Ruth Arnold / or, the Country Cousin

fully occupied. Her entire wardrobe had to be inspected and replenished, as far as slender means would permit; old garments were made to look as much like new as possible, and little bits of ribbon

urney, quite an event in itself, as she had rarely been farther by rail than the county town, twelve miles distant, and even there she had always been accompanied by her father or mother. But just now there was so much to be done on

ught, "I am really going away to-day, and perhaps I may not sleep in

ed because it was so small; but now that she was about to go away it had suddenly become dea

in the hall; the hurried breakfast, at which every one but mother talked very fast, because they had so muc

ike one in a dream, so dimly did she see everything

the train was fairly in motion, Ruth began to realize that she was being separated for a long, long time from all whom she loved best in the world; she heaved one great sob, and crouching into a corner of the ca

yet. I am going to the sea-side to s

o distressed at the thought of a visit to

sence from home, and the old lady seemed so much interested that Ruth soon grew bright and merry, and began to notice the pretty country through which they were passing; and when the train stopped at

Stonegate station. There were a good many people on the platform, and Ruth was wondering if any one had come to meet he

as she bent forward to look at her aun

air and small mouth were strangely unlike his. But there was something familiar in the tone of her voice, and when she called a cab, g

side, and she was out when I started. I am afraid that she will be angry with me, for I

g quite frightened, and thought that perhaps you might not

s seen your mother would not recognise her

ike her?" asked Ruth eager

our lodging. I see Julia l

into a large cheerful sitting-room, with tw

without me!" cried a voice from the

. "Here is your cousin; take her to her room; I a

came forward and shook hands, saying, "How d'ye do,

f the sea from the windows, and the furniture of the room was all of light polished wood; a pretty dressing-table stood between

oom!" said Ruth,

ch I am sure will be very inconvenient; but we couldn't get anything better, so I suppose

ke, she was so taken aback by the