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 have brought in," pointing to the herbs in bundles lying upon the table; "if thee gets short of hay, thee'll know where to come."

"I would prefer to find thee less given to levity when I come in. The Friends have said thee has been quite unmoved by their admonitions and prayers and so given offence that reflects upon me. I am sorry thee is not led to be inwardly as well as outwardly a Friend."

"What, mother, is thy word as to the meeting forced upon us; had I not cause to break up what even thee thought an unwise assembling?" asked Ruth, quite indifferent to what her step-father had said, and plainly showing what she felt.

"Ruth, I did not say so; the Friends were very kind," replied her mother, frightened lest she should also be scolded by her husband.

"I know thee did not say so, but that was in thy thoughts, and thee smiled when I talked of the oceans of herb tea." And then, after saying this to her mother, Ruth turned about, and with perfect fearlessness in her