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 always asked and his judgment requested. Robert Pearson saw that family matters had been under discussion, and he judged of their general character, for he had heard from Ruth all that she knew of the Stacy letter. "Goodness, Cousin Anne, you look as sober as an owl, and Ruth isn't much of an improvement over you. I'm almost afraid to mention my errand." By this time the traces of grief were pretty well effaced, and Ruth thought, as she saw her mother's effort to greet her cousin's chaffing with a smile,— Grief doth quickly come and go;
 * How small a thing is sorrow!

To-day 'tis only ill we know, "I hope I have not called at an unfortunate time and interrupted a family gathering."
 * But all goes well to-morrow.

"No, no, not at all, cousin; what was thy errand?" asked Ruth, hoping it referred to herself.

"It was to ask if Ruth might not return with me. Mrs. Pearson and the girls greatly desire her company, as we have planned a few