looks grave: I know she rather fears your picking up some fantastical
notions and growing to look down on your own people. But I don't fear
it. I look forward to seeing my little Ruth again next summer, grown
somewhat taller, perhaps, and wiser too, but still always my own Ruth."

"Yes, father," she answered, with something like a sob.

But Will, the eldest brother, who found that his father's speech and
Ruth's face were getting too much for his feelings, jumped up and seized
his hat, saying in his queer way that he must be off to the hay-field if
there was a prospect of showers, and he hoped Ruth would not run away
before he came back.

The other members of the family soon dispersed; and although Ruth's
departure was for days the all-absorbing topic of conversation, it was
generally referred to in a cheery way, and not in what Will called "the
sentimental strain."




CHAPTER IV.

THE JOURNEY.


Several letters passed between Mrs. Arnold and her sister-in-law; and as
it was arranged that Ruth was to go the following week, there was not
much time for preparation, and every spare minute was fully occupied.
Her entire wardrobe had to be inspected and replenished, as far as