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 said, "Mother, is the world coming to an end, as one of our ministers is always predicting? William Blake wants me to marry him."

William Blake looked very much as if he would like to escape if he saw any means of doing so. Ruth's brothers laughed and stared at him. Matthew Watson drummed the toe of one of his heavy boots very distinctly on the bare floor; and then followed a brief but oppressive silence.

Finally her mother spoke, to the relief of the older people present. "Ruth, thee is no longer a child, and should not treat thy friends so strangely. Perhaps thee did not understand what William said."

"I do not think there was a chance for that. No, William, I cannot marry thee. It is very kind to make the offer. Perhaps—"

"Well, Ruth, well!" exclaimed William, with strong hopes filling his breast again.

"Perhaps I may go to England in the spring."