CHAPTER XLVII. CONCLUSION.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 228, 12 November 1887, Page 11

CHAPTER XLVII. CONCLUSION.

Cax you ever forgive me, Ruby ? My worldly ambition, my pride and love of money, have nearly proved my own ruin, as well as yours. I deserve your supreme contempt instead of the gentle care and kindness which you are giving me." This from Mrs Gordon, who had been ill for nearly a week. She had been taken from the court-house directly to her former boarding-place in the city, whither Ruby had insisted upon accompanying her, and where she had been unremitting in her attentions, and as gentle and kind as if her sister-in-law had never done her the slightest injury. " Of course I have forgiven you already, Estelle," Ruby answered. " I will confess, though, that I felt forlorn enough when I

found that you were in 'league .with Edmund Carpenter, and determined to make me marry him— l longed for Robert more than over, for I was so alone and f riondless. " "Poor child!" returned Mrs Gordon, weeping. " I ihave been false enough to my trust. Yon laave shown yourself far more of a woman tlxan I ever since our troubles , began, and y«o« have shamed me by your "patience and self -sacrifice from the first. But I will try to lead a different life after this, and to inako myself worthy of your love." Ruby stooped and kissed the repentant woman on her lips, thus putting an end to further self-denunciation. "I have always loved you dearly until this barrier begaii to grow up between us, and I hope now that it 1b removed, we shall be dearer than ever to each other. Bub — I want you to hurry and get well as soon as possible. Do you think you would be able to get out by next Monday ? Madam Howland insists that we shall be her guests for a little while," Ruby concluded, with a blush, for folio knew that madam had planned this visit so that Walter and she might see more of each other than they could otherwise do. Madam had wanted to take her directly homo with her as soon as the trial was concluded ; for her heart had gone out to the lovely girl from the moment of her introduction to her. But Ruby, seeing how ill Mrs Gordon Avas, felt that her duty was, for the present, with her, and she had answerer] : " Estelle needs me, and I must not leave her until she gets well ; even then she Avill havo no one to care for her, and it is so dreadful to feel that one is all alone in the world." She could not foi*gefc her own recent sense of desolation, and her tender heart prompted her to throw what sympathy and cave she could around the lonely woman, in spite of the injury which she had clone her. "It seems to me she is not over and above deserving? of such self-sacrifice," madam had replied : " she has not shown any very great seiibO of her duty to you in the past." " Well — but she was Robert's wife ; he loved her, and for his sake I shall btay with her while she is sick ; while, tiuly, Estelle used to be very good to me in the old days," Ruby pleaded in extenuation of the oiFonder. " Yes," thought madam, "when everything was smooth and pleasant, when there was nothing to cross her and goodness* required no effort." But she had too much respect for the young girl's noble decUion to say more th'en, only she meant to have her just as soon as possible. She rode to town every day to see her, and finally to hasten matteis, insisted that they should both come to her as ooon as Mrs Gordon was able to be moved, and Ruby, feeling that the change would be the best thing for her sister, immediately proposed it upon the departure of her new friend. "Yes, 1 shall be able," Mrs Gordon answered, brightening at once ; ' ' my illness has been caused more by mental distress than anything else, but now that you havo assured me that you really forgive me, and I shall not lose you altogether, as I feared I might, I shall soon bo well. But, Ruby, do you mean to teach a^ain this fall ?*' "No, Estelle," and the fair face was crimson now, " I am to go to Redville for a little while, after our visit at Madam Rowland's, where I am to have a real rest. Then madam insists that I shall 1 eturn to her, to — to remain until — while I am having my sewing done. " "Ah! I understand; you have been arranging for a wedding," said Mrs Gordon, smiling at her confusion. " Yes," Ruby confessed, more freely, now that the ice was broken, "madam says there is no reason why Walter should delay making a home for himself, and she wants him to be settled. Besides, she says she would like a place to visit occasionally for a change." •• Then you are not to live with her, nor she with you '/" "No, Walter wants her to come to us, but she says as she lived so long by herself, "he prefers to keep up her own establishment, though she assures us- that she will come to see us often enough, and stay ioncj enough to prevent our forgetting that we have a grandmother," Ruby concluded, smiling. " Where are you going to live, Ruby ?" Ruby laughed outright at this question. "I don't know, Estelle. Walter says I am not to trouble my head about that, since I shall have enough else to occupy my attention during the next few weeks." " I suppose he will be considered a very rich man now, with his legacy from Mr Carpenter, and his expectations from Madam Howland." " Yes, I suppose so," the young girl answered, with a strangely grave look. "I am very glad, Ruby darling," said her sister heartily, "and I hope you will enjoy your wealth and position — you deserve to, I am sure, for you have borne poverty like an angel." " I hope, Estelle, that poverty has taught me to be more considerate of the poor than I used to be, and Walter and I both intend to do all the good that we can with his fortune. There is only one sting in ifc all." "What is that, dear?" questioned Mrs Gordon, searching the sweet, drooping face earnestly. "That / must go to him empty-handed. " Her sister smiled. '•Bless you, dear child !" she said, while tears welled up into her eyes, " you are far more precious ' empty-handed ' than half the Philadelphia belles, with their great fortunes. " But Ruby Gordon was not destined to go to her lover empty-handed, as we shall see. She and Mrs Gordon, who seemed thoroughly changed, spent a couple of delightful weeks with Madam Howland, and then both went to Redville for another month. The marriage had been set for the twenty-fourth of October, and Mr Ruggles had insisted upon giving Ruby a grand wedding. " You are like another daughter to me," he said to her tenderly, one day, when the matter was being discussed, " and I want you to grant me a father's privilege in this. Mother and I are going down to take possession of our new house in the city, the first of September, and you shall be married from your old home if— if you think you would like it." "Oh, Mr Ruggles!" cried Ruby, quick tears starting to her eyes, " that is so kind of you. I should like it of all things ; and —if— Robert were only here," she added, in- a choking voice, "it would almost seem as if I were really going to be at home again." And so it was arranged, much to the satisfaction of all parties, and Mr Ruggles, taking Mrs Gordon aside, for a confidential conference, remarked : "If we're going to have this wedding in our new house, I want everything done up handsome, and 1 guess you know how to manage such things better'n mother and I do ; so if you'll just take charge of the affair, it'll be a relief to us, though I'll take care of the xoays and mean*. Invite who you choose, and spend as much money

