Ruth

The next day, when Ruth tells Faith and Mr. Benson about Sally cutting her hair, they realize that Sally must have seen through their story about Ruth being a widow. Faith and Mr. Benson tell Sally the truth, and she agrees to keep the secret since she trusts them and has also “been much softened by the unresisting gentleness with which Ruth had submitted” (112). Mrs. and Miss Bradshaw come to call on them, and Ruth quietly daydreams while the other women chat. Faith embellishes some details about Ruth’s story to them, passing her off as the widow of a young surgeon. On Sunday, Ruth attends church while Mr. Benson celebrates the service. Mr. Benson and Faith are well-liked and well-respected in their community. The townspeople think the Bensons have done a very kind deed by agreeing to shelter and help Ruth.

Ruth is surprised to receive a gift from Mr. Bradshaw, a wealthy man in the local community. She is hesitant to accept it. However, Faith urges her to accept the gift out of social decorum. Some months pass, and Ruth gives birth to a baby boy in the winter. Ruth adores her son but is also afraid that some aspect of her sinful past will befall him.