soearnest
—
his
pictures
of
Indian
life
so
beautiful
,
and
his
strong
affection
for
the
converts
he
described
now
and
then
making
his
eyes
fill
,
and
his
voice
falter
,
as
if
losing
the
thread
of
his
studied
composition
—
a
true
and
dignified
work
of
art
,
that
made
Dr.
May
whisper
to
Flora
,
"
You
see
what
he
can
do
.
They
would
have
given
anything
to
have
had
him
for
a
lecturer
.
"
With
half
a
sigh
,
Ethel
saw
Norman
rise
,
and
step
forward
.
He
began
with
eyes
fixed
on
the
ground
,
and
,
in
a
low
modest
tone
,
to
speak
of
the
islands
that
Harry
had
visited
;
but
gradually
the
poetic
nature
,
inherent
in
him
,
gained
the
mastery
;
and
though
his
language
was
strikingly
simple
,
in
contrast
with
Dr.
Spencer
's
ornate
periods
,
and
free
from
all
trace
of
"
the
lamp
,
"
it
rose
in
beauty
and
fervour
at
every
sentence
.
The
feelings
that
had
decided
his
lot
gave
energy
to
his
discourse
,
and
repressed
as
they
had
been
by
reserve
and
diffidence
,
now
flowed
forth
,
and
gave
earnestness
to
natural
gifts
of
eloquence
of
the
highest
order
.
After
his
quiet
,
unobtrusive
beginning
,
there
was
the
more
wonder
to
find
how
he
seemed
to
raise
up
the
audience
with
him
,
in
breathless
attention
,
as
to
a
strain
of
sweet
music
,
carrying
them
without
thought
of
the
scene
,
or
of
the
speaker
,
to
the
lovely
isles
,
and
the
inhabitants
of
noble
promise
,
but
withering
for
lack
of
knowledge
;
and
finally
closing
his
speech
,
when
they
were
wrought
up
to
the
highest
pitch
,
by
an
appeal
that
touched
them
all
home
;
'
for
well
did
he
know
,
'
said
he
,
'
that
the
universal
brotherhood
was
drawn
closest
in
circles
nearer
home
,
that
beneath
the
shadow
of
their
own
old
Minster
,
gladness
and
mourning
floated
alike
for
all
;
and
that
all
those
who
had
shared
in
the
welcome
to
one
,
given
back
as
it
were
from
the
grave
,
would
own
the
same
debt
of
gratitude
to
the
hospitable
islanders
.
'
He
ceased
.
His
father
wiped
his
spectacles
,
and
almost
audibly
murmured
,
"
Bless
him
!
"
Ethel
,
who
had
sat
like
one
enchanted
,
forgetting
who
spoke
,
forgetting
all
save
the
islanders
,
half-turned
,
and
met
Richard
's
smiling
eyes
,
and
his
whisper
—
"
I
told
you
so
.
"
The
impress
of
a
man
of
true
genius
and
power
had
been
made
throughout
the
whole
assembly
;
the
Archdeacon
put
Norman
out
of
countenance
by
the
thanks
of
the
meeting
,
for
his
admirable
speech
,
and
all
the
world
,
except
the
Oxford
men
,
were
in
a
state
of
as
much
surprise
as
pleasure
.
'
Splendid
speaker
,
Norman
May
,
if
he
would
oftener
put
himself
out
,
'
Harvey
Anderson
commented
.
'
Pity
he
has
so
many
of
the
good
Doctor
's
prejudices
!
'
'
Well
,
to
be
sure
!
'
quoth
Mrs.
Ledwich
.
'
I
knew
Mr.
Norman
was
very
clever
,
but
I
declare
I
never
thought
of
such
as
this
!
I
will
try
my
poor
utmost
for
those
interesting
natives
.
'
'
That
youth
has
first-rate
talents
,
'
said
Lord
Cosham
.
'
Do
you
know
what
he
is
designed
for
?
I
should
like
to
bring
him
forward
.
'
'
Ah
!
'
said
Dr.
Hoxton
.
'
The
year
I
sent
off
May
and
Anderson
was
the
proudest
year
of
my
life
!
'
'
Upon
my
word
!
'
declared
Mrs.
Elwood
.
'
That
Dr.
Spencer
is
as
good
as
a
book
,
but
Mr.
Norman
—
I
say
,
father
we
will
go
without
the
new
clock
,
but
we
'll
send
somewhat
to
they
men
that
built
up
the
Church
,
and
has
no
Minister
.
'
'
A
good
move
that
,
'
said
Dr.
Spencer
.
'
Worth
at
least
£
20.
That
boy
has
the
temperament
of
an
orator
,
if
the
morbid
were
but
a
grain
less
.
'
'
O
Margaret
,
'
exclaimed
Blanche
.
'
Dr
.
Spencer
made
the
finest
speech
you
ever
heard
,
only
it
was
rather
tiresome
;
and
Norman
made
everybody
cry
—
and
Mary
worse
than
all
!
'
'
There
is
no
speaking
of
it
.
One
should
live
such
things
,
not
talk
over
them
,
'
said
Meta
Rivers
.
Margaret
received
the
reports
of
the
select
few
,
who
visited
her
up-stairs
,
where
she
was
kept
quiet
,
and
only
heard
the
hum
of
the
swarm
,
whom
Dr.
May
,
in
vehement
hospitality
,
had
brought
home
to
luncheon
,
to
Ethel
's
great
dread
,
lest
there
should
not
be
enough
for
them
to
eat
.
Margaret
pitied
her
sisters
,
but
heard
that
all
was
going
well
;
that
Flora
was
taking
care
of
the
elders
,
and
Harry
and
Mary
were
making
the
younger
fry
very
merry
at
the
table
on
the
lawn
.
Dr.
May
had
to
start
early
to
see
a
sick
gardener
at
Drydale
before
coming
on
to
Cocksmoor
,
and
came
up
to
give
his
daughter
a
few
minutes
.
'
We
get
on
famously
,
'
he
said
.
'
Ethel
does
well
when
she
is
in
for
it
,
like
Norman
.
I
had
no
notion
what
was
in
the
lad
.
They
are
perfectly
amazed
with
his
speech
.
It
seems
hard
to
give
such
as
he
is
up
to
those
outlandish
places
—
but
there
,
his
speech
should
have
taught
me
better
—
one
's
best
—
and
,
now
and
then
,
he
seems
my
best
.
'
'
One
comfort
is
,
'
said
Margaret
,
smiling
,
'
you
would
miss
Ethel
more
.
'
'
Gallant
old
King
!
I
am
glad
she
has
had
her
wish
—
Good-bye
,
my
Margaret
,
we
will
think
of
you
—
I
wish
—
'
'
I
am
very
happy
,
'
was
Margaret
's
gentle
re-assurance
.
'
The
dear
little
Daisy
looks
just
as
her
godfather
imagined
her
—
'
and
happy
was
her
face
when
her
father
quitted
her
.
Margaret
's
next
visitor
was
Meta
,
who
came
to
reclaim
her
bonnet
,
and
,
with
a
merry
smile
,
to
leave
word
that
she
was
walking
on
to
Cocksmoor
.
Margaret
remonstrated
on
the
heat
.
'
Let
me
alone
,
'
said
she
,
making
her
pretty
wilful
gesture
.
'
Ethel
and
Mary
ought
to
have
a
lift
,
and
I
have
had
no
walking
to-day
.
'
'
My
dear
,
you
do
n't
know
how
far
it
is
.
You
ca
n't
go
alone
.
'
'
I
am
lying
in
wait
for
Miss
Bracy
,
or
something
innocent
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
In
good
time
—
here
comes
Tom
.
'
Tom
entered
,
declaring
that
he
had
come
to
escape
from
the
clack
down-stairs
.
