Page:A Colonial Wooing.djvu/157

 "How can I, with all these ventures in land upon my hands? I have hopes yet that she will not go; but if she does, I shall have to go after her and bring her back."

"If I can prevent it, she shall not go," said Robert, with an emphasis suggestive of an oath.

"But how can thee?" John asked, with much interest.

"How old is Ruth?"

"Eighteen in Third month next."

"Not eighteen until May; that's bad," said Robert, thoughtfully.

"Why, may I ask thee?"

"Until then she is a child and must obey her parents."

"Obey her mother, I suppose. Has Matthew any legal right over her?"

"His having supported her all these years would give him right, I suppose, but not if Ruth's mother had something from her first husband and she has supported Ruth, and I think that is the case. It would be an ill-judged step to interfere, but if Ruth will join us, if she really loves you and you her, why