'He
held
her
hand
,
as
if
lengthening
the
interview
.
'
Yes
,
very
good
all
day
.
'
A
long
deep
sigh
.
Ethel
's
two
tears
stood
on
her
cheeks
.
'
My
love
to
them
all
.
I
hope
I
shall
see
them
to
morrow
.
God
bless
you
,
my
dear
,
good
night
.
'
Ethel
went
up-stairs
,
saddened
and
yet
soothed
.
The
calm
silent
sorrow
,
too
deep
for
outward
tokens
,
was
so
unlike
her
father
's
usually
demonstrative
habits
,
as
to
impress
her
all
the
more
,
yet
those
two
tears
were
followed
by
no
more
;
there
was
much
strangeness
and
confusion
in
her
mind
in
the
newness
of
grief
.
She
found
poor
Flora
,
spent
with
exertion
,
under
the
reaction
of
all
she
had
undergone
,
lying
on
her
bed
,
sobbing
as
if
her
heart
would
break
,
calling
in
gasps
of
irrepressible
agony
on
mamma
!
mamma
!
yet
with
her
face
pressed
down
on
the
pillow
that
she
might
not
be
heard
.
Ethel
,
terrified
and
distressed
,
timidly
implored
her
to
be
comforted
,
but
it
seemed
as
if
she
were
not
even
heard
;
she
would
have
fetched
some
one
,
but
whom
?
Alas
!
alas
!
it
brought
back
the
sense
that
no
mother
would
ever
soothe
them
—
Margaret
,
papa
,
both
so
ill
,
nurse
engaged
with
Margaret
!
Ethel
stood
helpless
and
despairing
,
and
Flora
sobbed
on
,
so
that
Mary
awakened
to
burst
out
in
a
loud
frightened
fit
of
crying
;
but
in
a
few
moments
a
step
was
at
the
door
,
a
knock
,
and
Richard
asked
,
'
Is
anything
the
matter
?
'
He
was
in
the
room
in
a
moment
,
caressing
and
saying
affectionate
things
with
gentleness
and
fondling
care
,
like
his
mother
,
and
which
recalled
the
days
when
he
had
been
proud
to
be
left
for
a
little
while
the
small
nurse
and
guardian
of
the
lesser
ones
.
Mary
was
hushed
in
a
moment
,
and
Flora
's
exhausted
weeping
was
gradually
soothed
,
when
she
was
able
to
recollect
that
she
was
keeping
him
from
her
father
;
with
kind
good
nights
,
he
left
Ethel
to
read
to
her
till
she
could
sleep
.
Long
did
Ethel
read
,
after
both
her
sisters
were
slumbering
soundly
;
she
went
on
in
a
sort
of
dreamy
grief
,
almost
devoid
of
pain
,
as
if
all
this
was
too
terrible
to
be
true
;
and
she
had
imagined
herself
into
a
story
,
which
would
give
place
at
dawn
to
her
ordinary
life
.
At
last
she
went
to
bed
,
and
slept
till
wakened
by
the
return
of
Flora
,
who
had
crept
down
in
her
dressing-grown
to
see
how
matters
were
going
.
Margaret
was
in
the
same
state
,
papa
was
asleep
,
after
a
restless
distressing
night
,
with
much
pain
and
some
fever
;
and
whenever
Richard
had
begun
to
hope
from
his
tranquillity
,
that
he
was
falling
asleep
,
he
was
undeceived
by
hearing
an
almost
unconsciously
uttered
sigh
of
'
Maggie
,
my
Maggie
!
'
and
then
the
head
turned
wearily
on
the
pillow
,
as
if
worn
out
with
the
misery
from
which
there
was
no
escape
.
Towards
morning
,
the
pain
had
lessened
,
and
,
as
he
slept
,
he
seemed
much
less
feverish
than
they
could
have
ventured
to
expect
.
Norman
looked
man
and
wretched
,
and
could
taste
no
breakfast
;
indeed
Hary
reported
that
he
had
been
starting
and
talking
in
his
sleep
half
the
night
,
and
had
proceeded
to
groaning
and
crying
out
till
,
when
it
could
be
borne
no
longer
,
Harry
waked
him
,
and
finished
his
night
's
rest
in
peace
.
The
children
were
kept
in
the
drawing
room
that
morning
,
and
there
were
strange
steps
in
the
house
;
but
only
Richard
and
Mr.
Ernescliffe
knew
the
reason
.
Happily
there
had
been
witnesses
enough
of
the
overturn
to
spare
any
reference
to
Dr.
May
—
the
violent
start
of
the
horses
had
been
seen
,
and
Adams
and
Mr.
Ernescliffe
agreed
,
under
their
breath
,
that
the
new
black
one
was
not
fit
to
drive
,
while
the
whole
town
was
so
used
to
Dr.
May
's
headlong
driving
,
that
every
one
was
recollecting
their
own
predictions
of
accidents
.
There
needed
little
to
account
for
the
disaster
—
the
only
wonder
was
,
that
it
had
not
happened
sooner
.
'
I
say
,
'
announced
Harry
,
soon
after
they
were
released
again
,
'
I
've
been
in
to
papa
.
His
door
was
open
,
and
he
heard
me
,
and
called
me
.
He
says
he
should
like
any
of
us
to
come
in
and
see
him
.
Had
n't
you
better
go
,
Norman
?
'
Norman
started
up
,
and
walked
hastily
out
of
the
room
,
but
his
hand
shook
so
,
that
he
could
hardly
open
the
door
;
and
Ethel
,
seeing
how
it
was
with
him
,
followed
him
quickly
,
as
he
dashed
,
at
full
speed
,
up
the
stairs
.
At
the
top
,
however
,
he
was
forced
to
cling
to
the
rail
,
gasping
for
breath
,
while
the
moisture
started
on
his
forehead
.
'
Dear
Norman
,
'
she
said
,
'
there
's
nothing
to
mind
.
He
looks
just
as
usual
.
You
would
not
know
there
was
anything
the
matter
.
'
But
he
rested
his
head
on
his
hand
,
and
looked
as
if
he
could
not
stir
.
'
I
see
it
wo
n't
do
,
'
said
Ethel
—
'
do
n't
try
—
you
will
be
better
by-and-by
,
and
he
has
not
asked
for
you
in
particular
.
'
'
I
wo
n't
be
beat
by
such
stuff
,
'
said
Norman
,
stepping
hastily
forwards
,
and
opening
the
door
suddenly
.
He
got
through
the
greeting
pretty
well
,
there
was
no
need
for
him
to
speak
,
he
only
gave
his
hand
and
looked
away
,
unable
to
bring
himself
to
turn
his
eyes
on
his
father
,
and
afraid
of
letting
his
own
face
be
seen
.
Almost
at
the
same
moment
,
nurse
came
to
say
something
about
Margaret
,
and
he
seized
the
opportunity
of
withdrawing
his
hand
,
and
hurrying
away
,
in
good
time
,
for
he
was
pale
as
death
,
and
was
obliged
to
sit
down
on
the
head
of
the
stairs
,
and
lean
his
head
against
Etheldred
.
'
What
does
make
me
so
ridiculous
?
'
he
exclaimed
faintly
,
but
very
indignantly
.
The
first
cure
was
the
being
forced
to
clear
out
of
Mr.
Ward
's
way
,
which
he
could
not
effect
without
being
seen
;
and
Ethel
,
though
she
knew
that
he
would
be
annoyed
,
was
not
sorry
to
be
obliged
to
remain
,
and
tell
what
was
the
matter
with
him
.
'
Oh
,
'
said
Mr.