'
I
'll
promise
not
to
clack
,
if
you
will
be
so
kind
as
to
take
care
of
me
to
Cocksmoor
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
Do
you
intend
to
walk
?
'
'
If
you
will
let
me
be
your
companion
.
'
'
I
shall
be
most
happy
,
'
said
Tom
,
colouring
with
gratification
,
such
as
he
might
not
have
felt
,
had
he
known
that
he
was
chosen
for
his
innocence
.
He
took
a
passing
glimpse
at
his
neck-tie
,
screwed
up
the
nap
of
his
glossy
hat
to
the
perfection
of
its
central
point
,
armed
himself
with
a
knowing
little
stick
,
and
hurried
his
fair
companion
out
by
the
back-door
,
as
much
afraid
of
losing
the
glory
of
being
her
sole
protector
as
she
was
of
falling
in
with
an
escort
of
as
much
consequence
,
in
other
eyes
,
as
was
Mr.
Thomas
in
his
own
.
She
knew
him
less
than
any
of
the
rest
,
and
her
first
amusement
was
,
keeping
silence
to
punish
him
for
complaining
of
clack
;
but
he
explained
that
he
did
not
mean
quiet
,
sensible
conversation
—
he
only
referred
to
those
foolish
women
's
raptures
over
the
gabble
they
had
been
hearing
at
the
Town
Hall
.
She
exclaimed
,
whereupon
he
began
to
criticise
the
speakers
with
a
good
deal
of
acuteness
,
exposing
the
weak
points
,
but
magnanimously
owning
that
it
was
tolerable
for
the
style
of
thing
,
and
might
go
down
at
Stoneborough
.
'
I
wonder
you
did
not
stay
away
as
Harry
did
.
'
'
I
thought
it
would
be
marked
,
'
observed
the
thread-paper
Tom
,
as
if
he
had
been
at
least
County
member
.
'
You
did
quite
right
,
'
said
Meta
,
really
thinking
so
.
'
I
wished
to
hear
Dr.
Spencer
,
too
,
'
said
Tom
.
'
There
is
a
man
who
does
know
how
to
speak
!
He
has
seen
something
of
the
world
,
and
knows
what
he
is
talking
of
.
'
'
But
he
did
not
come
near
Norman
.
'
'
I
hated
listening
to
Norman
,
'
said
Tom
.
'
Why
should
he
go
and
set
his
heart
on
those
black
savages
?
'
'
They
are
not
savages
in
New
Zealand
.
'
'
They
are
all
niggers
together
,
'
said
Tom
,
vehemently
.
'
I
cannot
think
why
Norman
should
care
for
them
more
than
for
his
own
brothers
and
sisters
.
All
I
know
is
,
that
if
I
were
my
father
,
I
would
never
give
my
consent
.
'
'
It
is
lucky
you
are
not
,
'
said
Meta
,
smiling
defiance
,
though
a
tear
shone
in
her
eye
.
'
Dr
.
May
makes
the
sacrifice
with
a
free
heart
and
willing
mind
.
'
'
Everybody
goes
and
sacrifices
somebody
else
,
'
grumbled
Tom
.
'
Who
are
the
victims
now
?
'
'
All
of
us
.
What
are
we
to
do
without
Norman
?
He
is
worth
all
of
us
put
together
;
and
I
—
'
Meta
was
drawn
to
the
boy
as
she
had
never
been
before
,
as
he
broke
off
short
,
his
face
full
of
emotion
,
that
made
him
remind
her
of
his
father
.
'
You
might
go
out
and
follow
in
his
steps
,
'
said
she
,
as
the
most
consoling
hope
she
could
suggest
.
'
Not
I
.
Do
n't
you
know
what
is
to
happen
to
me
?
Ah
!
Flora
has
not
told
you
.
I
thought
she
would
not
think
it
grand
enough
.
She
talked
about
diplomacy
—
'
'
But
what
?
'
asked
Meta
,
anxiously
.
'
Only
that
I
am
to
stick
to
the
old
shop
,
'
said
Tom
.
'
Do
n't
tell
anyone
;
I
would
not
have
the
fellows
know
it
.
'
'
Do
you
mean
your
father
's
profession
?
'
'
Aye
!
'
'
Oh
!
Tom
,
you
do
n't
talk
of
that
as
if
you
despised
it
?
'
'
If
it
is
good
enough
for
him
,
it
is
good
enough
for
me
,
I
suppose
,
'
said
Tom
.
'
I
hate
everything
,
when
I
think
of
my
brothers
'
going
over
the
world
,
while
I
,
do
what
I
will
,
I
must
be
tied
down
to
this
slow
place
all
the
rest
of
my
days
.
'
'
If
you
were
away
,
you
would
be
longing
after
it
.
'
'
Yes
;
but
I
ca
n't
get
away
.
'
'
Surely
,
if
the
notion
is
so
unpleasant
to
you
,
Dr.
May
would
never
insist
?
'
'
It
is
my
free
choice
,
and
that
's
the
worst
of
it
.
'
'
I
do
n't
understand
.
'
'
Do
n't
you
see
?
Norman
told
me
it
would
be
a
great
relief
to
him
,
if
I
would
turn
my
mind
that
way
—
and
I
ca
n't
go
against
Norman
.
I
found
he
thought
he
must
,
if
I
did
not
;
and
,
you
know
,
he
is
fit
for
all
sorts
of
things
that
—
Besides
,
he
has
a
squeamishness
about
him
,
that
makes
him
turn
white
,
if
one
does
but
cut
one
's
finger
,
and
how
he
would
ever
go
through
the
hospitals
—
'
Meta
suspected
that
Tom
was
inclined
to
launch
into
horrors
.
'
So
you
wanted
to
spare
him
,
'
she
said
.
'
Aye
!
and
papa
was
so
pleased
by
my
offering
,
that
I
ca
n't
say
a
word
of
the
bore
it
is
.
If
I
were
to
back
out
,
it
would
come
upon
Aubrey
,
and
he
is
weakly
,
and
so
young
,
that
he
could
not
help
my
father
for
many
years
.
'
Meta
was
much
struck
at
the
motives
that
actuated
the
self-sacrifice
,
veiled
by
the
sullen
manner
which
she
almost
began
to
respect
.
'
What
is
done
for
such
reasons
must
make
you
happy
,
'
she
said
;
'
though
there
may
be
much
that
is
disagreeable
.
'
'
Not
the
study
,
'
said
Tom
.
'
The
science
is
famous
work
.
I
like
what
I
see
of
it
in
my
father
's
books
,
and
there
's
a
splendid
skeleton
at
the
hospital
,
that
I
long
to
be
at
.
If
it
were
not
for
Stoneborough
,
it
would
be
all
very
well
;
but
,
if
I
should
get
on
ever
so
well
at
the
examinations
,
it
all
ends
here
!
I
must
come
back
,
and
go
racing
about
this
miserable
circuit
,
just
like
your
gold
pheasant
rampaging
in
his
cage
,
seeing
the
same
stupid
people
all
my
days
.
'
'
I
think
,
'
said
Meta
,
in
a
low
,
heartfelt
voice
,
'
it
is
a
noble
,
beautiful
thing
to
curb
down
your
ambition
for
such
causes
.
Tom
,
I
like
you
for
it
.
'
The
glance
of
those
beautiful
eyes
was
worth
having
.
Tom
coloured
a
little
,
but
assumed
his
usual
gruffness
.
'
I
ca
n't
bear
sick
people
,
'
he
said
.
'
It
has
always
seemed
to
me
,
'
said
Meta
,
'
that
few
lives
could
come
up
to
Dr.
May
's
.
Think
of
going
about
,
always
watched
for
with
hope
,
often
bringing
gladness
and
relief
;
if
nothing
else
,
comfort
and
kindness
,
his
whole
business
doing
good
.
