In fact, he wanted to make hay while the sun shone, and to detain Mr Farquhar a little longer, now that Jemima was so gracious. She went upstairs with Ruth to help her to put on her things.
"Dear Jemima!" said Ruth, "I am so glad to see you looking better to-night! You quite frightened me this morning, you looked so ill."
"Did I?" replied Jemima. "Oh, Ruth! I have been so unhappy lately. I want you to come and put me to rights," she continued, half smiling. "You know I'm a sort of out-pupil of yours, though we are so nearly of an age. You ought to lecture me, and make me good."
"Should I, dear?" said Ruth. "I don't think I'm the one to do it."
"Oh, yes! you are—you've done me good to-night."
"Well, if I can do anything for you, tell me what it is?" asked Ruth, tenderly.
"Oh, not now—not now," replied Jemima. "I could not tell you here. It's a long story, and I don't know that I can tell you at all. Mamma might come up at any moment, and papa would be sure to ask what we had been talking about so long."
"Take your own time, love," said Ruth; "only remember, as far as I can, how glad I am to help you."
"You're too good, my darling!" said Jemima, fondly.
"Don't say so," replied Ruth, earnestly, almost as if she were afraid. "God knows I am not."