Ward
,
turning
and
proceeding
to
the
dining-room
,
'
I
'll
set
that
to
rights
in
a
minute
,
if
you
will
ask
for
a
tumbler
of
hotwater
,
Miss
Ethel
.
'
And
armed
with
the
cordial
he
had
prepared
,
Ethel
hunted
up
her
brother
,
and
persuaded
him
,
after
scolding
her
a
little
,
to
swallow
it
,
and
take
a
turn
in
the
garden
;
after
which
he
made
a
more
successful
attempt
at
visiting
his
father
.
There
was
another
room
whither
both
Norman
and
Etheldred
wished
to
go
,
though
they
dared
not
hint
at
their
desire
.
At
last
,
Richard
came
to
them
,
as
they
were
wandering
in
the
garden
,
and
,
with
his
usual
stillness
of
manner
,
shaded
with
additional
seriousness
,
said
,
'
Would
you
like
to
come
into
the
study
?
'
Etheldred
put
one
hand
into
his
,
Norman
took
the
other
,
and
soon
they
stood
in
that
calm
presence
.
Fair
,
cold
,
white
,
and
intensely
still
—
that
face
brought
home
to
them
the
full
certainty
that
the
warm
brightening
look
would
never
beam
on
them
,
the
soft
blue
eyes
never
guide
,
check
,
and
watch
them
,
the
smile
never
approve
or
welcome
them
.
To
see
her
unconscious
of
their
presence
was
too
strange
and
sad
,
and
all
were
silent
,
till
,
as
they
left
the
room
,
Ethel
looked
out
at
Blanche
and
Aubrey
in
the
garden
.
'
They
will
never
remember
her
!
Oh
!
why
should
it
be
?
'
Richard
would
fain
have
moralized
and
comforted
,
but
she
felt
as
if
she
knew
it
all
before
,
and
heard
with
languid
attention
.
She
had
rather
read
than
talk
,
and
he
sat
down
to
write
letters
.
There
were
no
near
relations
to
be
sent
for
.
Dr.
May
was
an
only
son
,
and
his
wife
's
sister
,
Mrs.
Arnott
,
was
in
New
Zealand
;
her
brother
had
long
been
dead
,
and
his
widow
,
who
lived
in
Edinburgh
,
was
scarcely
known
to
the
May
family
.
Of
friends
there
were
many
,
fast
bound
by
affection
and
gratitude
,
and
notes
,
inquiries
,
condolences
,
and
offers
of
service
came
in
thickly
,
and
gave
much
occupation
to
Flora
,
Richard
,
and
Alan
Ernescliffe
,
in
turn
.
No
one
from
without
could
do
anything
for
them
—
they
had
all
the
help
they
wanted
in
Miss
Winter
and
in
Alan
,
who
was
invaluable
in
sharing
with
Richard
the
care
of
the
Doctor
,
as
well
as
in
giving
him
the
benefit
of
his
few
additional
years
'
experience
,
and
relieving
him
of
some
of
his
tasks
.
He
was
indeed
like
one
of
themselves
,
and
a
most
valuable
help
and
comforter
.
Mr.
Wilmot
gave
them
all
the
time
he
could
,
and
on
this
day
saw
the
Doctor
,
who
seemed
to
find
some
solace
in
his
visit
,
though
saying
very
little
.
On
this
day
the
baby
was
to
be
baptized
.
The
usual
Stoneborough
fashion
was
to
collect
all
the
Christenings
for
the
month
into
one
Sunday
,
except
those
for
such
persons
as
thought
themselves
too
refined
to
see
their
children
Christened
before
the
congregation
,
and
who
preferred
an
empty
Church
and
a
week-day
.
The
little
one
had
waited
till
she
was
nearly
six
weeks
old
for
'
a
Christening
Sunday
,
'
and
since
that
had
been
missed
,
she
could
not
be
kept
unbaptized
for
another
month
;
so
,
late
in
the
day
,
she
was
carried
to
Church
.
Richard
had
extremely
gratified
old
nurse
,
by
asking
her
to
represent
poor
Margaret
,
Mrs.
Hoxton
stood
for
the
other
godmother
,
and
Alan
Ernescliffe
was
desired
to
consider
himself
absolutely
her
sponsor
,
not
merely
a
proxy
.
The
younger
children
alone
were
to
go
with
them
:
it
was
too
far
off
,
and
the
way
lay
too
much
through
the
town
for
it
to
be
thought
proper
for
the
others
to
go
.
Ethel
wished
it
very
much
,
and
thought
it
nonsense
to
care
whether
people
looked
at
her
;
and
in
spite
of
Miss
Winter
's
seeming
shocked
at
her
proposing
it
,
had
a
great
mind
to
persist
.
She
would
even
have
appealed
to
her
papa
,
if
Flora
had
not
stopped
her
,
exclaiming
,
'
Really
,
Ethel
,
I
think
there
never
was
a
person
so
entirely
without
consideration
as
you
are
.
'
Much
abashed
,
Ethel
humbly
promised
that
if
she
might
go
into
papa
's
room
,
she
would
not
say
one
word
about
the
Christening
,
unless
he
should
begin
,
and
,
to
her
great
satisfaction
,
he
presently
asked
her
to
read
the
service
to
him
.
Flora
came
to
the
door-way
of
Margaret
's
room
,
and
listened
;
when
she
had
finished
,
all
were
silent
.
'
How
shall
we
,
how
can
we
virtuously
bring
up
our
motherless
little
sister
?
'
was
the
thought
with
each
of
the
girls
.
The
answers
were
,
in
one
mind
,
'
I
trust
we
shall
do
well
by
her
,
dear
little
thing
.
I
see
,
on
an
emergency
,
that
I
know
how
to
act
.
I
never
thought
I
was
capable
of
being
of
so
much
use
,
thanks
to
dear
,
dear
mamma
's
training
.
I
shall
manage
,
I
am
sure
,
and
so
they
will
all
depend
on
me
,
and
look
up
to
me
.
How
nice
it
was
to
hear
dear
papa
say
what
he
did
about
the
comfort
of
my
being
able
to
look
after
Margaret
.
'
In
the
other
,
'
Poor
darling
,
it
is
saddest
of
all
for
her
,
because
she
knows
nothing
,
and
will
never
remember
her
mamma
!
But
if
Margaret
is
but
better
,
she
will
take
care
of
her
,
and
oh
!
how
we
ought
to
try
—
and
I
,
such
a
naughty
wild
thing
—
if
I
should
hurt
the
dear
little
ones
by
carelessness
,
or
by
my
bad
example
!
Oh
!
what
shall
I
do
,
for
want
of
some
one
to
keep
me
in
order
?
If
I
should
vex
papa
by
any
of
my
wrong
ways
!
'
They
heard
the
return
of
the
others
,
and
the
sisters
both
sprang
up
,
'
May
we
bring
her
to
you
?
'
said
Flora
.
'
Yes
,
do
,
my
dears
.
'
The
sisters
all
came
down
together
with
the
little
one
,
and
Flora
put
her
down
within
the
arm
her
father
stretched
out
for
her
.
He
gazed
into
the
baby
face
,
which
,
in
its
expressionless
placidity
,
almost
recalled
her
mother
's
tranquil
sweetness
.
'
Gertrude
Margaret
,
'
said
Flora
,
and
with
a
look
that
had
more
of
tenderness
than
grief
,
he
murmured
,
'
My
Daisy
blossom
,
my
little
Maggie
.
'
'
Might
we
?
'
said
Ethel
,
when
Flora
took
her
again
,
'
might
we
take
her
to
her
godmother
to
see
if
she
would
notice
her
?
