The book is a social novel, dealing with Victorian views about sin and illegitimacy. It is a surprisingly compassionate portrayal of a 'fallen woman', a type of person normally outcast from respectable society. The title of the novel refers to the main character Ruth Hilton, an orphaned young seamstress who is seduced and then abandoned by gentleman Henry Bellingham. Ruth, pregnant and alone, is taken in by a minister and his sister. They conceal her single status under the pretense of widowhood in order to protect her child from the social stigma of illegitimacy. Ruth goes on to gain a respectable position in society as a governess, which is threatened by the return of Bellingham and the revelation of her secret. (Wikipedia)
Chapters
1
01 – The Dressmaker’s Apprentice at Work Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 27:35
2
02 – Ruth Goes to the Shire-Hall Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 46:03
3
03 – Sunday at Mrs. Mason’s Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 34:04
4
04 – Treading in Perilous Places Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 41:31
5
05 – In North Wales Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 20:30
6
06 – Troubles Gather About Ruth Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 21:04
7
07 – The Crisis—Watching and Waiting Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 20:09
8
08 – Mrs Bellingham Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 27:53
9
09 – The Storm spirit Subdued Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 9:25
10
10 – A Note and the Answer Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 13:27
11
11 – Thurstan and Faith Benson Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 34:07
12
12 – Losing Sight of the Welsh Mountains Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 26:36
13
13 – The Dissenting Minister’s household Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 30:07
14
14 – Ruth’s First sunday at eccleston Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 22:28
15
15 – Mother and Child Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 22:14
16
16 – Sally Tells of her Sweehearts, and Discourses on the Duties of Life Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 33:50
17
17 – Leonard’s Christening Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 31:25
18
18 – Ruth Becomes a Governess in Mr. Bradshaw’s Family Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 25:54
19
19 – After Five Years Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 34:49
20
20 – Jemima Refuses to be Managed Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 51:44
21
21 – Mr Farquhar’s Attentions Transferred Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 36:19
22
22 – The Liberal Candidate and his Precursor Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 36:31
23
23 – Recognition Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 58:52
24
24 – The Meeting on the Sands Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 43:22
25
25 – Jemima Makes A Discovery Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 52:38
26
26 – Mr Bradshaw’s Virtuous Indignation Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 34:58
27
27 – Preparing to Stand on the Truth Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 52:47
28
28 – An Understanding Between Lovers Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 33:30
29
29 – Sally Takes Her Money Out of the Bank Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 32:38
30
30 – The Forged Deed Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 38:15
31
31 – An Accident to the Dover Coach Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 22:49
32
32 – The Bradshaw Pew Again Occupied Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 17:45
33
33 – A Mother to be Proud Of Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 20:15
34
34 – I Must Go and Nurse Mr. Bellingham Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 29:38
35
35 – Out of Darkness Into Light Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 12:37
36
36 – The End Read by Cynthia Lyons (1946-2011) 23:41
From LibriVox, read by volunteers and in the public domain. LibriVox page (opens librivox.org) , the text (opens gutenberg.org) , all files on the Internet Archive (opens archive.org) .
