"Don't take on so, Ruthie. It will only be a short separation, and we're
bound to each other for life," said John, trying to soothe her.

"I've no fear in letting you go from me, John," answered Ruth, proudly,
through her tears; "and after you're once gone, I shall look forward to
seeing you again." And the lump in Ruth's throat was choked back, and
she sat up with an air that was plainly intended to carry a warning to
any rebellious tears that might threaten.

"And now, John, tell me about your brother. Is he like you?"

John laughed.

"I'm afraid you wouldn't think so, Ruthie, and I can't say Australia has
much improved him. However, you must judge for yourself, for I shall
take you to see him soon. He sent kind messages to you, and is anxious
to make your acquaintance."

But Dick was soon dismissed from the conversation, for Ruth and John had
much to talk over that was of far more interest even than a brother
newly arrived from the other side of the world. Before they parted that
night, John had succeeded in imparting to Ruth a little of his own
enthusiasm in view of the new life he was about to enter upon, though
her last thought before closing her weary eyes in sleep was: "Women feel
so differently from men, and I must try and not discourage John by any
of my fears, poor boy!"

A few days later she accompanied John to his home.

"Dick's out, my dear, but he'll be in directly, as he knew you were
coming," said Mrs. Greenwood, affectionately greeting Ruth.

"He don't care to spend much of his time with his old father and mother,
Dick don't," complained Mr. Greenwood.

"We can hardly expect he'd settle down to our quiet ways, father, such a
boy for company as he is. John's different now, and he'll be sure to
make a comfortable stay-at-home husband; but then he hasn't the go in
him that my Dick has."

"He's quite sufficient, anyhow," said Ruth quickly, with an instinctive
feeling of dislike towards the brother who she felt must be so different
to John. Truly, as the door opened just then, and Dick's ungainly figure
appeared, the contrast between the brothers was striking. Ruth's inward
comment was not complimentary, but she struggled with herself, and when
John said by way of introduction, "Dick, I've brought Ruthie to see
you," she stretched out her hand with no hesitation of manner.

"Glad to see you, my lass. Jack's a more knowing dog than I thought for,
I declare," he exclaimed, looking at Ruth's swe