'
'
One
is
paid
for
it
,
'
said
Tom
.
'
Nothing
could
ever
repay
Dr.
May
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
Can
anyone
feel
the
fee
anything
but
a
mere
form
?
Besides
,
think
of
the
numbers
and
numbers
that
he
takes
nothing
from
;
and
,
oh
!
to
how
many
he
has
brought
the
most
real
good
,
when
they
would
have
shut
their
doors
against
it
in
any
other
form
?
Oh
!
Tom
,
I
think
none
of
you
guess
how
everyone
feels
about
your
father
.
I
recollect
one
poor
woman
saying
,
after
he
had
attended
her
brother
,
"
He
could
not
save
his
body
,
but
,
surely
,
ma'am
,
I
think
he
was
the
saving
of
his
soul
.
"
'
'
It
is
of
no
use
to
talk
of
my
being
like
my
father
,
'
said
Tom
.
Meta
thought
perhaps
not
,
but
she
was
full
of
admiration
of
his
generosity
,
and
said
,
'
Your
will
make
it
the
same
work
of
love
,
and
charity
is
the
true
glory
.
'
Any
inroad
on
Tom
's
reserved
and
depressed
nature
was
a
benefit
;
and
he
was
of
an
age
to
be
susceptible
of
the
sympathy
of
one
so
pretty
and
so
engaging
.
He
had
never
been
so
much
gratified
or
encouraged
,
and
,
wishing
to
prolong
the
tête
à
tête
,
he
choose
to
take
the
short
cut
through
the
fir-planations
,
unfrequented
on
account
of
the
perpendicular
,
spiked
railings
that
divided
it
from
the
lane
.
Meta
was
humming-bird
enough
to
be
undismayed
.
She
put
hand
and
foot
wherever
he
desired
,
flattered
him
by
letting
him
handily
help
her
up
,
and
bounded
light
as
a
feather
down
on
the
other
side
,
congratulating
herself
on
the
change
from
the
dusty
lane
to
the
whispering
pine
woods
,
between
which
wound
the
dark
path
,
bestrewn
with
brown
slippery
needle-leaves
,
and
edged
with
the
delicate
feathering
ling
and
tufts
of
soft
grass
.
Tom
had
miscalculated
the
chances
of
interruption
.
Meta
was
lingering
to
track
the
royal
high-way
of
some
giant
ants
to
their
fir-leaf
hillock
,
when
they
were
hailed
from
behind
,
and
her
squire-felt
ferocious
at
the
sight
of
Norman
and
Harry
closing
the
perspective
of
fir-trunks
.
'
Hollo
!
Tom
,
what
a
guide
you
are
!
'
exclaimed
Norman
.
'
That
fence
which
even
Ethel
and
Mary
avoid
!
'
'
Mary
climbs
like
a
cow
,
and
Ethel
like
a
father-long-legs
,
'
said
Tom
.
'
Now
,
Meta
flies
like
a
bird
.
'
'
And
Tom
helped
me
so
cleverly
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
It
was
an
excellent
move
,
to
get
into
the
shade
and
this
delicious
pine-tree
fragrance
.
'
'
Halt
!
'
said
Norman
—
'
this
is
too
fast
for
Meta
.
'
'
I
cannot
,
'
said
Harry
.
'
I
must
get
there
in
time
to
set
Dr.
Spencer
's
tackle
to
rights
.
He
is
tolerably
knowing
about
knots
,
but
there
is
a
dodge
beyond
him
.
Come
on
,
Tom
.
'
He
drew
on
the
reluctant
Etonian
,
who
looked
repiningly
back
at
the
increasing
distance
between
him
and
the
other
pair
,
till
a
turn
in
the
path
cut
off
his
view
.
'
I
am
afraid
you
do
not
know
what
you
have
undertaken
,
'
said
Norman
.
'
I
am
a
capital
walker
.
And
I
know
,
or
do
not
know
,
how
often
Ethel
takes
the
same
walk
.
'
'
Ethel
is
no
rule
.
'
'
She
ought
to
be
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
To
be
like
her
has
always
been
my
ambition
.
'
'
Circumstances
have
formed
Ethel
.
'
'
Circumstances
!
What
an
ambiguous
word
!
Either
Providence
pointing
to
duty
,
or
the
world
drawing
us
from
it
.
'
'
Stepping-stones
,
or
stumbling-blocks
.
'
'
And
oh
!
the
difficult
question
,
when
to
bend
them
,
or
to
bend
to
them
!
'
'
There
must
be
always
some
guiding
,
'
said
Norman
.
'
I
believe
there
is
,
'
said
Meta
,
'
but
when
trumpet-peals
are
ringing
around
,
it
is
hard
to
know
whether
one
is
really
"
waiting
beside
the
tent
,
"
or
only
dawdling
.
'
'
It
is
great
selfdenial
in
the
immoveable
square
not
to
join
the
charge
,
'
said
Norman
.
'
Yes
,
but
they
,
being
shot
at
,
are
not
deceiving
themselves
.
'
'
I
suppose
self-deception
on
those
points
is
very
common
.
'
'
Especially
among
young
ladies
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
I
hear
so
much
of
what
girls
would
do
,
if
they
might
,
or
could
,
that
I
long
to
see
them
like
Ethel
—
do
what
they
can
.
And
then
it
strikes
me
that
I
am
doing
the
same
,
living
wilfully
in
indulgence
,
and
putting
my
trust
in
my
own
misgivings
and
discontent
.
'
'
I
should
have
thought
that
discontent
had
as
little
to
do
with
you
,
as
with
any
living
creature
.
'
'
You
do
n't
know
how
I
could
growl
!
'
said
Meta
,
laughing
.
'
Though
less
from
having
anything
to
complain
of
,
than
from
having
nothing
to
complain
of
.
'
'
You
mean
,
'
he
said
,
pausing
,
with
a
seriousness
and
hesitation
that
startled
her
.
'
Do
you
mean
that
this
is
not
the
course
of
life
that
you
would
choose
?
'
A
sort
of
bashfulness
made
her
put
her
answer
playfully
,
'
"
All
play
and
no
work
makes
Jack
a
mere
toy
.
"
'
'
Toys
have
a
kindly
mission
,
and
I
may
be
good
for
nothing
else
;
but
I
would
have
rather
been
a
coffee-pot
than
a
China
shepherdess
.
'
The
gaiety
disconcerted
him
,
and
he
seemed
to
try
to
be
silent
,
or
to
reply
in
the
same
tone
,
but
he
could
not
help
returning
to
the
subject
.
'
Then
you
find
no
charm
in
the
refinements
to
which
you
have
been
brought
up
?
'
'
Only
too
much
,
'
said
Meta
.
He
was
silent
,
and
fearing
to
have
added
to
his
fine
lady
impression
,
she
resumed
.
'
I
mean
that
I
never
could
dislike
anything
,
and
kindness
gives
these
things
a
soul
;
but
,
of
course
,
I
should
be
better
satisfied
,
if
I
lived
harder
,
and
had
work
to
do
.
'
'
Meta
!
'
he
exclaimed
,
'
you
tempt
me
very
much
!
Would
you
?
—
No
,
it
is
too
unreasonable
.
Would
you
share
—
share
the
work
that
I
have
undertaken
?
'
He
turned
aside
and
leant
against
a
tree
,
as
if
not
daring
to
watch
the
effect
of
the
agitated
words
that
had
broken
from
him
.
She
had
little
imagined
whither
his
last
sayings
had
been
tending
,
and
stood
still
,
breathless
with
the
surprise
.
'
Forgive
me
,
'
he
said
,
hastily
.
'
It
was
very
wrong
.
I
never
meant
to
have
vexed
you
,
by
the
betrayal
of
my
vain
affection
.
