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A Colonial Wooing

not full. I do not think it will take long to make the change," said Mrs. Watson, in the same quiet way; "but here comes Ruth and she can judge."

"Yes, she can judge, so thee has always thought, and we have been led astray continually by allowing her to judge, where we should have done so for her. Thee has humored Ruth from her youth up, and so brought many a concern upon us," continued her husband, his impatience more and more pronounced.

"Well, father, the days of thy trials, so far as I am concerned, will very soon be over, so try to have a little more patience, and don't blame mother when I only am at fault. What are these?" And Ruth looked and pointed at the two chests.

"Ruth dear, John has sent them to thee for thy journey."

"How nice in him, when I said I did not need them! Thee knows I changed my mind when we talked the matter over."

"Talked the matter over?" repeated Matthew, in a surprised manner.

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