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 "We cannot approve of it; she is but a child and thee has yet thy way to make in the world. It will be years yet before thou hast acquired—"

"Stop!" interrupted John, with a step forward that was just short of a menace. "I do not know what the common report is, but I would like to know who started it. And my eyes rest upon Ruth, do they? in meeting. Well, I suppose thee means upon her bonnet, for it covers her head more completely than thy hat does thine. And my thoughts are upon her! Did thee not say she was but a child? If I mistake not, she is almost out of her childhood, and thee can rest assured that her own thoughts of her own self will be entirely respected by John Bishop. I do not know what thy plans for the future may be concerning Ruth, nor is it my business at all, but if ever a young man may speak to an older one advisedly, let me say, at this time, that thy plans will come to nothing unless they accord with Ruth's. And now, if thee pleases, I will return to my work, for there are neighbors waiting for me." And saying this,