The strained expression on Mr Farrell’s face gave place to one of unmistakable satisfaction.
“That is good!” he replied heartily. “I am glad to find that you at least have some appreciation of the nature of a bargain. It will be lonely for you, but I am the more obliged for your decision. I won’t keep you any longer just now, as we shall have other opportunities of conversation, and I have my adieux to make.”
The door closed behind Victor, and Mr Farrell turned immediately towards his eldest grand-niece, as if anxious to get through an ordeal.
“Well, Ruth, I must bid you good-bye. I trust you will have a pleasant journey, and find matters at home less serious than you anticipate.”
“Thank you, Uncle Bernard.” Ruth extended a cold little hand, and stood hesitating by his side, while his sunken eyes dwelt upon the face which in feature was so like his own. “I’ve enjoyed the time—part of the time—more than anything else in my life! I’m sorry if I have done wrong in any way; I wanted only to please you!”
“For my own sake, or for what I could give?”
The question came sharp and abrupt, and Ruth’s cheeks flamed beneath it. She hesitated painfully, gathering courage to speak the truth.
“Oh, I know I have been mercenary! I’m sick of being poor, and I love the Court and the easy, luxurious life. I wanted the money more than anything in the world; but it’s all over now, and it’s partly your own fault, for you did tempt me! Please forgive me before I go!”
“I forgive you, Ruth. It is quite true that I tempted you, and you are not fitted to bear temptation. But there is no need to bear enmity. Good-bye!”
He held out his hand again—held it at a distance, and with a formality which forbade a warmer farewell; and Ruth turned away, downcast and miserable. Those words, “You are not fitted to bear temptation,” seemed to denote that in his mind there still dwelt a lingering suspicion lest she might have yielded to her anxiety to look at the will, and had then lacked the courage for confession. Well, it was all over, and it was useless to protest. So perish earthly hopes!