ruth

I am reading A Son of Hagar by Hall Caine. I bought if for a dollar at our library, because I liked the cover, which is brownish and has an Arts and Craftsy look to it.
I began it about six weeks ago and found it very melodramatic-enough to make me roll my eyes at times. But it is set in Cumbria, so I have perservered with it.

Tonight I came across this line...


"Without pity, without remorse, with a will that was relentless and a heart that never knew ruth..."


Gosh! My whole life knowing the word "ruthless", but never stopping to think that if there is a ruthless, of course there must be a ruth (a feeling of pity, distress or grief). Wonderful.

Also this...


"He rolled over, face to the wall, and began to pay nasal tribute to sleep." : )


And this...


"Greta's heart beat high that night. Her spirit was full of a new alacrity. Every inch of the way, as they flew over the busy streets, seemed to awake in her soul some fresh sensibility."


I love the two words, but also that Mr. Caine has described a rare but glorious mood so evocatively.


Dawn is coming here, with the birds singing in the dark outside my door. I hope that I may soon find sleep, tho' without the 'nasal tribute'.

Good night!