'
He
seemed
to
be
going
,
and
this
roused
her
.
'
Stay
,
Norman
,
'
exclaimed
she
.
'
Why
should
it
vex
me
?
I
should
like
it
very
much
,
indeed
.
'
He
faced
suddenly
towards
her
;
'
Meta
,
Meta
!
is
it
possible
?
Do
you
know
what
you
are
saying
?
'
'
I
think
I
do
.
'
'
You
must
understand
me
,
'
said
Norman
,
striving
to
speak
calmly
.
'
You
have
been
—
Words
will
not
express
what
you
have
been
to
me
for
years
past
,
but
I
thought
you
too
far
beyond
my
hopes
.
I
knew
I
ought
to
be
removed
from
you
—
I
believed
that
those
who
are
debarred
from
earthly
happiness
,
are
marked
for
especial
tasks
.
I
never
intended
you
to
know
what
actuated
me
,
and
now
the
work
is
undertaken
,
and
—
and
I
cannot
turn
back
—
'
he
added
,
quickly
,
as
if
fearing
himself
.
'
No
indeed
,
'
was
her
steady
reply
.
'
Then
I
may
believe
it
!
'
cried
Norman
.
'
You
do
—
you
will
—
you
deliberately
choose
to
share
it
with
me
?
'
'
I
will
try
not
to
be
a
weight
on
you
,
'
answered
the
young
girl
,
with
a
sweet
mixture
of
resolution
and
humility
.
'
It
would
be
the
greatest
possible
privilege
.
I
really
do
not
think
I
am
a
fine
lady
ingrain
,
and
you
will
teach
me
not
to
be
too
unworthy
.
'
'
I
?
O
Meta
,
you
know
not
what
I
am
.
Yet
with
you
,
with
you
to
inspire
,
to
strengthen
,
to
cheer
—
Meta
,
Meta
,
life
is
so
much
changed
before
me
,
that
I
cannot
understand
it
yet
—
after
the
long
dreary
hopelessness
—
'
'
I
ca
n't
think
why
—
'
Meta
had
half
said
,
when
feminine
dignity
checked
the
words
,
consciousness
and
confusion
suddenly
assailed
her
,
dyed
her
cheeks
crimson
,
and
stifled
her
voice
.
It
was
the
same
with
Norman
,
and
bashfulness
making
a
sudden
prey
of
both
—
on
they
went
under
its
dominion
,
in
a
condition
partaking
equally
of
discomfort
and
felicity
;
dreading
the
sound
of
their
own
voices
,
afraid
of
each
other
's
faces
,
feeling
they
were
treating
each
other
very
strangely
and
ungratefully
,
yet
without
an
idea
what
to
say
next
,
or
the
power
of
speaking
first
;
and
therefore
pacing
onwards
,
looking
gravely
straight
along
the
path
,
as
if
to
prevent
the
rabbits
and
fox-gloves
from
guessing
that
anything
had
been
passing
between
them
.
Dr.
May
had
made
his
call
at
Drydale
,
and
was
driving
up
a
rough
lane
,
between
furzey
banks
,
leading
to
Cocksmoor
,
when
he
was
aware
of
a
tall
gentleman
on
one
side
of
the
road
and
a
little
lady
on
the
other
,
with
the
whole
space
of
the
cart-track
between
them
,
advancing
soberly
towards
him
.
'
Hollo
!
Why
,
Meta
!
Norman
!
what
brings
you
here
?
Where
are
you
going
?
'
Norman
perceived
that
he
had
turned
to
the
left
instead
of
to
the
right
,
and
was
covered
with
shame
.
'
That
is
all
your
wits
are
good
for
.
It
is
well
I
met
you
,
or
you
would
have
led
poor
Meta
a
pretty
dance
!
You
will
know
better
than
to
trust
yourself
to
the
mercies
of
a
scholar
another
time
.
Let
me
give
you
a
lift
.
'
The
courteous
Doctor
sprang
out
to
hand
Meta
in
,
but
something
made
him
suddenly
desire
Adams
to
drive
on
,
and
then
turning
round
to
the
two
young
people
,
he
said
,
'
Oh
!
'
'
Yes
,
'
said
Norman
,
taking
her
hand
,
and
drawing
her
towards
him
.
'
What
,
Meta
,
my
pretty
one
,
is
it
really
so
?
Is
he
to
be
happy
after
all
?
Are
you
to
be
a
Daisy
of
my
own
?
'
'
If
you
will
let
me
,
'
murmured
Meta
,
clinging
to
her
kind
old
friend
.
'
No
flower
on
earth
could
come
so
naturally
to
us
,
'
said
Dr.
May
.
'
And
,
dear
child
,
at
last
I
may
venture
to
tell
you
that
you
have
a
sanction
that
you
will
value
more
than
mine
.
Yes
,
my
dear
,
on
the
last
day
of
your
dear
father
's
life
,
when
some
foreboding
hung
upon
him
,
he
spoke
to
me
of
your
prospects
,
and
singled
out
this
very
Norman
as
such
as
he
would
prefer
.
'
Meta
's
tears
prevented
all
,
save
the
two
little
words
,
'
thank
you
;
'
but
she
put
out
her
hand
to
Norman
,
as
she
still
rested
on
the
Doctor
's
arm
,
more
as
if
he
had
been
her
mother
than
Norman
's
father
.
'
Did
he
?
'
from
Norman
,
was
equally
inexpressive
of
the
almost
incredulous
gratitude
and
tenderness
of
his
feeling
.
It
would
not
bear
talking
over
at
that
moment
,
and
Dr.
May
presently
broke
the
silence
in
a
playful
tone
.
'
So
,
Meta
,
good
men
do
n't
like
heiresses
?
'
'
Quite
true
,
'
said
Meta
,
'
it
was
very
much
against
me
.
'
'
Or
it
may
be
the
other
way
,
'
said
Norman
.
'
Eh
?
Good
men
do
n't
like
heiresses
—
here
's
a
man
who
likes
an
heiress
—
therefore
here
's
a
man
that
is
not
good
?
Ah
,
ha
!
Meta
,
you
can
see
that
is
false
logic
,
though
I
've
forgotten
mine
.
—
And
pray
,
Miss
,
what
are
we
to
say
to
your
uncle
?
'
'
He
cannot
help
it
,
'
said
Meta
,
quickly
.
'
Ha
!
'
said
the
Doctor
,
laughing
,
'
we
remember
our
twenty-one
years
,
do
we
?
'
'
I
did
not
mean
—
I
hope
I
said
nothing
wrong
,
'
said
Meta
,
in
blushing
distress
.
'
Only
after
what
you
said
,
I
can
care
for
nothing
else
.
'
'
If
I
could
only
thank
him
,
'
said
Norman
,
fervently
.
'
I
believe
you
know
how
to
do
that
,
my
boy
,
'
said
Dr.
May
,
looking
tenderly
at
the
fairy
figure
between
them
,
and
ending
with
a
sigh
,
remembering
,
perhaps
,
the
sense
of
protection
with
which
he
had
felt
another
Margaret
lean
on
his
arm
.
The
clatter
of
horses
'
hoofs
caused
Meta
to
withdraw
her
hand
,
and
Norman
to
retreat
to
his
own
side
of
the
lane
,
as
Sir
Henry
Walkinghame
and
his
servant
overtook
them
.
'
We
will
be
in
good
time
for
the
proceedings
,
'
called
out
the
Doctor
.
'
Tell
them
we
are
coming
.
'
'
I
did
not
know
you
were
walking
,
'
said
Sir
Henry
,
to
Meta
.
'
It
is
pleasant
in
the
plantations
,
'
Dr.
