"I don't want to discourage you," she said, "but I have watched the gradual loosening of her hold upon life. Her heart is in heaven, Ralph, that is the secret of it. She is longing to be with father again."
They walked on in silence till they reached Mr. Varcoe's house, then Ralph spoke again.
"We must get mother out of the workhouse, and at once, whatever happens," he said.
"How?" she asked.
"I don't know yet. But think of it, if she should die in the workhouse."
"She has lived in it," Ruth answered.
"Yes, yes; but the disgrace of it if she should end her days there."
"If there is any disgrace in poverty, we have suffered it to the full," Ruth answered. "Nothing that can happen now can add to it."
For a moment he stood silent. Then he kissed her and walked away.
He found William Menire waiting for him at the street corner, a few yards from the Star and Garter.