as you like, and — don't you let; that blessed girl want for a single thing." The commission, together with the carte blanche, just suited Mrs Gordon, and she entered into the arrangements with all he* heart; and between them all, Ruby was almost overwhelmed with kindness and beautiful gifts. Her trousseau was as lovely and complete as the affection of kind friends and the lavish expenditure of money could make it, although she protested that it ought not to be so, since she had no fortune of her own. "I am only a poor girl. I haven't a penny of my own," she said one evening to Walter, " but one would think, to see all the finefy upstairs, that I ought to be a millionaire at least. " And he, bending to touch her forehead with his lips, said, with a queer little smile : " You under-rate yourself, my darling — you do not know how much you are worth." Florence and Annie Partridge, who, of all Ruby's former friends, had proved most faithful during her adversity, were chosen to be bridesmaids, and when at length the all-importantday arrived, Mr Ruggles's new residence and Ruby's old home wa« once more ablaze from attic to basement and most exquisitely decorated in horour oi the fair bride-elect. It was very home-like and beautiful. Nothing had been disturbed in the hou<e, the conservatory had been refilled ■with choice plants, and it almost seemed to Ruby as if, the past year had been but a sad dream; bub with the exception of a dear presence, which had once helped to brighten those lofty and elegant rooni^, there was nothing wanting. The young bride was very lovely in her ivory satin robe, with its beautiful lace overdress and the misty veil, fastened with real orange blossoms, while the pretty bridesmaids were scarcely less attraethe in white silk and tulle. The wedding was a brilliant affair, and nothing occurred to mar the occasion in any way. Madam Howland was .so far recovered from her injuries that she was able to appear without her arm in a sling, although it was still lame and weak, and she looked very handsome and distinguished in her elegant black velvet, point lace and diamonds, "while she appeared exceedingly proud of her noble grandson, and %cry fond of the fair lady of his choice. The young couple were united in the sacred bonds by Ruby's old pastor, who, knowing much of her heroism dining her recent troubles, made the service tenderly impressive, .and congratulated Walter mo^t heartily afterward for having won so rare a prize. The ceremony and reception had l^en set early in the evening, an the bride and biidegrooni had arianged for a little tour before settling clown to the real business and enjoyment of life, and were to lea's c the city on one of the night trains. But when the guests had departed and Ruby had exchanged her wedding dress for her tiaA oiling suit, Mr Ruggles drew them both into the library for a few last woids. He seemed deeply agitated, and laying his hand tenderly upon the lovely biide's head, he said in a husky tone : " My dear child, ever since 1 have known you I have been happier than I e\ er expected to be again in this world after losing my own dear daughter, and I want to tell you that, henceforth, all that I have or gain will belong to you. But,' 1 he added, with a pathetic attempt to smile, for his eyes were full of tears and his lip trembling, " before you went away, I wanted to give you a ' daughter's portion and a father's blessing, &o take this, tuck it away somewhere where it'll be safe, and (Jod bless you both !" He bent and touched Ruby's forehead with his unsteady lips, shook hands with Walter, and then left the room abruptly, after having slipped a package into the young wife's hands. " Dear old man, how good he is! But what is this ?" Ruby asked, looking from the package up into her husband's face. " Let us examine it," he said, evasively, for he had known something of Mr Ruggles's intentions. Ruby unfolded the paper and began to read. "Oh, dear," she cried, laughing, "it is one of those puzzling legal documents, such as Robert used to have, and I never could make them out. Take it, Walter, and explain it if you can." Walter smiled, and gathered the slight figure of his wife close in his arms. "lean explain it, darling, without the document," he said, " for Mr Ruggles confided his plans to me some time ago. You know, dear, that our old friend has become immensely wealthy during the last few years." "Yes, I know." "I do not need to tell you, either, how fond of you he and his wife have both become ; you reign supreme in their honest hearts ; and last month Mr Ruggles made his will bequeathing everything, save one hundred thousand dollars, which goes to endow a certain college in this State -to you if you survive both him and his wife. But that has nothing to do with the document he has just given you, that is simply a deed of this estate, conveying to Mrs Ruby Richardson and her heirs forever this beautiful home and all that it contains. Ruby looked amazed. " Simply a deed of this estate," she repeated, breathlessly. " What a, gift I but I thought that they were going to live here ?" "No, that was only a kindly plan so that you might be married in your old home. Mr Ruggles bought the place, intending from the first, that you should eventually have it ; bnt I doubt if they would ever be content to break up the home where they have spent so many years of their lives. Poor child ! do you feel so very much burdened with this gift?" Walter concluded, smiling down upon her blank face. "I can hardly realise it,'" Ruby said, yet glancing fondly around the familiar beautiful room. " Ithasbeenmaclovery secure, nothing can ever take it from you; and"— with a mischievous smile— " surely you ace not ' empty handed ' now," "Oh! Walter! I'm afraid that was a little foolish of me," Ruby said, flushing, yet, after all, with a secret sense of satis faction at the fact. " But," she continued, "what are you and I going to do all alone in this great house ? I thought " " Yes, I know ; you have thought that a home was being prepared for you elsewhere. But I had been told of this, and I was sure you would be happier here than anywhere else ; and though I own 'tis rather spacious for us alone, yet I imagine we shall find friends enough who will be glad to help us fill it." " But, Walter, it is going to take a great deal of money to keep up such an establishment," said Ruby, gravely. " Little wiseacre !" laughed the happy husband, "your experience in street has made you very calculating ; but, my darling, we are going to have a great deal of money, and we can afford to do about as we like. One thing lam sure you will like, and that is to know that Mrs Coxon is coming to bo housekeeper for us ; you know she once said she would like to come to live with .us."' "Oh, that is very good of you, Walter," Ruby delightedly exclaimed. "I have