May
answered
for
her
;
'
but
I
am
afraid
we
are
late
,
and
our
punctual
friends
will
be
in
despair
.
Will
you
kindly
say
we
are
at
hand
.
'
Sir
Henry
rode
on
,
finding
that
he
was
not
to
be
allowed
to
walk
his
horse
with
them
,
and
that
Miss
Rivers
had
never
looked
up
.
'
Poor
Sir
Henry
!
'
said
Dr.
May
.
'
He
has
no
right
to
be
surprised
,
'
said
Meta
,
very
low
.
'
And
so
you
were
marching
right
upon
Drydale
!
'
continued
Dr.
May
,
not
able
to
help
laughing
.
'
It
was
a
happy
dispensation
that
I
met
you
.
'
'
Oh
!
I
am
so
glad
of
it
!
'
said
Meta
.
'
Though
to
be
sure
you
were
disarming
suspicion
by
so
cautiously
keeping
the
road
between
you
.
I
should
never
have
guessed
what
you
had
been
at
.
'
There
was
a
little
pause
,
then
Meta
said
rather
tremulously
,
'
Please
—
I
think
it
should
be
known
at
once
.
'
'
Our
idle
deeds
confessed
without
loss
of
time
,
Miss
?
'
Norman
came
across
the
path
,
saying
,
'
Meta
is
right
—
it
should
be
known
.
'
'
I
do
n't
think
uncle
Cosham
would
object
,
especially
hearing
it
while
he
is
here
,
'
said
Meta
—
'
and
if
he
knew
what
you
told
us
.
'
'
He
goes
to-morrow
,
does
he
not
?
'
said
Dr.
May
.
A
silence
of
perplexity
ensued
.
Meta
,
brave
as
she
was
,
hardly
knew
her
uncle
enough
to
volunteer
,
and
Norman
was
privately
devising
,
a
beginning
by
the
way
of
George
,
when
Dr.
May
said
,
'
Well
,
since
it
is
not
a
case
for
putting
Ethel
in
the
forefront
,
I
must
e'en
get
it
over
for
you
,
I
suppose
.
'
'
O
thank
you
,
'
they
cried
both
at
once
,
feeling
that
he
was
the
proper
person
in
every
way
,
and
Norman
added
,
'
The
sooner
the
better
,
if
Meta
—
'
'
O
yes
,
yes
,
the
sooner
the
better
,
'
exclaimed
Meta
.
'
And
let
me
tell
Flora
—
poor
dear
Flora
—
she
is
always
so
kind
.
'
A
testimony
that
was
welcome
to
Dr.
May
,
who
had
once
,
at
least
,
been
under
the
impression
that
Flora
courted
Sir
Henry
's
attentions
to
her
sister-in-law
.
Further
consultation
was
hindered
by
Tom
and
Blanche
bursting
upon
them
from
the
common
,
both
echoing
Norman
's
former
reproach
of
"
A
pretty
guide
!
"
and
while
Blanche
explained
the
sufferings
of
all
the
assembly
at
their
tardiness
,
Tom
,
without
knowing
it
,
elucidated
what
had
been
a
mystery
to
the
Doctor
,
namely
,
how
they
ever
met
,
by
his
indignation
at
Norman
's
having
assumed
the
guidance
for
which
he
was
so
unfit
.
'
A
shocking
leader
;
Meta
will
never
trust
him
again
,
'
said
Dr.
May
.
Still
Blanche
thought
them
not
nearly
sufficiently
sensible
of
their
enormities
,
and
preached
eagerly
about
their
danger
of
losing
standing
room
,
when
they
emerged
on
the
moor
,
and
beheld
a
crowd
,
above
whose
heads
rose
the
apex
of
a
triangle
,
formed
by
three
poles
,
sustaining
a
rope
and
huge
stone
.
'
Here
comes
Dr.
Spencer
,
'
she
said
.
'
I
hope
he
will
scold
you
.
'
Whatever
Dr.
Spencer
might
have
suffered
,
he
was
far
too
polite
to
scold
,
and
a
glance
between
the
two
physicians
ended
in
a
merry
twinkle
of
his
bright
eyes
.
'
This
way
,
'
he
said
,
'
we
are
all
ready
.
'
'
But
where
's
my
little
Daisy
?
'
said
Dr.
May
.
'
You
'll
see
her
in
a
minute
.
She
is
as
good
as
gold
.
'
He
drew
them
on
up
the
bank
—
people
making
way
for
them
—
till
he
had
stationed
them
among
the
others
of
their
own
party
,
beside
the
deep
trench
that
traced
the
foundation
,
around
a
space
that
seemed
far
too
small
.
Nearly
at
the
same
moment
,
began
the
soft
clear
sound
of
chanting
wafted
upon
the
wind
,
then
dying
away
—
carried
off
by
some
eddying
breeze
,
then
clear
,
and
coming
nearer
and
nearer
.
'
I
will
not
suffer
mine
eyes
to
sleep
,
Nor
mine
eye-lids
to
slumber
:
Neither
the
temples
of
my
head
to
take
any
rest
;
Until
I
find
out
a
place
for
the
Temple
of
the
Lord
:
An
habitation
for
the
mighty
God
of
Jacob
.
'
Few
,
who
knew
the
history
of
Cocksmoor
,
could
help
glancing
towards
the
slight
girl
,
who
stood
,
with
bent
head
,
her
hand
clasped
over
little
Aubrey
's
;
while
,
all
that
was
not
prayer
and
thanksgiving
in
her
mind
,
was
applying
the
words
to
him
,
whose
head
rested
in
the
Pacific
isle
,
while
,
in
the
place
which
he
had
chosen
,
was
laid
the
foundation
of
the
Temple
that
he
had
given
unto
the
Lord
.
There
came
forth
the
procession
:
the
Minister
choristers
,
Dr.
Spencer
as
architect
,
and
,
in
her
white
dress
,
little
Gertrude
,
led
between
Harry
and
Hector
,
Margaret
's
special
choice
for
the
occasion
,
and
followed
by
the
Stoneborough
Clergy
.
'
Let
thy
Priests
be
clothed
with
righteousness
.
'
It
came
in
well
with
the
gentle
,
meek
,
stedfast
face
of
the
young
Curate
of
Cocksmoor
,
as
he
moved
on
in
his
white
robe
,
and
the
sun-light
shone
upon
his
fair
hair
,
and
calm
brow
,
thankful
for
the
past
,
and
hoping
,
more
than
fearing
,
for
the
future
.
The
prayers
were
said
,
and
there
was
a
pause
,
while
Dr.
Spencer
and
the
foreman
advanced
to
the
machine
and
adjusted
it
.
The
two
youths
then
led
forward
the
little
girl
,
her
innocent
face
and
large
blue
eyes
wearing
a
look
of
childish
obedient
solemnity
,
only
half
understanding
what
she
did
,
yet
knowing
it
was
something
great
.
It
was
very
pretty
to
see
her
in
the
midst
of
the
little
gathering
round
the
foundation
,
the
sturdy
workman
smiling
over
his
hod
of
mortar
,
Dr.
Spencer
's
silver
locks
touching
her
flaxen
curls
as
he
held
the
shining
trowel
to
her
,
and
Harry
's
bright
head
and
hardy
face
,
as
he
knelt
on
one
knee
to
guide
the
little
soft
hand
,
while
Hector
stood
by
,
still
and
upright
,
his
eyes
fixed
far
away
,
as
if
his
thoughts
were
roaming
to
the
real
founder
.
The
Victoria
coins
were
placed
—
Gertrude
scooped
up
the
mass
of
mortar
,
and
spread
it
about
with
increasing
satisfaction
,
as
it
went
so
smoothly
and
easily
,
prolonging
the
operation
,
till
Harry
drew
her
back
,
while
,
slowly
down
creaked
the
ponderous
corner-stone
into
the
bed
that
she
had
prepared
for
it
,
and
,
with
a
good
will
,
she
gave
three
taps
on
it
with
her
trowel
.
