“‘Very well, dad,’ was all she said, and she looked perfectly composed, and was not even twisting her apron as she stood there before the court of justice.
“I think Amos was a little surprised, a little disappointed, at her compliance.
“‘You understand?’ he said, trying to emphasise the point which he had already
“‘I understand, dad,’ she said, still in that quiet and perfectly respectful voice.
“‘There’s a good girl,’ said Mrs. Pennistan, and she got up and kissed her daughter, who submitted passively.
“‘Now perhaps Mr. Malory’ll lend me a hand with the butter, or it’ll spoil,’ said Ruth, looking at me, and I followed her out to the dairy, expecting, I must confess, that she would turn upon me and rend me. But she remained severely practical as she set me to my task.
“I could bear it no longer.
“‘Ruth,’ I said, ‘I must be honest with you, even though it makes you angry. Your father asked my advice in this business, and I gave it him.’
“‘You shouldn’t stop,’ she said, ‘the butter’ll never set properly.’
“I returned to my churn.