A Colonial Wooing
hood, or were here before we came. The only impression I ever made on John Bishop was when I jumped from the overturning boat and landed on his feet. I noticed he limped for half an hour afterwards."
"Ruth, Ruth, will thee never be serious?" asked her mother, in despair.
"Never, mother dear, when thee persists in talking in such a way. John Bishop has his shop to look after, and I do not believe his business is so flourishing that he is thinking of a wife. Thee need not fear my friendly greeting, when we happen to meet, will cause him to lose his heart, and I have yet got mine in my own keeping. Why, mother, I'm but seventeen and he is—must be thirty. Really, you seem to be putting such ideas in my head in hopes that I will soon marry and leave you. Do you want me to leave you, mother dear, so very, very soon?" And again those deep blue eyes opened widely and pleaded, as usual, far more eloquently than any words.
"Indeed, I do not, Ruth, as thee should know;" but Ruth felt that perhaps her mother
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