"Mother dear, with the coming of the spring I shall be eighteen years old, and so expected to speak for myself where I only am concerned, and that is but a short time off. Let me have the privilege now, for the importance of this letter will not admit of more delay. Father has said a decision must be reached, and I agree with him." And then, turning to her step-father, she asked, "Am I to read the letter myself, or is what thee has told me all that I am to know?"

"What I have told thee is all that thee need know, as I have already said to thee."

"Then if I err in judgment from ignorance of the truth, the sin will fall upon thee," Ruth replied, with a trace of anger in her voice.

"Ruth, Ruth, do have greater concern as to thy words. Father should have thy confidence."

"Yes, mother, should have," Ruth replied, in a manner that plainly indicated that he had not.

What seemed a long silence followed, the family all gazing at the fire, the parents with troubled faces, the boys curious and looking