'
He
looked
as
if
he
wished
it
;
but
said
,
'
No
,
I
think
not
,
better
not
rouse
her
,
'
and
sighed
heavily
;
then
,
as
they
stood
round
his
bed
,
unwilling
to
go
,
he
added
'
Girls
,
we
must
learn
carefulness
and
thoughtfulness
.
We
have
no
one
to
take
thought
for
us
now
.
'
Flora
pressed
the
babe
in
her
arms
,
Ethel
's
two
reluctant
tears
stood
on
her
cheeks
,
Mary
exclaimed
,
'
I
'll
try
not
to
be
naughty
;
'
and
Blanche
climbed
up
to
kiss
him
,
saying
,
'
I
will
be
always
good
,
papa
.
'
'
Daisy
—
papa
's
Daisy
—
your
vows
are
made
,
'
whispered
Ethel
,
gaining
sole
possession
of
the
babe
for
a
minute
.
'
You
have
promised
to
be
good
and
holy
.
We
have
the
keeping
of
you
,
mamma
's
precious
flower
,
her
pearl
of
truth
!
Oh
,
may
God
guard
you
to
be
an
unstained
jewel
,
till
you
come
back
to
her
again
—
and
a
blooming
flower
,
till
you
are
gathered
into
the
wreath
that
never
fades
—
my
own
sweet
poor
little
motherless
Daisy
!
'
CHAPTER
V.
'
Through
lawless
camp
,
through
ocean
wild
,
Her
prophet
eye
pursues
her
child
;
Scans
mournfully
her
poet
's
strain
,
Fears
for
her
merchant
,
loss
alike
and
gain
.
'
Lyra
Innocentium
.
Dr.
May
took
the
management
of
himself
into
his
own
hands
,
and
paid
so
little
attention
to
Mr.
Ward
's
recommendations
,
that
his
sons
and
daughters
were
in
continual
dread
of
his
choosing
to
do
something
that
might
cause
injurious
agitation
.
However
,
he
did
not
attempt
to
go
farther
than
Margaret
's
bedside
,
where
he
sat
hour
after
hour
,
his
eyes
fixed
upon
her
,
as
she
continued
in
a
state
bordering
on
insensibility
.
He
took
little
notice
of
anything
else
,
and
hardly
spoke
.
There
were
heavy
sighs
now
and
then
,
but
Richard
and
Flora
,
one
or
other
of
whom
were
always
watching
him
,
could
hardly
tell
whether
to
ascribe
them
to
the
oppression
of
sorrow
,
or
of
suffering
.
Their
great
fear
was
of
his
insisting
on
seeing
his
wife
's
face
,
and
it
was
a
great
relief
that
he
never
alluded
to
her
,
except
once
,
to
desire
Richard
to
bring
him
her
ring
.
Richard
silently
obeyed
,
and
,
without
a
word
,
he
placed
it
on
his
little
finger
.
Richard
used
to
read
the
Psalms
to
him
in
the
morning
,
before
he
was
up
,
and
Flora
would
bring
little
Daisy
and
lay
her
by
his
side
.
To
the
last
moment
,
they
dreaded
his
choosing
to
attend
the
funeral
,
and
Flora
had
decided
on
remaining
at
home
,
though
trembling
at
the
thought
of
what
there
might
be
to
go
through
.
They
tried
to
let
him
hear
nothing
about
it
,
but
he
seemed
to
know
every
thing
;
and
when
Flora
came
into
Margaret
's
room
,
without
her
bonnet
,
he
raised
his
head
,
and
said
,
'
I
thought
you
were
all
going
.
'
'
The
others
are
—
but
may
I
not
stay
with
you
and
her
,
papa
?
'
'
I
had
rather
be
alone
,
my
dear
.
I
will
take
care
of
her
.
I
should
wish
you
all
to
be
there
.
'
They
decided
that
his
wishes
ought
to
be
followed
,
and
that
the
patients
must
be
entrusted
to
old
nurse
.
Richard
told
Flora
,
who
looked
very
pale
,
that
she
would
be
glad
of
it
afterwards
,
and
she
had
his
arm
to
lean
upon
.
The
grave
was
in
the
cloister
attached
to
the
Minster
,
a
smooth
green
square
of
turf
,
marked
here
and
there
with
small
flat
lozenges
of
stone
,
bearing
the
date
and
initials
of
those
who
lay
there
,
and
many
of
them
recording
former
generations
of
Mays
,
to
whom
their
descent
from
the
head-master
had
given
a
right
of
burial
there
.
Dr.
Hoxton
,
Mr.
Wilmot
,
and
the
surgeon
,
were
the
only
friends
whom
Richard
had
asked
to
be
with
them
,
but
the
Minster
was
nearly
full
,
for
there
was
a
very
strong
attachment
and
respect
for
Dr.
and
Mrs.
May
throughout
the
neighbourhood
,
and
every
one
's
feelings
were
strongly
excited
.
'
In
the
midst
of
life
,
we
are
in
death
—
'
There
was
a
universal
sound
,
as
of
a
sort
of
sob
,
that
Etheldred
never
disconnected
from
those
words
.
Yet
hardly
one
tear
was
shed
by
the
young
things
who
stood
as
close
as
they
could
round
the
grave
.
Harry
and
Mary
did
indeed
lock
their
hands
together
tightly
,
and
the
shoulders
of
the
former
shook
as
he
stood
,
bowing
down
his
head
,
but
the
others
were
still
and
quiet
,
in
part
from
awe
and
bewilderment
,
but
partly
,
too
,
from
a
sense
that
it
was
against
her
whole
nature
that
there
should
be
clamorous
mourning
for
her
.
The
calm
still
day
seemed
to
tell
them
the
same
,
the
sun
beaming
softly
on
the
grey
arches
and
fresh
grass
,
the
sky
clear
and
blue
,
and
the
trees
that
shewed
over
the
walls
bright
with
autumn
colouring
,
all
suitable
to
the
serenity
of
a
life
unclouded
to
its
last
moment
.
Some
of
them
felt
as
if
it
were
better
to
be
there
,
than
in
their
saddened
desolate
home
.
But
home
they
must
go
,
and
,
before
going
up-stairs
,
as
Flora
and
Etheldred
stood
a
moment
or
two
with
Norman
,
Ethel
said
in
a
tone
of
resolution
,
and
of
some
cheerfulness
,
'
Well
,
we
have
to
begin
afresh
.
'
'
Yes
,
'
said
Flora
,
'
it
is
a
great
responsibility
.
I
do
trust
we
may
be
enabled
to
do
as
we
ought
.
'
'
And
now
Margaret
is
getting
better
,
she
will
be
our
stay
,
'
said
Ethel
.
'
I
must
go
to
her
,
'
and
Flora
went
up-stairs
.
'
I
wish
I
could
be
as
useful
as
Flora
,
'
said
Ethel
,
'
but
I
mean
to
try
,
and
if
I
can
but
keep
out
of
mischief
,
it
will
be
something
.
'
'
There
is
an
object
for
all
one
does
,
in
trying
to
be
a
comfort
to
papa
.
'
'
That
's
no
use
,
'
said
Norman
,
listlessly
.
'
We
never
can
.
'
'
O
but
,
Norman
,
he
wo
n't
be
always
as
he
is
now
—
I
am
sure
he
cares
for
us
enough
to
be
pleased
,
if
we
do
right
and
get
on
.
'
'
We
used
to
be
so
happy
!
'
said
Norman
.
Ethel
hesitated
a
little
,
and
presently
answered
,
'
I
do
n't
think
it
can
be
right
to
lament
for
our
own
sakes
so
much
,
is
it
?
'
'
I
do
n't
want
to
do
so
,
'
said
Norman
,
in
the
same
dejected
way
.
'
I
suppose
we
ought
not
to
feel
it
either
.
