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 "Ruth, neither John nor I are willing that thee should go to England, if it can be prevented, and the question before us is, can we prevent it? I know of thy understanding with John, and so we will make no further reference to that, but let me add, I guessed it and was not told." And Robert looked at John and laughed heartily.

Poor John! he wished that Robert could attend to all this without his aid and he was busy in his shop. For the first time since their "understanding," as Robert called it, he had met Ruth, and under what strange circumstances; and the thought came stealing across his mind, Is this the conduct the world expects of a Friend? To enter into a conspiracy! But he saw Ruth's inquiring glances trying to read his thoughts, and forthwith all concern for other matters vanished. He had, in truth, but one thought, one aim, one ambition,—Ruth; and as he looked at her now, their glances meeting, he tried hard to have her read his heart.

"This is an ugly business, Ruth, and must be grappled with caution. Matthew has the