The thousands in which these little manuals are sold, and the confidence with which their readers recommend them to others, indicates the calibre of the average mind, and shows that they meet a want possibly "not known before," but which they alone, with their little gilt edges, can adequately fill.

Ruth was gazing in absent wonder at the volume which supplied all her aunt's spiritual needs when she heard the wire of the front door-bell squeak faintly.

It was a stiff-necked and obdurate bell, which for several years Mr.Alwynn had determined to see about.
A few moments later James, the new and inexperienced footman, opened the door about half a foot, put in his head, murmured something inaudible, and withdrew it again.
A tall figure appeared in the door-way, and advanced to meet her, then stopped midway.

Ruth rose hastily, and stood where she had risen, her eyes glancing first at Mr.and then at Mrs.Alwynn.
The alien presence of a visitor had not disturbed them.

Mrs.Alwynn, her head well forward and a succession of chins undulating in perfect repose upon her chest, was sleeping as a stout person only can--all over.