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 "They are not Friends, Ruth, and thy father was disinherited because he became one. They would treat thee kindly, I have no doubt, but thee would not likely remain a Friend; but, Ruth dear, how can I judge in so weighty a matter? Matthew, can thee not lead us to a proper conclusion?" asked Ruth's mother, turning her face towards her husband.

"Mother," spoke up Ruth, quickly, "I will not have father's judgment; I want thine. Did thee not hear what I have said, or will thee not heed thy own daughter's prayer for guidance?"

Again a long silence followed, and it was well. Calmer thoughts came to each troubled breast, and there was reason to believe that the vexed question would be finally solved. Ruth had changed her position, and now sat on a low stool at her mother's feet, with one arm upon her lap and the other around the neck of her brother, who still sat on the floor unmoved, by the chimney corner, awed by the strange and at times angry discussion he had heard. Seated according to her wishes, and as she had so frequently sat for many