E-text prepared by Charles Aldarondo and revised by Joseph E. Loewenstein, M.D. RUTH by ELIZABETH GASKELL First published in book form by Chapman and Hall in 1853 CONTENTS I. The Dressmaker's Apprentice at Work II. Ruth Goes to the Shire-Hall III. Sunday at Mrs Mason's IV. Treading in Perilous Places V. In North Wales VI. Troubles Gather About Ruth VII. The Crisis--Watching and Waiting VIII. Mrs Bellingham "Does the Thing Handsomely" IX. The Storm-Spirit Subdued X. A Note and the Answer XI. Thurstan and Faith Benson XII. Losing Sight of the Welsh Mountains XIII. The Dissenting Minister's Household XIV. Ruth's First Sunday at Eccleston XV. Mother and Child XVI. Sally Tells of Her Sweethearts, and Discourses on the Duties of Life XVII. Leonard's Christening XVIII. Ruth Becomes a Governess in Mr Bradshaw's Family XIX. After Five Years XX. Jemima Refuses to Be Managed XXI. Mr Farquhar's Attentions Transferred XXII. The Liberal Candidate and His Precursor XXIII. Recognition XXIV. The Meeting on the Sands XXV. Jemima Makes a Discovery XXVI. Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation XXVII. Preparing to Stand on the Truth XXVIII. An Understanding Between Lovers XXIX. Sally Takes Her Money Out of the Bank XXX. The Forged Deed XXXI. An Accident to the Dover Coach XXXII. The Bradshaw Pew Again Occupied XXXIII. A Mother to Be Proud Of XXXIV. "I Must Go and Nurse Mr Bellingham" XXXV. Out of Darkness into Light XXXVI. The End Drop, drop, slow tears! And bathe those beauteous feet, Which brought from heaven The news and Prince of peace. Cease not, wet eyes, For mercy to entreat: To cry for vengeance Sin doth never cease. In your deep floods Drown all my faults and fears; Nor let His eye See sin, but through my tears. _Phineas Fletcher_ CHAPTER I The Dressmaker's Apprentice at Work There is an assize-town in one of the eastern counties which was much distinguished by the Tudor sovereigns, and, in consequence of their favour and protection, attained a degree of importance that surprises the modern traveller.