank God for that; we can help each other now, John!"
It was only a humble home to which John took Ruth a few months later; but mutual love and trust made it the happiest place on earth to the two who had waited so long for the fulfilment of their hopes.