'
Norman
only
shook
his
head
.
'
We
ought
to
think
of
her
gain
.
You
ca
n't
?
Well
,
I
am
glad
,
for
no
more
can
I
.
I
ca
n't
think
of
her
liking
for
papa
and
baby
and
all
of
us
to
be
left
to
ourselves
.
But
that
's
not
right
of
me
,
and
of
course
it
all
comes
right
where
she
is
;
so
I
always
put
that
out
of
my
head
,
and
think
what
is
to
come
next
in
doing
,
and
pleasing
papa
,
and
learning
.
'
'
That
's
grown
horrid
,
'
said
Norman
.
'
There
's
no
pleasure
in
getting
on
,
nor
in
anything
.
'
'
Do
n't
you
care
for
papa
and
all
of
us
being
glad
,
Norman
?
'
As
Norman
could
not
just
then
say
that
he
did
,
he
would
not
answer
.
'
I
wish
—
'
said
Ethel
,
disappointed
,
but
cheering
up
the
next
minute
.
'
I
do
believe
it
is
having
nothing
to
do
.
You
will
be
better
when
you
get
back
to
school
on
Monday
.
'
'
That
is
worst
of
all
!
'
'
You
do
n't
like
going
among
the
boys
again
?
But
that
must
be
done
some
time
or
other
.
Or
shall
I
get
Richard
to
speak
to
Dr.
Hoxton
to
let
you
have
another
week
's
leave
?
'
'
No
,
no
,
do
n't
be
foolish
.
It
ca
n't
be
helped
.
'
'
I
am
very
sorry
,
but
I
think
you
will
be
better
for
it
.
'
She
almost
began
to
fancy
herself
unfeeling
,
when
she
found
him
so
much
more
depressed
than
she
was
herself
,
and
unable
to
feel
it
a
relief
to
know
that
the
time
of
rest
,
and
want
of
occupation
was
over
.
She
thought
it
light-minded
,
though
she
could
not
help
it
,
to
look
forward
to
the
daily
studies
where
she
might
lose
her
sad
thoughts
,
and
be
as
if
everything
were
as
usual
.
But
suppose
she
should
be
to
blame
,
where
would
now
be
the
gentle
discipline
?
Poor
Ethel
's
feelings
were
not
such
as
to
deserve
the
imputation
of
levity
,
when
this
thought
came
over
her
;
but
her
buoyant
mind
,
always
seeking
for
consolation
,
recurred
to
Margaret
's
improvement
,
and
she
fixed
her
hopes
on
her
.
Margaret
was
more
alive
to
surrounding
objects
,
and
,
when
roused
,
she
knew
them
all
,
answered
clearly
when
addressed
,
had
even
,
more
than
once
,
spoken
of
her
own
accord
,
and
shewn
solicitude
at
the
sight
of
her
father
's
bandaged
,
helpless
arm
,
but
he
soon
soothed
this
away
.
He
was
more
than
ever
watchful
over
her
,
and
could
scarcely
be
persuaded
to
leave
her
for
one
moment
,
in
his
anxiety
to
be
at
hand
to
answer
,
when
first
she
should
speak
of
her
mother
,
a
moment
apprehended
by
all
the
rest
,
almost
as
much
for
his
sake
as
for
hers
.
So
clear
had
her
perceptions
been
,
and
so
much
more
awake
did
she
appear
,
on
this
evening
,
that
he
expected
the
enquiry
to
come
every
moment
,
and
lingered
in
her
room
;
till
she
asked
the
hour
,
and
begged
him
to
go
to
bed
.
As
he
bent
over
her
,
she
looked
up
in
his
face
,
and
said
,
softly
,
'
Dear
papa
.
'
There
was
that
in
her
tone
which
showed
she
perceived
the
truth
,
and
he
knelt
by
her
side
kissing
her
,
but
not
daring
to
relax
his
restraint
of
feeling
.
'
Dear
papa
,
'
she
said
again
,
'
I
hope
I
shall
soon
be
better
,
and
be
some
comfort
to
you
.
'
'
My
best
—
my
own
—
my
comfort
,
'
he
murmured
,
all
he
could
say
without
giving
way
.
'
Baby
—
is
she
well
?
'
'
Yes
,
thank
Heaven
,
she
has
not
suffered
at
all
.
'
'
I
heard
her
this
morning
,
I
must
see
her
to-morrow
.
But
do
n't
stay
,
dear
,
dear
papa
,
it
is
late
,
and
I
am
sure
you
are
not
at
all
well
.
Your
arm
—
is
it
very
much
hurt
?
'
'
It
is
nothing
you
need
think
about
,
my
dear
.
I
am
much
better
than
I
could
have
imagined
possible
.
'
'
And
you
have
been
nursing
me
all
the
time
!
Papa
,
you
must
let
me
take
care
of
you
now
.
Do
pray
go
to
bed
at
once
,
and
get
up
late
.
Nurse
will
take
good
care
of
me
.
Good
night
,
dear
papa
.
'
When
Dr.
May
had
left
her
,
and
tried
to
tell
Richard
how
it
had
been
,
the
tears
cut
him
short
,
and
had
their
free
course
;
but
there
was
much
of
thankfulness
,
for
it
might
be
looked
on
as
the
restoration
of
his
daughter
;
the
worst
was
over
,
and
the
next
day
he
was
able
to
think
of
other
things
,
had
more
attention
to
spare
for
the
rest
,
and
when
the
surgeon
came
,
took
some
professional
interest
in
the
condition
of
his
own
arm
,
inquired
after
his
patients
,
and
even
talked
of
visiting
them
.
In
the
meantime
,
Margaret
sent
for
her
eldest
brother
,
begging
him
to
tell
her
the
whole
,
and
it
was
heard
as
calmly
and
firmly
as
it
was
told
.
Her
bodily
state
lulled
her
mind
;
and
besides
it
was
not
new
;
she
had
observed
much
while
her
faculties
were
still
too
much
benumbed
for
her
to
understand
all
,
or
to
express
her
feelings
.
Her
thoughts
seemed
chiefly
occupied
with
her
father
.
She
made
Richard
explain
to
her
the
injury
he
had
suffered
,
and
begged
to
know
whether
his
constant
attendance
on
her
,
could
do
him
harm
.
She
was
much
rejoiced
when
her
brother
assured
her
that
nothing
could
be
better
for
him
and
she
began
to
say
with
a
smile
,
that
very
likely
her
being
hurt
had
been
fortunate
.
She
asked
who
had
taken
care
of
him
before
Richard
's
arrival
,
and
was
pleased
to
hear
that
it
was
Mr.
Ernescliffe
.
A
visit
from
the
little
Gertrude
Margaret
was
happily
accomplished
,
and
,
on
the
whole
,
the
day
was
most
satisfactory
—
she
herself
declaring
that
she
could
not
see
that
there
was
anything
the
matter
with
her
,
except
that
she
felt
lazy
,
and
did
not
seem
able
to
move
.
Thus
the
next
Sunday
morning
dawned
with
more
cheerfulness
.
Dr.
May
came
down
stairs
for
the
first
time
,
in
order
to
go
to
Church
with
his
whole
flock
,
except
the
two
Margarets
.
He
looked
very
wan
and
shattered
,
but
they
clustered
gladly
round
him
,
when
he
once
more
stood
among
them
,
little
Blanche
securing
his
hand
,
and
nodding
triumphantly
to
Mr.
Ernescliffe
,
as
much
as
to
say
,
'
Now
I
have
him
,
I
do
n't
want
you
.
'
Norman
alone
was
missing
;
but
he
was
in
his
place
at
Church
among
the
boys
.
