I was driving Ruth away then. Not only was I giving her pain and sorrow, but because of me she was going to leave the only home wherein she could be happy. It was true she could return to her own home, which had been kept in repair, but I knew she did not intend going there until she came of age.
"She does not wish to be with me longer than she thinks she is forced by her father's will?" I said.
"She knows she is not expected to marry you until she is twenty-one. That will not be for some time, and so she is going away."
This was hardest of all to bear, it drove me to madness. Her detestation of me was so great that she determined to shun me.
"Just one word more, mother. Have you spoken to me because of Ruth's desire, or with her sanction?"
A strange look flashed across my mother's face; then she said, "Roger, never think I can answer that question."
My brain seemed on fire, and I could not tell what to do, I could not decide. I simply rushed out of the room saying, "You will soon know."
I made my way to my room upstairs, and in passing along a corridor I saw a light in Mr. Inch's room. Immediately I knocked at his door, and on receiving permission, entered. I found him busy with a lot of papers.
"Is it correct that you and Miss Morton are going to leave us, Mr. Inch?" I said.
He bowed, and said, quietly but distinctly, "It is so decided."