Page:A Colonial Wooing.djvu/166

 is of our meeting, proposes to return with Ruth," replied Matthew, with evident doubt as to the effect of this information.

"And who is William Blake, may I ask? I do not recall the name."

"A young Friend from Nottingham that has been in the province for several years. He is much interested in Ruth, and will surely be company for her during the voyage."

"William, a young man, and Ruth, a young woman," remarked Thomas, slowly. "No, Matthew, I can give thee no advice, unless it is that thee reconsiders the whole matter; and let me add, the meeting will be lax in their duty if they do not inquire closely into this whole subject. Thy anxiety to have her go, whatever the way and whatever the consequence, is a strange view of parental duty."

"Is not her going for her own good,—good in both ways? She acquires an independence in England, and is saved from possible marriage with one whom I fear is not at heart a Friend. I am doubly doing