Again
in
returning
,
he
slipped
out
of
the
party
,
and
was
at
home
the
first
,
and
when
this
recurred
in
the
afternoon
,
Ethel
began
to
understand
his
motive
.
The
High-street
led
past
the
spot
where
the
accident
had
taken
place
,
though
neither
she
nor
any
of
the
others
knew
exactly
where
it
was
,
except
Norman
,
on
whose
mind
the
scene
was
branded
indelibly
;
she
guessed
that
it
was
to
avoid
it
that
he
went
along
what
was
called
Randall
's
Alley
,
his
usual
short
cut
to
school
.
That
Sunday
brought
back
to
the
children
that
there
was
no
one
to
hear
their
hymns
;
but
Richard
was
a
great
comfort
,
watching
over
the
little
ones
more
like
a
sister
than
a
brother
.
Ethel
was
ashamed
of
herself
when
she
saw
him
taking
thought
for
them
,
tying
Blanche
's
bonnet
,
putting
Aubrey
's
gloves
on
,
teaching
them
to
put
away
their
Sunday
toys
,
as
if
he
meant
them
to
be
as
neat
and
precise
as
himself
.
Dr.
May
did
not
encounter
the
family
dinner
,
nor
attempt
a
second
going
to
Church
;
but
Blanche
was
very
glorious
,
as
she
led
him
down
to
drink
tea
,
and
,
before
going
up
again
,
he
had
a
conversation
with
Alan
Ernescliffe
,
who
felt
himself
obliged
to
leave
Stoneborough
early
on
the
morrow
.
'
I
can
endure
better
to
go
now
,
'
said
he
,
'
and
I
shall
hear
of
you
often
;
Hector
will
let
me
know
,
and
Richard
has
promised
to
write
.
'
'
Aye
,
you
must
let
us
often
have
a
line
.
I
should
guess
you
were
a
letter
writing
man
.
'
'
I
have
hitherto
had
too
few
friends
who
cared
to
hear
of
me
to
write
much
,
but
the
pleasure
of
knowing
that
any
interest
is
taken
in
me
here
—
'
'
Well
,
'
said
the
Doctor
,
'
mind
that
a
letter
will
always
be
welcome
,
and
when
you
are
coming
southwards
,
here
are
your
old
quarters
.
'
We
cannot
lose
sight
of
you
any
way
,
especially
—
'
and
his
voice
quivered
,
'
after
the
help
you
gave
my
poor
boys
and
girls
in
their
distress
.
'
'
It
would
be
the
utmost
satisfaction
to
think
,
I
had
been
of
the
smallest
use
,
'
said
Alan
,
hiding
much
under
these
common-place
words
.
'
More
than
I
know
,
'
said
Dr.
May
;
'
too
much
to
speak
of
—
Well
,
we
shall
see
you
again
,
though
it
is
a
changed
place
,
and
you
must
come
and
see
your
god-daughter
—
poor
child
—
may
she
only
be
brought
up
as
her
sisters
were
!
They
will
do
their
best
,
poor
things
,
and
so
must
I
,
but
it
is
sad
work
!
'
Both
were
too
much
overcome
for
words
,
but
the
Doctor
was
the
first
to
continue
,
as
he
took
off
his
dimmed
spectacles
.
He
seemed
to
wish
to
excuse
himself
for
giving
way
;
saying
,
with
a
look
that
would
fain
have
been
a
smile
,
'
The
world
has
run
so
light
and
easy
with
me
hitherto
,
that
you
see
I
do
n't
know
how
to
bear
with
trouble
.
All
thinking
and
managing
fell
to
my
Maggie
's
share
,
and
I
had
as
little
care
on
my
hands
as
one
of
my
own
boys
—
poor
fellows
.
I
do
n't
know
how
it
is
to
turn
out
,
but
of
all
the
men
on
earth
to
be
left
with
eleven
children
,
I
should
choose
myself
as
the
worst
.
'
Alan
tried
to
say
somewhat
of
'
Confidence
—
affection
—
daughters
,
'
and
broke
down
,
but
it
did
as
well
as
if
it
had
been
connected
.
'
Yes
,
yes
,
'
said
the
Doctor
,
'
they
are
good
children
,
everyone
of
them
.
There
's
much
to
be
thankful
for
,
if
one
could
only
pluck
up
heart
to
feel
it
.
'
'
And
you
are
convinced
that
Marga
—
that
Miss
May
is
recovering
.
'
'
She
has
made
a
great
advance
to-day
.
The
head
is
right
,
at
least
,
'
but
the
Doctor
looked
anxious
,
and
spoke
low
,
as
he
said
,
'
I
am
not
satisfied
about
her
yet
.
That
want
of
power
over
the
limbs
is
more
than
the
mere
shock
and
debility
,
as
it
seems
to
me
,
though
Ward
thinks
otherwise
,
and
I
trust
he
is
right
;
but
I
cannot
tell
yet
as
to
the
spine
.
If
this
should
not
soon
mend
,
I
shall
have
Fleet
to
see
her
.
He
was
a
fellow-student
of
mine
,
very
clever
,
and
I
have
more
faith
in
him
than
in
anyone
else
in
that
line
.
'
'
By
all
means
—
Yes
—
'
said
Alan
,
excessively
shocked
.
'
But
you
will
let
me
know
how
she
goes
on
—
Richard
will
be
so
kind
.
'
'
We
will
not
fail
,
'
said
Dr.
May
,
more
and
more
touched
at
the
sight
of
the
young
sailor
struggling
in
vain
to
restrain
his
emotion
;
'
you
shall
hear
.
I
'll
write
myself
,
as
soon
as
I
can
use
my
hand
,
but
I
hope
she
may
be
all
right
long
before
that
is
likely
to
be
.
'
'
Your
kindness
—
'
Alan
attempted
to
say
,
but
began
again
.
'
Feeling
as
I
must
—
'
then
interrupting
himself
.
'
I
beg
your
pardon
,
'
tis
no
fit
time
,
nor
fit
—
But
you
'll
let
me
hear
.
'
'
That
I
will
,
'
said
Dr.
May
,
and
as
Alan
hastily
left
the
room
,
he
continued
,
half
aloud
,
to
himself
,
'
Poor
boy
!
poor
fellow
!
I
see
.
No
wonder
!
Heaven
grant
I
have
not
been
the
breaking
of
their
two
young
hearts
,
as
well
as
my
own
!
Maggie
looked
doubtful
—
as
much
as
she
ever
did
when
my
mind
was
set
on
a
thing
,
when
I
spoke
of
bringing
him
here
.
But
after
all
,
she
liked
him
as
much
as
the
rest
of
us
did
—
she
could
not
wish
it
otherwise
—
he
is
one
of
a
thousand
,
and
worthy
of
our
Margaret
.
That
he
is
!
and
Maggie
thinks
so
.
If
he
gets
on
in
his
profession
,
why
then
we
shall
see
—
'
but
the
sigh
of
anguish
of
mind
,
here
showed
that
the
wound
had
but
been
forgotten
for
one
moment
.
'
Pshaw
!
What
am
I
running
on
to
?
I
'm
all
astray
for
want
of
her
!
My
poor
girl
—
'
Mr.
Ernescliffe
set
out
before
sun-rise
.
The
boys
were
up
to
wish
him
good-bye
,
and
so
were
Etheldred
and
Mary
,
and
some
one
else
,
for
while
the
shaking
of
hands
was
going
on
in
the
hall
,
there
was
a
call
'
Mr
.
Ernthcliffe
,
'
and
over
the
balusters
peeped
a
little
rough
curly
head
,
a
face
glowing
with
carnation
deepened
by
sleep
,
and
a
round
,
plump
,
bare
arm
and
shoulder
;
and
down
at
Alan
's
feet
there
fell
a
construction
of
white
and
pink
paper
,
while
a
voice
lisped
out
'
Mr
.
