"He did."
"That's strange. I always understood he did his best to bring about a match between you and Sam Tremail."
"He may have done so. I don't know. He had always a good word for his cousin. On the whole, I think he was quite indifferent."
"William can never be indifferent where his friends are concerned."
"Oh, then, perhaps he will be pleased that I am going to remain to keep house for you."
And then the subject dropped.
Directly supper was over, Ralph retired to his work-room and laboratory, and began with such appliances as he had to grind the stones into powder. It was no easy task, for the rock was hard and of exceedingly fine texture.
Ruth joined him when she had finished her work, and watched him with great interest. His first test was made with the ordinary "vanning shovel," his second with the aid of chemicals. But neither test seemed conclusive or satisfactory.
"There's something wrong somewhere," he said, as he put away his tools. "I must do my next test in the daylight."
Ruth got very anxious as the days passed away. She learned from her brother that he had employed more men to sink further prospecting pits along the course of the lode, but with what results she was unable to discover.