Harry
had
taken
her
hand
,
when
,
at
the
sight
of
Dr.
May
,
she
broke
from
him
,
and
,
as
if
taking
sudden
fright
at
her
own
unwonted
part
,
ran
,
at
full
speed
,
straight
up
to
her
father
,
and
clung
to
him
,
hiding
her
face
as
he
raised
her
in
his
arms
and
kissed
her
.
Meanwhile
the
strain
arose
:
—
'
Thou
heavenly
,
new
Jerusalem
,
Vision
of
peace
,
in
Prophet
's
dream
;
With
living
stones
,
built
up
on
high
,
And
rising
to
the
starry
sky
—
'
The
blessing
of
peace
seemed
to
linger
softly
and
gently
in
the
fragrant
summer
breeze
,
and
there
was
a
pause
ere
the
sounds
of
voices
awoke
again
.
'
Etheldred
—
'
Mr.
Wilmot
stood
beside
her
,
ere
going
to
unrobe
in
the
school
.
'
Etheldred
,
you
must
once
let
me
say
,
God
bless
you
for
this
.
'
As
she
knelt
beside
her
sister
's
sofa
,
on
her
return
home
,
Margaret
pressed
something
into
her
hand
.
'
If
you
please
,
dearest
,
give
this
to
Dr.
Spencer
,
and
ask
him
to
let
it
be
set
round
the
stem
of
the
Chalice
,
'
she
whispered
.
Ethel
recognized
Alan
Ernescliffe
's
pearl
hoop
,
the
betrothal
ring
,
and
looked
at
her
sister
without
a
word
.
'
I
wish
it
,
'
said
Margaret
,
gently
.
'
I
shall
like
best
to
know
it
there
.
'
So
Margaret
joined
in
Alan
's
offering
,
and
Ethel
dared
say
no
more
,
as
she
thought
how
the
"
relic
of
a
frail
love
lost
"
was
becoming
the
"
token
of
endless
love
begun
.
"
There
was
more
true
union
in
this
,
than
in
clinging
to
the
mere
tangible
emblem
—
for
broken
and
weak
is
all
affection
that
is
not
knit
together
above
in
the
One
Infinite
Love
.
CHAPTER
XXIII
.
'
Of
lowly
fields
you
think
no
scorn
,
Yet
gayest
gardens
would
adorn
,
And
grace
wherever
set
;
Home
,
seated
in
your
lowly
bower
,
Or
wedded
,
a
transplanted
flower
,
I
bless
you
,
Margaret
.
Charles
Lamb
.
George
Rivers
had
an
antipathy
to
ladies
'
last
words
keeping
the
horses
standing
,
and
his
wife
and
sister
dutifully
seated
themselves
in
the
carriage
at
once
,
without
an
attempt
to
linger
.
Four
of
the
young
gentlemen
were
to
walk
across
to
Abbotstoke
and
dine
at
the
Grange
;
and
Tom
,
who
,
reasoning
from
analogy
,
had
sent
on
his
black
tie
and
agate
studs
,
was
so
dismally
disconcerted
on
finding
that
Norman
treated
his
own
going
as
a
matter
of
course
,
that
Richard
,
whose
chief
use
of
his
right
of
primogeniture
was
to
set
himself
aside
,
discovered
that
he
was
wanted
at
home
,
and
that
Tom
would
be
much
better
at
the
Grange
,
offering
,
at
the
same
time
,
to
send
Norman
's
dressing
things
by
Dr.
Spencer
.
'
Which
,
'
observed
Thomas
,
'
he
would
never
have
recollected
for
himself
.
'
'
Tom
would
have
had
to
lend
him
the
precious
studs
.
'
—
'
He
would
not
have
had
them
,
who
would
wear
imitation
?
'
'
I
say
,
Tom
,
what
did
you
give
for
them
?
'
'
Better
ask
what
the
Jew
gave
for
them
,
that
bought
them
at
Windsor
fair
—
not
a
bad
imitation
,
either
—
pity
they
were
n't
Malachite
;
but
,
no
doubt
,
the
Jew
thought
green
would
be
personal
.
'
'
As
if
they
had
any
business
to
talk
,
who
did
n't
know
a
respectable
stud
when
they
saw
it
—
Harry
,
especially
,
with
his
hat
set
on
the
back
of
his
head
,
like
a
sailor
on
the
stage
—
'
(
a
leap
to
set
it
to-rights
—
a
skirmish
,
knocking
Tom
nearly
into
the
ditch
)
.
'
Fine
experience
of
the
stage
—
all
came
from
Windsor
fair
.
'
'
Aye
,
Hector
might
talk
,
but
did
n't
he
pay
a
shilling
to
see
the
Irish
giant
.
He
would
n't
confess
,
but
it
was
a
famous
take
in
—
giant
had
potatoes
in
his
shoes
.
'
'
Not
he
;
he
was
seven
feet
ten
high
.
'
'
Aye
,
when
he
stood
upon
a
stool
—
Hector
would
swallow
anything
—
even
the
lady
of
a
million
postage
stamps
had
not
stuck
in
his
throat
—
he
had
made
Margaret
collect
for
her
.
'
'
And
,
had
not
Tom
,
himself
,
got
a
bottle
of
ointment
to
get
the
red
out
of
his
hair
?
'
—
(
great
fury
)
.
'
His
hair
was
n't
red
—
did
n't
want
to
change
the
colour
—
not
half
so
red
as
Hector
's
own
.
'
'
What
was
it
then
?
lively
auburn
?
'
But
for
fear
of
Norman
's
losing
his
bearings
,
Harry
would
fetch
a
carrot
,
to
compare
.
'
Better
colour
than
theirs
would
ever
be
.
'
'
Then
,
what
was
the
ointment
for
?
to
produce
whiskers
?
—
that
was
the
reason
Tom
oiled
himself
like
a
Loyalty
islander
—
his
hair
was
so
shiny
,
that
Harry
recommended
a
top-knot
,
like
theirs
,
etc
.
'
Norman
was
,
like
the
others
,
in
such
towering
glee
,
and
took
so
full
a
share
of
the
witticisms
,
that
were
the
more
noisily
applauded
,
the
worse
they
were
,
that
Harry
suggested
that
'
old
June
,
had
lost
his
way
,
and
found
his
spirits
in
Drydale
—
he
must
have
met
with
a
private
grog-shop
in
the
plantations
—
would
not
Tom
confess
'
—
'
not
he
;
it
was
all
in
private
.
He
thought
it
was
laughing-gas
,
or
the
reaction
of
being
fried
all
the
morning
,
holding
forth
in
that
Town
Hall
.
He
had
longed
to
make
a
speech
himself
—
no
end
of
the
good
it
would
have
done
the
old
stagers
to
come
out
with
something
to
the
purpose
.
What
would
old
Hoxton
have
thought
of
it
?
'
Not
you
,
Tom
,
'
cried
Hector
!
'
Nay
,
it
is
the
consequence
of
misanthropy
at
the
detection
of
the
frauds
of
sophisticated
society
,
'
said
Norman
.
'
Perhaps
it
was
Miss
Rivers
forsaking
him
.
Was
not
that
rather
spider-hearted
,
Tom
?
'
'
Come
Harry
,
it
is
time
to
have
done
.
We
are
getting
into
civilized
society
—
here
's
Abbotstoke
.
'
'
Poor
Norman
,
he
is
very
far
gone
!
He
takes
that
scarecrow
for
civilized
society
!
'
'
Much
better
clothed
than
the
society
you
have
been
accustomed
to
,
July
.
'
"
What
a
prize
his
wardrobe
would
be
to
the
Black
Prince
!
