Little Ruby sobbed herself to sleep dismally, with her arms around Golden's neck, unconscious that the girl shed sadder tears than her own, when her little charge was peacefully dreaming. CHAPTER XXIII. "The slow, sad hours that bring us all things ill," waned slowly, while Golden and Ruby waited impatiently for news of the travelers. Ruby was very restless and capricious, besides her daily headaches grew worse as the heat of the summer season advanced. She fretted very much over her postponed trip to the seaside. At length a telegram came from the travelers to say that they had reached Glenalvan Hall, and Mr. Chesleigh was no better. After this these bulletins came almost daily, but with no encouraging words. Very ill, and no prospect of improvement yet, was their daily burden. In about two weeks Mr. Desmond returned unexpectedly. Ruby was overjoyed. She laughed and wept together, as she hung around his neck. "Uncle Bertie must be better, or you would not have returned," she cried. But her father shook his head gravely. "No, dear, I am sorry to say he is not improving at all. Indeed the case is so critical that it may be weeks before your mother can return. That is why I have come." "Shall you go back, then?" inquired Ruby. "Yes, in about a week. Have you fretted for us very much, Ruby?" "A great deal," she replied. "Oh, papa," clapping her little hands, "now I know why you have come back. You are going to take me to mamma and Uncle Bert." "Nothing is further from my intentions," replied Mr. Desmond. "I have come to take you to the seashore." "The seashore--while my uncle is so ill?" cried the child, a little surprised. "Yes, Ruby. You must remember your own health is very frail. Your mother is very anxious about you. You will go to the seashore in the care of Mrs. Markham. Will that arrangement please you?" "Very much," smiled Ruby. "I love Mrs. Markham. Of course I shall take my nurse?" "Yes, of course," he replied, then inquired, carelessly: "Are you still satisfied with Mary Smith?" "Oh, yes, Mary is a splendid girl--I do not intend ever to part from her," replied the child, enthusiastically, "I am quite getting over my sulky spells since she came. Mary does not tease and cross me as the others did." Golden, who had sat sewing quietly by the window, without ever lifting her eyes from her work since Mr. Desmond entered, crimsoned painfully at thus having his attention drawn upon her. But he took no notice of her except to say patronizingly: "I am glad you have found such a treasure, Ruby. I hope she will remain with you. Are you willing to accompany Ruby to the seaside, Mary?" "Yes, sir," she answered, quietly. "Very well, I will go and see Mrs. Markham now. If she can go by the last of the week I will accompany the party and see you all safely settled before I return south." Golden made him no answer, thinking that none was necessary, and he went out to call on Mrs. Markham.