Possible Clues:

• A shame
• 'The scavenger of misery,' per Shaw
• Sorrowful comment
• Regret being refractory — not up to it
• Ruth's heartless devotion
• "Too bad ..."
• Piety displayed with no end of care and compassion
• ''Oh, that's too bad''
• Ruth affected by pockmarks, we hear?
• Sympathy for others