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 simple games and pleasantries for the young folks. You have no objection, I hope." And Robert turned directly to Ruth's mother as he spoke.

Matthew Watson was annoyed beyond measure, but his fear of Ruth, who had finally deferred to his judgment, made him cautious. He waited a moment, and, finding his wife did not reply, said, "I hope, Neighbor Pearson, that thee has not in contemplation any worldliness to further poison Ruth's mind. Her lightness and want of care for spiritual things is a sore trial to us."

Ruth was on her feet in an instant, for she had not wholly risen when Robert entered the room, but a look from him checked her speech.

"As I am in thy house, and in their presence," pointing to Ruth and her mother, "it does not become me to inquire too closely into thy meaning. It sounds like rather a serious charge, this of poisoning Ruth's mind, but it is likely one of those high-sounding phrases so common in your people's mouths, that has very little behind it. Do you not