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Good by, girls! I am homeward bound. To-night
I shall nod back Chocorua's welcome. Girls,
They talk of strikes,—they say that half the looms
Must stop, or wages be reduced. A muss
Of some kind will be stirring. So get leave
To come, and, till it settles, rest with me.
Come! I'm in earnest.”
Minta Summerfield
Stood in her cottage-bonnet and bright shawl
Outside the door, just as the bell rang in
The girls from half-hour breakfasting. They gave
Hurried replies, half-promises. The coach
Rolled out of sight. The summer seemed to go
With Minta's breezy laughter from their side;
Might they not follow?
Eleanor demurred,
Because of Isabel left behind. “But Ruth,

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Ruth will be with her; each will care for each;
And Isabel loves Ruth, and Ruth is kind.”