Ernthcliffe
,
there
's
a
white
rothe
for
you
.
'
An
indignant
'
Miss
Blanche
!
'
was
heard
behind
,
and
there
was
no
certainty
that
any
thanks
reached
the
poor
little
heroine
,
who
was
evidently
borne
off
summarily
to
the
nursery
,
while
Ethel
gave
way
to
a
paroxysm
of
suppressed
laughter
,
joined
in
,
more
or
less
,
by
all
the
rest
;
and
thus
Alan
,
promising
faithfully
to
preserve
the
precious
token
,
left
Dr.
May
's
door
,
not
in
so
much
outward
sorrow
as
he
had
expected
.
Even
their
father
laughed
at
the
romance
of
the
white
'
rothe
,
'
and
declared
Blanche
was
a
dangerous
young
lady
;
but
the
story
was
less
successful
with
Miss
Winter
,
who
gravely
said
it
was
no
wonder
,
since
Blanche
's
elder
sister
had
been
setting
her
the
example
of
forwardness
in
coming
down
in
this
way
after
Mr.
Ernescliffe
.
Ethel
was
very
angry
,
and
was
only
prevented
from
vindicating
herself
,
by
remembering
there
was
no
peace-maker
now
,
and
that
she
had
resolved
only
to
think
of
Miss
Winter
's
late
kindness
,
and
bear
with
her
tiresome
ways
.
Etheldred
thought
herself
too
sorrowful
to
be
liable
to
her
usual
faults
,
which
would
seem
so
much
worse
now
;
but
she
found
herself
more
irritable
than
usual
,
and
doubly
heedless
,
because
her
mind
was
pre-occupied
.
She
hated
herself
,
and
suffered
more
from
sorrow
than
even
at
the
first
moment
,
for
now
she
felt
what
it
was
to
have
no
one
to
tame
her
,
no
eye
over
her
;
she
found
herself
going
à
tort
et
à
travers
all
the
morning
,
and
with
no
one
to
set
her
right
.
Since
it
was
so
the
first
day
,
what
would
follow
?
Mary
was
on
the
contrary
so
far
subdued
,
as
to
be
exemplary
in
goodness
and
diligence
,
and
Blanche
was
always
steady
.
Flora
was
too
busy
to
think
of
the
school-room
,
for
the
whole
house
was
on
her
hands
,
besides
the
charge
of
Margaret
,
while
Dr.
May
went
to
the
hospital
,
and
to
sundry
patients
,
and
they
thought
he
seemed
the
better
for
the
occupation
,
as
well
as
gratified
and
affected
by
the
sympathy
he
everywhere
met
with
,
from
high
and
low
.
The
boys
were
at
school
,
unseen
except
when
at
the
dinner
play-hour
,
Norman
ran
home
to
ask
after
his
father
and
sister
,
but
the
most
trying
time
was
at
eight
in
the
evening
,
when
they
came
home
.
That
was
wont
to
be
the
merriest
part
of
the
whole
day
,
the
whole
family
collected
,
papa
at
leisure
and
ready
for
talk
or
for
play
,
mamma
smiling
over
her
work-basket
,
the
sisters
full
of
chatter
,
the
brothers
full
of
fun
,
all
the
tidings
of
the
day
discussed
,
and
nothing
unwelcome
but
bed-time
.
How
different
now
!
The
Doctor
was
with
Margaret
,
and
though
Richard
tried
to
say
something
cheerful
,
as
his
brothers
entered
,
there
was
no
response
,
and
they
sat
down
on
the
opposite
sides
of
the
fire
,
forlorn
and
silent
,
till
Richard
who
was
printing
some
letters
on
card-board
to
supply
the
gaps
in
Aubrey
's
ivory
Alphabet
,
called
Harry
to
help
him
;
but
Ethel
,
as
she
sat
at
work
,
could
only
look
at
Norman
,
and
wish
she
could
devise
anything
likely
to
gratify
him
.
After
a
time
Flora
came
down
,
and
laying
some
sheets
of
closely
written
note
paper
before
her
sister
,
said
,
'
Here
is
dear
mama
's
unfinished
letter
to
aunt
Flora
.
Papa
says
we
elder
ones
are
to
read
it
.
It
is
a
description
of
us
all
,
and
very
much
indeed
we
ought
to
learn
from
it
.
I
shall
keep
a
copy
of
it
.
'
Flora
took
up
her
work
,
and
began
to
consult
with
Richard
,
while
Ethel
moved
to
Norman
's
side
,
and
kneeling
so
as
to
lean
against
his
shoulder
,
as
he
sat
on
a
low
cushion
,
they
read
their
mother
's
last
letter
,
by
the
fire-light
,
with
indescribable
feelings
,
as
they
went
through
the
subjects
that
had
lately
occupied
them
,
related
by
her
who
would
never
be
among
them
again
.
After
much
of
this
kind
,
for
her
letters
to
Mrs.
Arnott
were
almost
journals
,
came
,
'
You
say
it
is
long
since
you
had
a
portrait
gallery
of
the
chicken
daisies
,
and
if
I
do
not
write
in
these
leisure
days
,
you
will
hardly
get
it
after
I
am
in
the
midst
of
business
again
.
The
new
Daisy
is
like
Margaret
at
the
same
age
—
may
she
continue
like
her
!
Pretty
creature
,
she
can
hardly
be
more
charming
than
at
present
.
Aubrey
,
the
moon-faced
,
is
far
from
reconciled
to
his
deposition
from
babyhood
;
he
is
a
sober
,
solemn
gentleman
,
backward
in
talking
,
and
with
such
a
will
of
his
own
,
as
will
want
much
watching
;
very
different
from
Blanche
,
who
is
Flora
over
again
,
perhaps
prettier
,
and
more
fairy-like
,
unless
this
is
only
one
's
admiration
for
the
buds
of
the
present
season
.
None
of
them
has
ever
been
so
winning
as
this
little
maid
,
who
even
attracts
Dr.
Hoxton
himself
,
and
obtains
sugar-plums
and
kisses
.
"
Rather
she
than
I
,
"
says
Harry
,
but
notice
is
notice
to
the
white
Mayflower
,
and
there
is
my
anxiety
—
I
am
afraid
it
is
not
wholesome
to
be
too
engaging
ever
to
get
a
rebuff
.
I
hope
having
a
younger
sister
,
and
outgrowing
baby
charms
may
be
salutary
.
Flora
soon
left
off
thinking
about
her
beauty
,
and
the
fit
of
vanity
does
less
harm
at
five
than
fifteen
.
My
poor
Tom
has
not
such
a
happy
life
as
Blanche
,
he
is
often
in
trouble
at
lessons
,
and
bullied
by
Harry
at
play
,
in
spite
of
his
champion
,
Mary
;
and
yet
I
cannot
interfere
,
for
it
is
good
for
him
to
have
all
this
preparatory
teazing
,
before
he
goes
into
school
.
He
has
good
abilities
,
but
not
much
perseverance
or
energy
,
and
I
must
take
the
teaching
of
him
into
my
own
hands
till
his
school-days
begin
,
in
hopes
of
instilling
them
.
The
girlishness
and
timidity
will
be
knocked
out
of
him
by
the
boys
,
I
suppose
;
Harry
is
too
kind
and
generous
to
do
more
than
teaze
him
moderately
,
and
Norman
will
see
that
it
does
not
go
too
far
.
