Page:A Colonial Wooing.djvu/124

 finally said, "What is on thy mind, cousin? Thy gayety, that made the boys stare when we left the house, has all gone. Has thee repented of thy bargain already to see me to thy house? I know the way and can go unattended without risk. There are no drunken Indians lurking in the woods, I suppose." And Ruth looked archly at Robert, who still maintained a sobering silence.

"Well, cousin," Ruth again remarked, after they had gone some distance, "if thee doesn't speak soon I snail turn back."

"I was thinking, Ruth; and let me ask," said Robert at last, "was there anything serious going on when I called, or is it none of my business? I have noticed that your step-father has been very self-occupied of late, much more so than usual, and gives less attention to the affairs of the province, to every one's surprise."

"Why, don't thee know? I am offered a fortune if I will go back to England and stay there with my cousins. Uncle Timothy has done this, and I don't know whether I am glad or not. To-day, thee knows, I said I would