been wondering where the woman would find a comfortable home, and I am sure she will like to be here. But," 'with a little sigh, "all this is very unexpected, and it rather shatters some bright dreams that I have had about a little home, with only one servant, where I was to do so many things for you with my own hands." " These dear hands will find plenty to do for me as it is," Walter answered, kissing them softly, "for I intend to be a very busy man. I have no intention, of giving up my business, so 1 shall make you my almoner to the poor, when I cannot attend to such things myself." " That will bo very pleasant work, and I know one can, do ever so much good with plenty of money. And now, Walter," looking up at him with a sweet seriousness, that made her very lovely, " let us resolve, on this most important day of our lives, , that wo will set apart a certain portion of all that we have, and dedicate it to the work of helping the poor and making other people happy. " '• With all my heart/ he answered, tenderly. " Shall it be a tenth or a fifth ? You shall decide that question some other time. Just now, however, I have to remind you, AlYs Richardson, that our train loaves in just half an hour, and we must bo on the wing ; but my bright, beautiful wife, my heart is full of joy at the thought that I am to bring you back here, to a home so worthy of you, and where you arc so well iitted to reign." What more can we add, but to say that in the yeais that caire and went, these two faithfully kept the resolution made on their wedding-day ? The memory of the tiials of his eaily life kept Walter's heart green and tender, and he never turned away from a cry of distress or withheld his bounty wherever theie was 1 a call to do good ; while Ruby's brief experience of poverty and care made her a sweet and gentle sympathiser with all who were in trouble, and many a home was brightened by her bene\olence, many a despaiiing heart was comforted by her deeds of mercy and love. Mrs (Gordon proved to be completely changed by that trying expciicnce, which had .so neai ly resulted in the exposure of her treachery, and disgrace to the name she bore. She was softened and subdued ; her pride conquered ; her affections quickened. And when, three years later, her hand was sought and won by a noble and devoted clergyman, she was well fitted for the position she was to occupy. " Estelle will make a lovely minister's wife,"' Ruby declared ; and she did, although she always aiiirmed that if there was any good in her, it was all owing to the living example I of her beautiful sifter. Madam Howland lived to an advanced age—lived to welcome and love throe noble boys and two sweet little fjh'ls — her great grandchildren, and the piide of her heart ; and, during the last few years of her life, she was content to give up her own home and reside with Walter and his wife. Mr and Mis Ruggles were frequent visitors in that delightful home where, they were always most cordially received, and which they declared was the most charming spot this s>ide of hea\en; and when they were finally gathered to their rest — Mrs Rugbies ilrsb and lier husband but a. few months later — all their great wealth came into Ruby's possession, bequeathed to her friend, with his "best love and gratitude for all her kindness to a rough old man." She could not help feeling that she had leaped a wonderful reward — that it was all the outgrowth of that one simple act ot courte&y and good will on that evening, Avhen thi« uncultured stranger had entered, an unbidden guest, her brother's house, to offer homage to the poet who had sounded the depths of hi? really noble nature by the might of his gifted pen. [the end.]