It
is
a
common
saying
that
Tom
and
Mary
made
a
mistake
,
that
he
is
the
girl
,
and
she
the
boy
,
for
she
is
a
rough
,
merry
creature
,
the
noisiest
in
the
house
,
always
skirmishing
with
Harry
in
defence
of
Tom
,
and
yet
devoted
to
him
,
and
wanting
to
do
everything
he
does
.
Those
two
,
Harry
and
Mary
,
are
exactly
alike
,
except
for
Harry
's
curly
mane
of
lion-coloured
wig
.
The
"
yellow
haired
laddie
"
is
papa
's
name
for
Harry
,
which
he
does
not
mind
from
him
,
though
furious
if
the
girls
attempt
to
call
him
so
.
Harry
is
the
thorough
boy
of
the
family
,
all
spirit
,
recklessness
,
and
mischief
,
but
so
true
,
and
kind
,
and
noble-hearted
,
that
one
loves
him
the
better
after
every
freely
confessed
scrape
.
I
cannot
tell
you
how
grateful
I
am
to
my
boy
for
his
perfect
confidence
,
the
thing
that
chiefly
lessens
my
anxiety
for
him
in
his
half-school
,
half-home
life
,
which
does
not
seem
to
me
to
work
quite
well
with
him
.
There
are
two
sons
of
Mrs.
Anderson
's
at
the
school
,
who
are
more
his
friends
than
I
like
,
and
he
is
too
easily
led
by
the
desire
not
to
be
outdone
,
and
to
show
that
he
fears
nothing
.
Lately
,
our
sailor-guest
has
inspired
him
with
a
vehement
wish
to
go
to
sea
;
I
wish
it
was
not
necessary
that
the
decision
should
be
made
so
early
in
life
,
for
this
fault
is
just
what
would
make
us
most
fear
to
send
him
into
the
world
very
young
,
though
in
some
ways
it
might
not
do
amiss
for
him
.
So
much
for
the
younger
bairns
,
whom
you
never
beheld
,
dear
Flora
.
The
three
whom
you
left
,
when
people
used
to
waste
pity
on
me
for
their
being
all
babies
together
,
now
look
as
if
any
pair
of
them
were
twins
,
for
Norman
is
the
tallest
,
almost
outgrowing
his
strength
,
and
Ethel
's
sharp
face
,
so
like
her
papa
's
,
makes
her
look
older
than
Flora
.
Norman
and
Ethel
do
indeed
take
after
their
papa
,
more
than
any
of
the
others
,
and
are
much
alike
.
There
is
the
same
brilliant
cleverness
,
the
same
strong
feeling
,
not
easy
of
demonstration
,
though
impetuous
in
action
;
but
poor
Ethel
's
old
foibles
,
her
harum-scarum
nature
,
quick
temper
,
uncouth
manners
,
and
heedlessness
of
all
but
one
absorbing
object
,
have
kept
her
back
,
and
caused
her
much
discomfort
;
yet
I
sometimes
think
these
manifest
defects
have
occasioned
a
discipline
that
is
the
best
thing
for
the
character
in
the
end
.
They
are
faults
that
show
themselves
,
and
which
one
can
tell
how
to
deal
with
,
and
I
have
full
confidence
that
she
has
the
principle
within
her
that
will
conquer
them
.
'
'
If
—
'
mournfully
sighed
Ethel
;
but
her
brother
pointed
on
further
.
'
My
great
hope
is
her
entire
indifference
to
praise
—
not
approval
,
but
praise
.
If
she
has
not
come
up
to
her
own
standard
,
she
works
on
,
not
always
with
good
temper
,
but
perseveringly
,
and
entirely
,
unheeding
of
commendation
till
she
has
satisfied
herself
,
only
thinking
it
stupid
not
to
see
the
faults
.
It
is
this
independence
of
praise
that
I
want
to
see
in
her
brother
and
sister
.
They
justly
earn
it
,
and
are
rightly
pleased
with
it
;
but
I
cannot
feel
sure
whether
they
do
not
depend
on
it
too
much
.
Norman
lives
,
like
all
school-boys
,
a
life
of
emulation
,
and
has
never
met
with
anything
but
success
.
I
do
believe
Dr.
Hoxton
and
Mr.
Wilmot
are
as
proud
of
him
as
we
are
;
and
he
has
never
shown
any
tendency
to
conceit
,
but
I
am
afraid
he
has
the
love
of
being
foremost
,
and
pride
in
his
superiority
,
caring
for
what
he
is
,
compared
with
others
,
rather
than
what
he
is
himself
.
'
'
I
know
,
'
said
Norman
;
'
I
have
done
so
,
but
that
's
over
.
I
see
what
it
is
worth
.
I
'd
give
all
the
quam
optimès
I
ever
got
in
my
life
to
be
the
help
Richard
is
to
papa
.
'
'
You
would
if
you
were
his
age
.
'
'
Not
I
,
I
'm
not
the
sort
.
I
'm
not
like
her
.
But
are
we
to
go
on
about
the
elders
?
'
'
Oh
!
yes
,
do
n't
let
us
miss
a
word
.
There
ca
n't
be
anything
but
praise
of
them
.
'
'
Your
sweet
goddaughter
.
I
almost
feel
as
if
I
had
spoken
in
disparagement
of
her
,
but
I
meant
no
such
thing
,
dear
girl
.
It
would
be
hard
to
find
a
fault
in
her
,
since
the
childish
love
of
admiration
was
subdued
.
She
is
so
solid
and
steady
,
as
to
be
very
valuable
with
the
younger
ones
,
and
is
fast
growing
so
lovely
,
that
I
wish
you
could
behold
her
.
I
do
not
see
any
vanity
,
but
there
lies
my
dread
,
not
of
beauty-vanity
,
but
that
she
will
find
temptation
in
the
being
everywhere
liked
and
sought
after
.
As
to
Margaret
,
my
precious
companion
and
friend
,
you
have
heard
enough
of
her
to
know
her
,
and
,
as
to
telling
you
what
she
is
like
,
I
could
as
soon
set
about
describing
her
papa
.
When
I
thought
of
not
being
spared
to
them
this
time
,
it
was
happiness
indeed
to
think
of
her
at
their
head
,
fit
to
be
his
companion
,
with
so
much
of
his
own
talent
as
to
be
more
up
to
conversation
with
him
,
than
he
could
ever
have
found
his
stupid
old
Maggie
.
It
was
rather
a
trial
of
her
discretion
to
have
Mr.
Ernescliffe
here
while
I
was
up-stairs
,
and
very
well
she
seems
to
have
come
out
of
it
.
Poor
Richard
's
last
disappointment
is
still
our
chief
trouble
.
He
has
been
working
hard
with
a
tutor
all
through
the
vacation
,
and
has
not
even
come
home
to
see
his
new
sister
,
on
his
way
to
Oxford
.
He
had
made
a
resolution
that
he
would
not
come
to
us
,
till
he
had
passed
,
and
his
father
thought
it
best
that
it
should
be
kept
.
I
hope
he
will
succeed
next
time
,
but
his
nervousness
renders
it
still
more
doubtful
.
With
him
it
is
the
very
reverse
of
Norman
.
He
suffers
too
much
for
want
of
commendation
,
and
I
cannot
wonder
at
it
,
when
I
see
how
much
each
failure
vexes
his
father
,
and
Richard
little
knows
how
precious
is
our
perfect
confidence
in
him
,
how
much
more
valuable
than
any
honours
he
could
earn
.
You
would
be
amused
to
see
how
little
he
is
altered
from
the
pretty
little
fair
fellow
,
that
you
used
to
say
,
was
so
like
my
old
portrait
,
even
the
wavy
rings
of
light
glossy
hair
sit
on
his
forehead
,
just
as
you
liked
to
twist
them
;
and
his
small
trim
figure
is
a
fine
contrast
to
Norman
's
long
legs
and
arms
,
which
—
'
There
the
letter
broke
off
,
the
playful
affection
of
the
last
words
making
it
almost
more
painful
to
think
that
the
fond
hand
would
never
finish
the
sentence
.
