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 years, Ruth looked long and lovingly into her mother's face, and then, her eyes brightening and her face that had been drawn and troubled broadening to a sweet smile, she said, "Father, my words were not what they should have been, but my heart was sorely tried; what, if thee will tell me, is thy wish?"

"I have had much concern," her step-father slowly replied, "upon my mind concerning the letter, and given it attention that its importance demands. I have conferred with thy mother and some of our meeting. There is not a unity of thought on the subject, but if thee can find thyself strong enough to remain a Friend, I would advise thy going. Thee is not called upon to change thy faith, and perhaps may be a means of changing others."

As the purport of his reply became evident, Ruth's mother slowly bent over her daughter, until her face nearly touched Ruth's floating wealth of golden hair, and when his last word was spoken, she exclaimed "Ruth!" and began sobbing unrestrainedly.

At that moment there came a loud knock at the door, and even Ruth's mother, who