For many moments after, she sat where she had sunk down at his sudden going, and presently the slow tears fell upon the hands that supported her bowed face.
For years she had been an unhappy woman, living an unloved, unloving life. Then ambition and hope had taken hold of her mind, and she had tested herself, and found, in that small body, the strength to dare much, and to risk much; and now—how she thrilled at the thought—wealth, success, and love; all would come to her together. What else could his words mean? She had only to be courageous and firm for a little while. To be patient for a few more days, and then—— She sprang to her feet and flung her arms aloft. She wanted to shout for triumph. "Victory!" she said aloud. "Is there another woman in all the world who can say that she has conquered fate, and gained all the good she has worked and wished for?"
And just then, the maid's voice broke in upon her dream.
"Madam, the charwoman is here for the money. Do you still wish me to give her the little suit?"
The woman turned as suddenly as if Nemesis had spoken.
"Yes!" she said, and the voice was husky, and the face almost terror stricken.
"Ruth."
Robert Brierly came up the piazza steps, where Ruth sat alone, and dropped upon the topmost one, at her feet. "I have just received a note from Ferrars."
Ruth looked up from her bit of needlework. There was a note of suppressed excitement in his tone, which she was quick to observe.