106 RUTH.

and, with a true Puritan scorn for undue affection, she spoke
out.

“What are you making such a fuss over, Ruth? Yes, I
see your doll is broken. Iam sorry. It was done by the man
who put up the curtains to-day: he let something fall from
the ladder upon your doll. Let it be a lesson to you, Ruth,
not to set your affections upon things below. Dry your eyes
now and come down to supper.”

Ruth rose mechanically, and soon followed her aunt down-
stairs. Miss Sophia pressed a peppermint drop into her hand,
and furtively passed her hand over the child’s head, when
Miss Maria was not looking, but her sympathy could go no
further.

Just after supper Cousin John again made his appearance.
He drew Ruth to him and looked inquiringly into the downcast
face.

“What is the matter to-day?” he whispered. “Do you
cry every day ?”

Ruth shook her head, and he turned to Miss Sophia, who
was making apologies for Ruth’s red eyes and was explaining
the cause.

“Never mind,” Cousin John said; “I can easily have that
set straight. If you will bring the doll to me, you shall have
her to-morrow evening as good as new.”

Ruth ran for the doll, and upon her return met with such
an astounding piece of news that, for a moment, the doll was