Chapter XVI.
The Departure of Ruth.
The day of Ruth's departure came at last, and she, knowing how full of events the next few days were likely to be, woman-like, was more eager to be off than distressed at the thought of leaving home. She knew, of course, far more than did her neighbors, but they, in their ignorance, attributed her "heartlessness" to that general strangeness that had marked all her career; and as John Bishop did not go about with a long face, it was supposed the engagement that had been rumored had been broken. "Poor John," his neighbors said among themselves, "to be carried away by a pretty face, but with nothing behind it." These comments may or may not have come to John's ears, but he made no sign. However much he might have liked to let the world know the truth, it was his part to remain silent; and while
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