"
'
Do
n't
insult
your
betters
?
'
"
Which
?
The
scarecrow
,
or
the
Black
Prince
?
"
Norman
tried
to
call
his
companions
to
order
,
for
they
were
close
upon
the
village
,
and
he
began
to
tax
himself
with
unbecoming
levity
;
the
effect
of
spirits
pitched
rather
low
,
which
did
not
easily
find
their
balance
,
under
unwonted
exhilaration
,
but
Harry
's
antics
were
less
easily
repressed
than
excited
,
and
if
Tom
had
not
heard
the
Grange
clock
strike
half-past
six
,
and
had
not
been
afraid
of
not
having
time
to
array
himself
,
and
watch
over
Harry
's
neckcloth
,
they
would
hardly
have
arrived
in
reasonable
time
.
Dr.
May
had
gone
home
,
and
there
was
no
one
in
the
drawing-room
;
but
,
as
Norman
was
following
the
boys
up-stairs
,
Flora
opened
her
sitting-room
door
,
and
attracted
his
attention
by
silently
putting
her
cold
fingers
into
his
hand
,
and
drawing
him
into
the
room
.
'
Dear
Norman
,
this
is
pleasant
,
'
she
said
,
affectionately
;
but
in
a
voice
so
sunken
,
that
all
gladness
seemed
to
be
dead
within
,
and
the
effect
was
far
more
mournful
than
if
she
had
not
attempted
to
smile
congratulation
.
'
I
will
give
you
till
Dr.
Spencer
comes
,
'
she
said
.
'
Then
Norman
can
dress
,
and
you
must
be
a
good
child
,
and
come
down
to
me
.
'
The
playfulness
ill-suited
the
wan
,
worn
face
that
seemed
to
have
caught
a
grey
tint
from
her
rich
poplin
,
her
full
toilette
making
the
contrast
almost
more
painful
;
and
,
as
she
closed
the
door
,
her
brother
could
only
exclaim
,
'
Poor
Flora
!
'
'
She
is
so
kind
,
'
said
the
voice
of
the
white
figure
that
moved
towards
him
.
'
O
,
if
we
could
comfort
her
!
'
'
I
trust
to
her
own
kindness
working
comfort
to
her
,
at
last
,
'
said
Norman
.
'
But
is
she
often
thus
?
'
'
Whenever
she
is
not
bearing
up
for
George
's
sake
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
She
never
says
anything
when
she
is
alone
with
me
,
only
she
does
not
struggle
with
her
looks
.
'
'
It
must
be
very
trying
for
you
.
'
'
Nay
,
I
fell
grateful
to
her
for
even
so
far
relaxing
the
restraint
—
If
I
could
but
do
her
any
good
.
'
'
You
cannot
help
doing
her
good
,
'
said
Norman
.
Meta
sighed
,
and
shook
her
head
slightly
,
as
she
said
,
'
She
is
so
gentle
and
considerate
.
I
think
this
has
been
no
fresh
pain
to
her
to-day
,
but
I
cannot
tell
.
The
whole
day
has
been
a
strange
intermixture
.
'
'
The
two
strands
of
joy
and
grief
have
been
very
closely
twisted
,
'
said
Norman
.
'
That
rose
is
shedding
its
fragrant
leaves
in
its
glory
,
and
there
is
much
that
should
have
chastened
the
overflowing
gladness
of
to-day
.
'
'
As
I
was
thinking
,
'
whispered
Meta
,
venturing
nearer
to
him
,
and
looking
into
his
face
with
the
sweet
reliance
of
union
in
thought
.
She
meant
him
to
proceed
,
but
he
paused
,
saying
,
'
You
were
thinking
—
'
'
I
had
rather
hear
it
from
you
.
'
'
Was
it
not
that
we
were
taught
to-day
what
is
enduring
,
and
gives
true
permanence
and
blessedness
to
such
—
to
what
there
was
between
Ernescliffe
and
Margaret
?
'
Her
dewy
eyes
,
and
face
of
deep
emotion
,
owned
that
he
had
interpreted
her
thought
.
'
Theirs
would
,
indeed
,
be
a
disheartening
example
,
'
he
said
,
'
if
it
did
not
shew
the
strength
and
peace
that
distance
,
sickness
,
death
,
cannot
destroy
.
'
'
Yes
.
To
see
that
Church
making
Margaret
happy
as
she
lies
smiling
on
her
couch
,
is
a
lesson
of
lessons
.
'
'
That
what
is
hallowed
must
be
blest
,
'
said
Norman
;
'
whatever
the
sundry
and
manifold
changes
.
'
Each
was
far
too
humble
to
deny
aloud
any
inequality
with
the
goodness
of
Alan
and
Margaret
,
knowing
that
it
would
be
at
once
disputed
,
trusting
to
time
to
prevent
the
over-estimate
,
and
each
believing
the
other
was
the
one
to
bring
the
blessing
.
'
But
Meta
,
'
said
Norman
,
'
have
you
heard
nothing
of
—
of
the
elders
?
'
'
O
yes
,
'
said
Meta
,
smiling
,
'
have
not
you
?
'
'
I
have
seen
no
one
.
'
'
I
have
!
'
said
Meta
,
merrily
.
'
Uncle
Cosham
is
delighted
.
That
speech
of
yours
has
captivated
him
.
He
calls
me
a
wise
little
woman
to
have
found
out
your
first-rate
abilities
.
There
's
for
you
,
sir
.
'
'
I
do
n't
understand
it
!
Surely
he
must
be
aware
of
my
intentions
?
'
'
He
said
nothing
about
them
;
but
,
of
course
,
Dr.
May
must
have
mentioned
them
.
'
'
I
should
have
thought
so
,
but
I
cannot
suppose
—
'
'
That
he
would
be
willing
to
let
me
go
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
But
then
you
know
he
cannot
help
it
,
'
added
she
,
with
a
roguish
look
,
at
finding
herself
making
one
of
her
saucy
independent
speeches
.
'
I
believe
you
are
taking
a
would-be
Missionary
,
instead
of
Norman
May
!
'
he
answered
,
with
a
sort
of
teazing
sweetness
.
'
All
would-be
Missionaries
did
not
make
dear
papa
so
fond
of
them
,
'
said
Meta
,
very
low
;
'
and
you
would
not
be
Norman
May
without
such
purposes
.
'
'
The
purpose
was
not
inspired
at
first
by
the
highest
motive
,
'
said
Norman
;
'
but
it
brought
me
peace
,
and
,
after
the
kind
of
dedication
that
I
inwardly
made
of
myself
,
in
my
time
of
trouble
,
it
would
take
some
weighty
reason
,
amounting
to
a
clear
duty
,
or
physical
impossibility
,
to
make
me
think
I
ought
to
turn
back
.
I
believe
—
'
the
tears
rose
to
his
eyes
,
and
he
brought
out
the
words
with
difficulty
—
'
that
,
if
this
greatest
of
all
joys
were
likely
to
hinder
me
from
my
calling
,
I
ought
to
seek
strength
to
regard
it
as
a
temptation
,
and
to
forego
it
.
'
'
You
ought
,
if
it
were
so
,
'
said
Meta
,
nevertheless
holding
him
tighter
.
'
I
could
not
bear
to
keep
back
a
soldier
.
If
this
were
last
year
,
and
I
had
any
tie
or
duty
here
,
it
would
be
very
hard
.
But
no
one
needs
me
,
and
if
the
health
I
have
always
had
be
continued
to
me
,
I
do
n't
think
I
shall
be
much
in
the
way
.
There
,
'
drawing
back
a
little
,
and
trying
to
laugh
off
her
feeling
—
'
Only
tell
met
at
once
if
you
think
me
still
too
much
of
a
fine
lady
.
