I watched the fall of the expression on Ruth's face when she heard about her father, a darkness of sorrow overspreading her features. And I wanted to say something--to comfort her--but I hadn't time, and Ada went on, as gently but emphatically as before.
"Ruth, your father's spirit must be very happy now," she said, pulling Ruth into a soft embrace. "Because you've found a man... who loves and dotes on you."
Ruth nodded and hugged Ada to her even more tightly, burying her face in her shoulder, and her body shook a little. "Mother..." said she, mumbling, yet laden with feeling.
Then suddenly she drew in, her black eyes big and bright with the unshed tears. "Mother, last night... what was it... I recall I began-- "Her breath was hard, And flushed her cheeks in crimson as she fought to speak.
