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 John nearly lost his temper, and after some struggling with himself, finally said, in rather commanding tones, "This is not the time to give to such matters; let us heat the irons and fit them now." And William Blake, with an imploring look towards Matthew, for he longed to hear something of Ruth that he might repeat to any callers who might happen in, worked vigorously at the bellows and sent myriads of sparks darting up the chimney.

Still, Matthew continued to gaze intently at the fire, unheeding William for the time, and vainly endeavoring to so collect his thoughts that he might at least fire a parting shot on retiring, and appear not to be the defeated man that he was. It would be something gained to have the truth concealed from William; but Matthew was not equal to the occasion. All he could say was, "Yes, William, Ruth is quite well, and would be pleased to see thee. The Friends have all been very kind."

William was about to follow Matthew Watson from the shop, desirous of sending Ruth some pretty message, it may be, but