'
'
I
—
you
—
a
fine
lady
!
Did
anything
ever
give
you
the
impression
that
I
did
?
'
'
I
shall
not
get
poor
Harry
into
a
scrape
,
shall
I
?
He
told
me
that
you
said
so
,
last
spring
,
and
I
feared
you
judged
me
too
truly
.
'
After
a
few
exclamations
of
utter
surprise
,
it
flashed
on
Norman
.
'
I
know
,
I
know
—
Harry
interpreted
my
words
in
his
own
blunt
fashion
!
'
'
Then
you
did
say
something
like
it
?
'
'
No
,
but
—
but
—
In
short
,
Meta
,
these
sailors
'
imaginations
go
to
great
lengths
.
Harry
had
guessed
more
than
I
knew
myself
,
before
he
had
sailed
,
and
taxed
me
with
it
.
It
was
a
subject
I
could
not
bear
then
,
and
I
answered
that
you
were
too
far
beyond
my
hopes
.
'
'
Six
years
ago
!
'
said
Meta
,
slowly
,
blushing
deeper
and
deeper
.
'
Some
eyes
saw
it
all
that
time
,
and
you
—
and
,
'
she
added
,
laughing
,
though
rather
tearfully
,
'
I
should
never
have
known
it
,
if
Tom
had
not
taken
me
through
the
plantations
!
'
'
Not
if
I
had
not
discovered
that
your
preferences
did
not
lie
—
'
'
Among
boudoirs
and
balls
?
'
said
Meta
.
'
Harry
was
right
.
You
thought
me
a
fine
lady
after
all
.
'
The
gay
taunt
was
cut
short
by
a
tap
at
the
door
,
and
Flora
looked
in
.
'
Dr
.
Spencer
has
brought
your
things
,
Norman
.
I
am
sorry
to
disturb
you
—
but
come
down
,
Meta
—
I
ran
away
very
uncivilly
to
fetch
you
.
I
hope
it
is
not
too
cruel
,
'
as
she
drew
Meta
's
arm
into
her
own
,
'
and
added
,
'
I
have
not
been
able
to
speak
to
George
.
'
Meta
suspected
that
,
in
the
wish
to
spare
her
,
Flora
had
abstained
from
seeking
him
.
The
evening
went
off
like
any
other
evening
—
people
ate
and
talked
,
thought
Mrs.
Rivers
looking
very
ill
,
and
Miss
Rivers
very
pretty
—
Flora
forced
herself
into
being
very
friendly
to
Sir
Henry
,
commiserating
the
disappointment
to
which
she
had
led
him
;
and
she
hoped
that
he
suspected
the
state
of
affairs
,
though
Tom
,
no
longer
supplanted
by
his
elder
brother
,
pursued
Meta
into
the
sheltered
nook
,
where
Flora
had
favoured
her
seclusion
,
to
apologize
for
having
left
her
to
the
guidance
of
poor
Norman
,
whose
head
was
with
the
blackamoors
.
It
was
all
Harry
's
fault
.
'
Nonsense
,
Tom
,
'
said
Harry
;
'
do
n't
you
think
Norman
is
better
company
than
you
,
any
day
?
'
'
Then
why
did
you
not
walk
him
off
instead
of
me
?
'
said
Tom
,
turning
round
sharply
.
'
Out
of
consideration
for
Meta
.
She
will
tell
you
that
she
was
very
much
obliged
to
me
—
'
Harry
checked
himself
,
for
Meta
was
colouring
so
painfully
,
that
his
own
sunburnt
face
caught
the
glow
.
He
pushed
Tom
's
slight
figure
aside
with
a
commanding
move
of
his
broad
hand
,
and
said
,
'
I
beg
your
pardon
,
upon
my
word
,
though
I
do
n't
know
what
for
.
'
'
Nor
I
,
'
said
Meta
,
rallying
herself
,
and
smiling
.
'
You
have
no
pardon
to
beg
.
You
will
know
it
all
to-morrow
.
'
'
Then
I
know
it
now
,
'
said
Harry
,
sheltering
his
face
by
leaning
over
the
back
of
a
chair
,
and
taming
the
hearty
gaiety
of
his
voice
.
'
Well
done
,
Meta
—
there
's
nothing
like
old
June
in
all
the
world
!
You
may
take
my
word
for
it
,
and
I
knew
you
would
have
the
sense
to
find
it
out
.
'
They
were
well
out
of
sight
,
and
Meta
only
answered
by
a
good
tight
squeeze
of
his
kind
hand
between
both
her
own
.
Tom
,
suddenly
recovering
from
his
displeasure
at
being
thrust
aside
,
whisked
round
,
dropped
on
a
footstool
before
Meta
,
looked
up
in
her
face
,
and
said
,
'
Hollo
!
'
in
such
utter
amazement
that
there
was
nothing
for
it
but
to
laugh
more
uncontrollably
than
was
convenient
.
'
Come
along
,
Tom
,
'
said
Harry
,
pulling
him
up
by
force
,
'
she
does
not
want
any
of
your
nonsense
.
We
will
not
plague
her
now
.
'
'
Thank
you
,
Harry
,
'
said
Meta
.
'
I
cannot
talk
rationally
just
yet
.
Do
n't
think
me
unkind
,
Tom
.
'
Tom
sat
in
a
sort
of
trance
all
the
rest
of
the
evening
.
Lord
Cosham
talked
to
Norman
,
who
felt
as
if
he
were
being
patronized
on
false
pretences
,
drew
into
his
shell
,
and
displayed
none
of
his
'
first-rate
abilities
.
'
Dr.
Spencer
discussed
his
architecture
with
the
Archdeacon
;
but
his
black
eyes
roamed
heedfully
after
the
young
gentleman
and
lady
,
in
the
opposite
corners
of
the
room
;
and
,
as
he
drove
home
afterwards
,
with
the
youths
,
he
hummed
scraps
of
Scottish
songs
,
and
indulged
in
silent
smiles
.
Those
at
home
had
been
far
more
demonstrative
.
Dr.
May
had
arrived
,
declaring
himself
the
proudest
Doctor
in
her
Majesty
's
dominions
,
and
Ethel
needed
nothing
but
his
face
to
explain
why
,
and
tell
her
that
dear
old
June
's
troubles
were
over
,
and
their
pretty
little
Meta
was
their
own
—
a
joy
little
looked
for
to
attend
their
foundation
stone
.
The
dreaded
conference
with
Lord
Cosham
had
proved
highly
gratifying
.
There
might
be
something
in
the
fact
that
he
could
not
help
it
,
which
assisted
in
his
ready
acquiescence
,
but
he
was
also
a
sensible
right-minded
man
,
who
thought
that
the
largeness
of
Meta
's
fortune
was
no
reason
that
it
should
be
doubled
;
considered
that
,
in
the
matter
of
connection
,
the
May
family
had
the
advantage
,
and
saw
in
Norman
a
young
man
whom
anyone
might
have
pleasure
in
bringing
forward
.
Oxford
had
established
confidence
both
in
his
character
and
talents
,
and
his
speech
had
been
such
as
to
impress
an
experienced
man
,
like
Lord
Cosham
,
with
an
opinion
of
his
powers
,
that
prepared
a
welcome
for
him
,
such
as
no
one
could
have
dared
to
expect
.
His
lordship
thought
his
niece
not
only
likely
to
be
happier
,
but
to
occupy
a
more
distinguished
position
with
such
a
man
as
Norman
May
,
than
with
most
persons
of
ready-made
rank
and
fortune
.
The
blushing
and
delighted
Dr.
May
had
thought
himself
bound
to
speak
of
his
son
's
designs
,
but
he
allowed
that
the
project
had
been
formed
under
great
distress
of
mind
,
and
when
