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 long, and brought back with them the reply: ''Dear Ruth,—There is no mention of the size desired, and the brasses of one large chest will hardly fit two small ones. Shall I call for particulars?—J. B.''

Ruth laughed at the indefiniteness of her note, and while debating with herself as to the desirability of writing another and more explicit note, she saw John Bishop approaching the house.

"After the boys left," he said, on entering the house, "I thought to save thee trouble I had better come directly for the necessary directions. Of course I can make the chests, but I am puzzled about the old brasses."

"Oh dear, father is not home, and I do not know that I can have them. Never mind; I will use the old chest, which mother says can be mended. It was a foolish notion that I had of having two small chests instead of one that is large enough to hold all I've got and me too; at least this side of the ocean."

"What does thee think of Ruth's returning to England, John?" asked Ruth's mother,