His wife is dead , and so is his only daughter . She was a lovely girl and died only two years ago . It nearly broke Mr. Swift 's heart . And he has lived alone ever since in that great big house up at the head of Warner Street , the one you admired so , Ruth , the last time we were uptown . There 's the bell for the second time , Mary ca n't have heard it . I 'll go myself . '' As Carol showed the caller into the room , Ruth rose to leave and thus came face to face with him . Mr. Swift started perceptibly . `` Mr. Swift , this is my school friend , Miss Mannering , '' said Carol . Mr. Swift seemed strangely agitated as he took Ruth 's timidly offered hand . `` My dear young lady , '' he said hurriedly , `` I am going to ask you what may seem a very strange question . What was your mother 's name ? '' `` Agnes Hastings , '' answered Ruth in surprise . And then Carol really thought that Mr. Swift had gone crazy , for he drew Ruth into his arms and kissed her . `` I knew it , '' he said . `` I was sure you were Agnes ' daughter , for you are the living image of what she was when I last saw her . Child , you do n't know me , but I am your Uncle Robert . Your mother was my half-sister . '' `` Oh , Mr. Swift ! '' cried Carol , and then she ran for her mother .
Ruth turned pale and dropped XXXXX a chair , and Mr. Swift sat down beside her .
As Robert Street for in into of second that to