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 as I passed the shop, and said he wished to speak with me. Besides, I had not seen him since the other day, and I had something to say to him; and why," Ruth's voice ringing with a trace of anger that meant defiance, as Matthew well knew, "should I not go to Neighbor Pearson's? Is not Robert cousin or something of mother's? When they seem not to want me I will stay away."

"Ruth, Ruth," gently spoke her mother, "thee forgets."

"No, mother, I forget nothing; it's a pity I didn't; but what is this wonderful letter all about? Was it sent to me, or mother, or who?" And Ruth showed by her rapid speaking that she was, if not quite a woman grown, so near it that she recognized the difference between it and childhood. Then kissing her mother, she said again, "Do tell me about this letter."

"If thee will compose thyself, Ruth," her step-father replied, "I will tell thee about it. It is from Revell Stacy, and he is authorized to inform thee, as he does through me, that thy uncle Timothy Davenport has left thee