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 told to my face that I cannot see or have the custody of my child."

"She is not your child!" exclaimed Robert, angrily, "and she is my cousin, though a distant one, and until she is safely married she shall not leave me, unless it be her will to do so; and now let's put an end to this palaver. Go tell Cousin Anne that Ruth is safe, and if you've any sense of decency, keep out of sight."

Robert's manner spoke as plainly as his words; and Matthew, seeing there was nothing to be gained by prolonging his stay, picked up his ungainly hat and with a most formal and scarcely audible "farewell" left the house.