"And when I think," continued Ruth, "of how he was willing to sacrifice his character and his honor and even to risk losing your father's friendship--how he proclaimed himself a thief to save Charlie! When I think of that I scarcely know whether to laugh or cry.I want to do both, of course.It was perfectly characteristic and perfectly adorable--and so absolutely absurd.Ilove him for it, and as yet I haven't dared thank him for fear Ishall cry again, as I did when Captain Hunniwell told us.Yet, when I think of his declaring he took the money to buy a suit of clothes, I feel like laughing.Oh, he IS a dear, isn't he?"Now, ordinarily, Maud would have found nothing in this speech to arouse resentment.There was the very slight, and in this case quite unintentional, note of patronage in it that every one used when referring to Jed Winslow.She herself almost invariably used that note when speaking of him or even to him.But now her emotions were so deeply stirred and the memories of her recent interview with Jed, of his understanding and his sympathy, were so vivid.And, too, she had just had that glimpse into his most secret soul.So her tone, as she replied to Ruth's speech, was almost sharp.
"He didn't do it for Charlie," she declared."That is, of course he did, but that wasn't the real reason.""Why, what do you mean?"
"Don't you know what I mean? Don't you really know?""Why, of course I don't.What ARE you talking about? Didn't do it for Charlie? Didn't say that he was a thief and give your father his own money, do you mean? Do you mean he didn't do that for Charlie?""Yes.He did it for you."
"For me? For ME?"
"Yes....Oh, can't you understand? It's absurd and foolish and silly and everything, but I know it's true.Jed Winslow is in love with you, Mrs.Armstrong."Ruth leaned back in her chair and stared at her as if she thought her insane.
"In love with ME?" she repeated."Jed Winslow! Maud, don't!""It's true, I tell you.I didn't know until just now, although if it had been any one but Jed I should have suspected for some time.
But to-day when I went in there I saw him sitting before his desk looking down into an open drawer there.He has your photograph in that drawer.And, later on, when you came out into the yard, I saw him watching you; I saw his face and that was enough....Oh, don't you SEE?" impatiently."It explains everything.You couldn't understand, nor could I, why he should sacrifice himself so for Charlie.But because Charlie was your brother--that is another thing.Think, just think! You and I would have guessed it before if he had been any one else except just Jed.Yes, he is in love with you....It's crazy and it's ridiculous and--and all that, of course it is.But," with a sudden burst of temper, "if you--if you dare to laugh I'll never speak to you again."But Ruth was not laughing.
It was a cloudy day and Jed's living-room was almost dark when Ruth entered it.Jed, who had been sitting by the desk, rose when she came in.
"Land sakes, Ruth," he exclaimed, "it's you, ain't it? Let me light a lamp.I was settin' here in the dark like a...like a hen gone to roost....Eh? Why, it's 'most supper 'time, ain't it? Didn't realize 'twas so late.I'll have a light for you in a jiffy."He was on his way to the kitchen, but she stopped him.
"No," she said quickly."Don't get a light.I'd rather not, please.And sit down again, Jed; just as you were.There, by the desk; that's it.You see," she added, "I--I--well, I have something to tell you, and--and I can tell it better in the dark, Ithink."
Jed looked at her in surprise.He could not see her face plainly, but she seemed oddly confused and embarrassed.
"Sho!" he drawled."Well, I'm sure I ain't anxious about the light, myself.You know, I've always had a feelin' that the dark was more becomin' to my style of beauty.Take me about twelve o'clock in a foggy night, in a cellar, with the lamp out, and Ilook pretty nigh handsome--to a blind man....Um-hm."She made no comment on this confession.Jed, after waiting an instant for her to speak, ventured a reminder.
"Don't mind my talkin' foolishness," he said, apologetically."I'm feelin' a little more like myself than I have for--for a week or so, and when I feel that way I'm bound to be foolish.Just gettin'
back to nature, as the magazine folks tell about, I cal'late 'tis."She leaned forward and laid a hand on his sleeve.
"Don't!" she begged."Don't talk about yourself in that way, Jed.
When I think what a friend you have been to me and mine I--I can't bear to hear you say such things.I have never thanked you for what you did to save my brother when you thought he had gone wrong again.I can't thank you now--I can't."Her voice broke.Jed twisted in his seat.
"Now--now, Ruth," he pleaded, "do let's forget that.I've made a fool of myself a good many times in my life--more gettin' back to nature, you see--but I hope I never made myself out quite such a blitherin' numbskull as I did that time.Don't talk about it, don't.I ain't exactly what you'd call proud of it.""But I am.And so is Charlie.But I won't talk of it if you prefer I shouldn't....Jed--" she hesitated, faltered, and then began again: "Jed," she said, "I told you when I came in that I had something to tell you.I have.I have told no one else, not even Charlie, because he went away before I was--quite sure.But now Iam going to tell you because ever since I came here you have been my father confessor, so to speak.You realize that, don't you?"Jed rubbed his chin.
"W-e-e-ll," he observed, with great deliberation, "I don't know's I'd go as far as to say that.Babbie and I've agreed that I'm her back-step-uncle, but that's as nigh relation as I've ever dast figure I was to the family.""Don't joke about it.You know what I mean.Well, Jed, this is what I am going to tell you.It is very personal and very confidential and you must promise not to tell any one yet.Will you?""Eh? Why, sartin, of course."
