“In his white bed-gown he knelt before Ruth” — Illustration by Mary Ellen Edwards (1838–1934) for William Gilbert's "Ruth Thornbury"

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In his white bed-gown he knelt before Ruth

Mary Ellen Edwards (1838–1934)

1866

Wood engraving

Illustration for William Gilbert's Ruth Thornbury

Good Words (2 July 1866): facing 493.

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One evening, after he had been prepared for bed, Ruth attended as usual to hear him say his prayers. He repeated after her those he had been accustomed to use, till he came to a verse of a hymn which he was able to recite without her aid:-

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child;
Pity my simplicity,
And teach me, Lord, to come to Thee.

There was something at the moment exceedingly beautiful in the child's appearance, as in his white bed-gown he knelt before Ruth, his glossy silken auburn locks, in which she took especial pride, falling on his neck from beneath his little cap, his hands pressed together, and his eyes bent reverently. When his prayer was over, Deborah placed him in his cot. “Sit by me, Ruth,” he said. She was about to obey him, but Deborah, noticing the girl's sickly look, interposed, and insisted on her leaving him and going off to her bed. After some little demure, Ruth kissed hi and left the room — and she never saw him afterwards. [493-93]

Bibliography

Gilbert, William. Ruth Thornbury; or the Old Maid's Story. Good Words (October-December 1866): 324-32, 482-92, 562-75, 622-36, 710-20, 779-92, 852-61.

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Last modified 7 September 2014