"Hush! he's asleep," said she, as Mr Benson had unconsciously raised his voice.
"Who is asleep?" asked Mr Benson.
"That poor little boy," said she, beginning to quiver and cry.
"Come here!" said he, authoritatively, drawing her into the study.
"Sit down in that chair. I will come back directly."
He went in search of his sister, but she had not returned. Then he had recourse to Sally, who was as busy as ever about her cleaning.
"How long has Ruth been at home?" asked he.
"Ruth! She has never been at home sin' morning. She and Leonard were to be off for the day somewhere or other with them Bradshaw girls."
"Then she has had no dinner?"
"Not here, at any rate. I can't answer for what she may have done at other places."