A Colonial Wooing
such arrangement as had been suggested? His own efforts to solve a problem were always futile, and he sought John Bishop's advice; but there he could get no satisfaction. It was not an easy question to answer, and why not seek some prominent man of affairs; why not consult William Emley or Thomas Lambert? If distrustful of his partner, why not sell out, even at a loss? for it was worth something to be rid of worry. This last bit of advice was lost on William, however. What transpired after his last visit to John's shop William did not tell, but a bargain was reached, and he was for the second time free to come and go and to invest his steadily diminishing capital.
So the days passed. There was activity both within doors and without, for Ruth had to make her preparations for the journey, and her mother was busied about it too whenever her ordinary household duties would permit; but "why do this and why that?" her mother often asked. "Can thee not get better suited when thee gets home?" And her voice would always change at the utterance of that last
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