CHAPTER
VI
.
'
A
drooping
daisy
changed
into
a
cup
,
In
which
her
bright-eyed
beauty
is
shut
up
.
'
Wordsworth
.
'
So
there
you
are
up
for
the
day
—
really
you
look
very
comfortable
,
'
said
Ethel
,
coming
into
the
room
where
Margaret
lay
on
her
bed
,
half
raised
by
pillows
,
supported
by
a
wooden
frame
.
'
Yes
,
is
not
it
a
charming
contrivance
of
Richard
's
?
It
quite
gives
me
the
use
of
my
hands
,
'
said
Margaret
.
'
I
think
he
is
doing
something
else
for
you
,
'
said
Ethel
;
'
I
heard
him
carpentering
at
six
o'clock
this
morning
,
but
I
suppose
it
is
to
be
a
secret
.
'
'
And
do
n't
you
admire
her
night-cap
?
'
said
Flora
.
'
Is
it
any
thing
different
?
'
said
Ethel
,
peering
closer
.
'
O
,
I
see
—
so
she
has
a
fine
day
night-cap
.
Is
that
your
taste
,
Flora
?
'
'
Partly
,
'
said
Margaret
,
'
and
partly
my
own
.
I
put
in
all
these
little
white
puffs
,
and
I
hope
you
think
they
do
me
credit
.
Was
n't
it
grand
of
me
?
'
'
She
only
despises
you
for
them
,
'
said
Flora
.
'
I
'm
very
glad
you
could
,
'
said
Ethel
,
gravely
;
'
but
do
you
know
?
it
is
rather
like
that
horrid
old
lady
in
some
book
,
who
had
a
paralytic
stroke
,
and
the
first
thing
she
did
that
showed
she
had
come
to
her
senses
was
to
write
,
"
Rose-coloured
curtains
for
the
Doctors
.
"
'
'
Well
,
it
was
for
the
Doctor
,
'
said
Margaret
,
'
and
it
had
its
effect
.
He
told
me
I
looked
much
better
when
he
found
me
trying
it
on
.
'
'
And
did
you
really
have
the
looking-glass
and
try
it
on
?
'
cried
Ethel
.
'
Yes
,
really
,
'
said
Flora
.
'
Do
n't
you
think
one
may
as
well
be
fit
to
be
seen
if
one
is
ill
?
It
is
no
use
to
depress
one
's
friends
by
being
more
forlorn
and
disconsolate
than
one
can
help
.
'
'
No
—
not
disconsolate
,
'
said
Ethel
;
'
but
the
white
puffiness
—
and
the
hemming
—
and
the
glass
!
'
'
Poor
Ethel
ca
n't
get
over
it
,
'
said
Margaret
.
'
But
,
Ethel
,
do
you
think
there
is
nothing
disconsolate
in
untidiness
?
'
'
You
could
be
tidy
without
the
little
puffs
!
Your
first
bit
of
work
too
!
Do
n't
think
I
'm
tiresome
.
If
they
were
an
amusement
to
you
,
I
am
sure
I
am
very
glad
of
them
,
but
I
ca
n't
see
the
sense
of
them
.
'
'
Poor
little
things
!
'
said
Margaret
laughing
.
'
It
is
only
my
foible
for
making
a
thing
look
nice
.
And
,
Ethel
,
'
she
added
,
drawing
her
down
close
over
her
,
'
I
did
not
think
the
trouble
wasted
,
if
seeing
me
look
fresher
cheered
up
dear
papa
a
moment
.
'
'
I
spoke
to
papa
about
nurse
's
proposal
,
'
said
Margaret
presently
to
Flora
,
'
and
he
quite
agrees
to
it
.
Indeed
it
is
impossible
that
Anne
should
attend
properly
to
all
the
children
while
nurse
is
so
much
engaged
with
me
.
'
'
I
think
so
,
'
said
Flora
;
'
and
it
does
not
answer
to
bring
Aubrey
into
the
school-room
.
It
only
makes
Mary
and
Blanche
idle
,
and
Miss
Winter
does
not
like
it
.
'
'
Then
the
question
is
,
who
shall
it
be
?
Nurse
has
no
one
in
view
,
and
only
protests
against
"
one
of
the
girls
out
of
the
school
here
.
"
'
'
That
's
a
great
pity
,
'
said
Flora
.
'
Do
n't
you
think
we
could
make
her
take
to
Jane
White
,
she
is
so
very
nice
.
'
'
I
thought
of
her
,
but
it
will
never
answer
if
we
displease
nurse
.
Besides
,
I
remember
at
the
time
Anne
came
,
dear
mamma
thought
there
was
danger
of
a
girl
's
having
too
many
acquaintances
,
especially
taking
the
children
out
walking
.
We
cannot
always
be
sure
of
sending
her
out
with
Anne
.
'
'
Do
you
remember
—
'
said
Ethel
,
there
stopping
.
'
Well
,
'
said
both
sisters
.
'
Do
n't
you
recollect
,
Flora
,
that
girl
whose
father
was
in
the
hospital
—
that
girl
at
Cocksmoor
?
'
'
I
do
,
said
Flora
,
'
She
was
a
very
nice
girl
;
I
wonder
whether
nurse
would
approve
of
her
.
'
'
How
old
?
'
said
Margaret
.
'
Fourteen
,
and
tall
.
Such
a
clean
cottage
!
'
The
girls
went
on
,
and
Margaret
began
to
like
the
idea
very
much
,
and
consider
whether
the
girl
could
be
brought
for
inspection
,
before
nurse
was
prejudiced
by
hearing
of
her
Cocksmoor
extraction
.
At
that
moment
Richard
knocked
at
the
door
,
and
entered
with
Tom
,
helping
him
to
bring
a
small
short-legged
table
,
such
as
could
stand
on
the
bed
at
the
right
height
for
Margaret
's
meals
or
employments
.
There
were
great
exclamations
of
satisfaction
,
and
gratitude
;
'
it
was
the
very
thing
wanted
,
only
how
could
he
have
contrived
it
?
'
'
Do
n't
you
recognise
it
?
'
said
he
.
'
O
,
I
see
;
it
is
the
old
drawing-desk
that
no
one
used
.
And
you
have
put
legs
to
it
—
how
famous
!
You
are
the
best
contriver
,
Richard
!
'
'
Then
see
,
you
can
raise
it
up
for
reading
or
writing
;
here
's
a
corner
for
your
ink
to
stand
flat
;
and
there
it
is
down
for
your
dinner
.
'
'
Charming
,
you
have
made
it
go
so
easily
,
when
it
used
to
be
so
stiff
.
There
—
give
me
my
work-basket
,
please
,
Ethel
;
I
mean
to
make
some
more
white
puffs
.
'
'
What
's
the
matter
now
,
Ethel
?
'
said
Flora
;
'
you
look
as
if
you
did
not
approve
of
the
table
.
'
'
I
was
only
thinking
it
was
as
if
she
was
settling
herself
to
lie
in
bed
for
a
very
long
time
,
'
said
Ethel
.
'
I
hope
not
,
said
Richard
;
'
but
I
do
n't
see
why
she
should
not
be
as
comfortable
as
she
can
,
while
she
is
there
.
'
'
I
am
sure
I
hope
you
will
never
be
ill
,
Ethel
,
'
said
Flora
.
You
would
be
horrid
to
nurse
!
'
'
She
will
know
how
to
be
grateful
