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 go, but poor mother—" And Ruth did not dare go on, her voice rapidly failing her.

"I have heard something of it, as has everybody in the township, but nothing very definite, and have been waiting for particulars, without caring to ask any pointed questions. Now, do please tell me all about it, if it is no secret," urged Robert. And she gave him all the details, so far as she knew them.

"That's very strange," her cousin remarked when she finished her story. "You should insist upon seeing the letter."

"It would be of no use to insist. He may have hidden or burnt it, for all I know."

"That is not likely, and others might prevail where you could not," Robert suggested.

"Then he might blame mother and worry her still more. No, no, don't do that." And Ruth showed she was frightened at the mere suggestion.

"Then I would not go," said Robert, impatiently.

"But I have promised now to do so, and