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 for an instant; but circumstances did point that way. John, too, was surprised at the sudden abandoning of the plan, and, seeming to have no further reason for staying, bade them farewell in the formal fashion of the day. But Ruth walked with him to the door, and as he was about leaving the threshold, upon which he paused for a moment, she said, in a subdued tone that was not natural to her, "I am sorry, John, that I gave thee so much trouble."

"Sorry? Ruth, don't let such a trifle as that annoy thee. I am sorry I cannot be of any use to thee. So it is really settled that thee is going away." And John as he spoke looked directly into her eyes.

"Oh, yes, it has been settled for some time; but I do wish William Blake was not going in the same ship."

"Had I not better go too, to keep William from worrying thee?" asked John, trying hard to smile, but too much in earnest.

He had asked a question in mingled fun and seriousness to which she must reply, but how could she without opening up to him