Ruth went straight over to the old man, knelt down by his side, and looked into his face.
"Stroke my hair, granddad," she said.
He raised his trembling hand and placed it on her head.
"That is nice," she said, and caught his hand as it went backwards and forwards over her silky black hair, and kissed it.
"Granddad," she said after a pause, "is it the best thing—quite the best thing—always to come out on the right side of the ledger?"
"Eh? Listen to the little woman," said the old man,
much pleased and interested by her words. "Why, of course, Ruth; it is the only thing."
"But does it mean sometimes, grandfather—dishonor?"
"No, it never means that," said Mr. Craven gravely and thoughtfully. "But I will tell you what, Ruthie. It does mean sometimes all you have got."
"Yes," said Ruth, "I understand." She rose to her feet. Do you think my father would have come out on the right side of the ledger?"