It is with a sore, sore heart that Ruby rides home lonely by the river’s side. She has not waited for her trouble to come to her, but has met it half way, as more people than little brown-eyed Ruby are too fond of doing. Dad is the very dearest thing Ruby has in the whole wide world, and if anything happens to dad, whatever will she do?
“I just couldn’t bear it,” murmurs poor Ruby, wiping away a very big tear which has fallen on Smuttie’s broad back.
Ah, little girl with the big, tearful, brown eyes, you have still to learn that any trouble can be borne patiently, and with a brave face to the world, if only God gives His help!
CHAPTER VI.
“I CAN NEVER DO IT NOW!”
“Then, darling, wait;
Nothing is late,