Into whole labyrinths of social ethics Mr Benson's thoughts wandered, when his sister entered suddenly and abruptly.
"What does the doctor say? Is she better?"
"Oh, yes! she's better," answered Miss Benson, sharp and short. Her brother looked at her in dismay. She bumped down into a chair in a cross, disconcerted manner. They were both silent for a few minutes; only Miss Benson whistled and clucked alternately.
"What is the matter, Faith? You say she is better."
"Why, Thurstan, there is something so shocking the matter, that I cannot tell you."
Mr Benson changed colour with affright. All things possible and impossible crossed his mind but the right one. I said, "all things possible;" I made a mistake. He never believed Ruth to be more guilty than she seemed.
"Faith, I wish you would tell me, and not bewilder me with those noises of yours," said he, nervously.
"I beg your pardon; but something so shocking has just been discovered—I don't know how to word it—She will have a child. The doctor says so."
She was allowed to make noises unnoticed for a few minutes. Her brother did not speak. At last she wanted his sympathy.
"Isn't it shocking, Thurstan? You might have knocked me down with a straw when he told me."