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 advantage in many ways,—the law is on his side; so, above all else, appear to be obedient," said Robert, earnestly; "a good deal will depend upon thy power of acting a part."

"But I hate it! Why can't I speak out?"

"How like a woman! Mad in love with her lover, and before then mad in love with herself. Always acting a part, and a fetching one, too, that made many a Quaker breast thump like flails on the threshing-floor, and now she tells us she hates acting. Why, Ruth, was it not your sweet acting, the part you played, that won John?"

"Is this your important business, Cousin Robert? If so, I will go on to the house."

"Now, who is acting, Ruth? As if you could leave John in that heartless way. But come, let us talk seriously."

"I wish thee would," replied Ruth.

"Then let me unfold a plan, and ask for nothing but what we tell you," said Robert, speaking again in a sober, earnest way.

"That's like father; only so much as he sees fit to tell me."