'It is a happy Christmas, indeed,' he answers.
Ruth is glad that it is dark when she enters the room. Mrs. Silver folds the girl in her arms.
'My darling child! And this wonderful news is really true?'
'Yes, my dearest mother,' kissing Mrs. Silver's neck, and crying.
'What are you people conspiring together about?' asks Mr. Merrywhistle, from the window.
'Come here, and join the conspirators,' says Mrs. Silver. 'Our plots will fail, without your assistance and consent.'
Mr. Merrywhistle joins the party by the fire, and Robert Truefit steals quietly out of the room.
'It is eighteen years this Christmas,' says Mrs. Silver, 'since Ruth was given to us. She has been a comfort and a blessing to us, and will continue to be, I am sure.' Ruth sinks on her knees, and hides her face in Mrs. Silver's lap. This true woman lays her hand on Ruth's head, and continues: 'It is time that Ruth should know who is her real benefactor.'
'Nay, my dear madam,' expostulates Mr. Merrywhistle, blushing like a girl.
'My dear friend,' says Mrs. Silver, 'it is necessary. A great change will soon take place in Ruth's life, and your sanction must be given.--Ruth, my dear, look up. Before you were born, this friend--whom we all love and honour--came to me, and asked to be allowed to contribute out of his means towards the support of our next child. You can understand with what joy his offer was accepted. Shortly afterwards, my dear--eighteen years ago this day--you came to us, and completed our happy circle. You see before you your benefactor--your father--to whom you owe everything; for all the expense of your training and education has been borne by him. It is right that you and Charley should know this. And, Charley, as--but for this our dearest friend--the happiness which has fallen upon you could not have been yours, it is of him you must ask for Ruth.'