"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 sweet, upturned face with such coarse approbation, that the girl's eyes fell under his scrutiny. "Guess I may claim a brother's right a little beforehand," continued Dick, trying to draw Ruth to him. Ruth's eyes flashed, and she started back indignantly, saying: "Indeed, you shall do no such thing, Mr. Richard." "Come, come, Dick, Ruth isn't the girl to allow any liberty," interposed John, putting Ruth into a chair. "Prudish, eh? Ah, well, colonial life will soon knock that rubbish out of her," returned Dick, in an unpleasant tone. "So you're really bent on going as well, John?" asked his mother, anxiously. "Well, yes, mother; Ruth says she'll come after me, and I quite agree with Dick in thinking I ought to be doing better for myself." "It's hard to bring up children, and then see them go off to foreign parts so easily," murmured the poor mother. "Why, mother, you've got Susan, and Tom, and Bess all settled near, and I'll come over and pay you a visit when I've made my fortune; and you may be sure I'll never forget the dear old folks at home;" and John laid his hand affectionately upon his mother's shoulder. "I say, can't you stop your sentimental rubbish, and get to business?" cried Dick. The mother sighed, and knowing well what Dick would consider a necessary prelude and accompaniment to business arrangements, brought out a bottle of spirits, some hot water, and glasses. "Come, my dear, I'll just mix you a glass, and we'll make up our quarrel and be friends," said Dick graciously to Ruth. "Pray don't trouble, for I never take anything of the kind," replied Ruth, very stiffly. "Mean to say that you belong to the teetotal set!" "I do." "Well, I'm glad Jack's got better sense than to follow your example," answered Dick; and from that time he treated Ruth with open disdain.