how we should lay it out."

Edward continued for a few moments silent and moody, while Julia urged
her cause zealously. The person, young or old, to whom a charity is
suggested, is not often as eager for it as the original projector.
Edward, however, after having walked up to the flag-staff, plucked a
clover-stalk, and retraced a part of the way to the little wicket by
which they entered, said, with the air of a sage, "I did not think it
best, Julia, to say yes, without some consideration; but on the whole I
like the plan, and if father and mother consent, I shall be very glad."
Once agreed, they were impatient for the execution of their scheme, and
they hurried forward to the cottage, at the door of which they were met
by both the children. The little girl now quite recovered, clung to
Julia, while Richard plucked Edward by the sleeve, and expressed his joy
awkwardly, but naturally enough, by laughing in his face.

"Ah, they are indeed right glad to see ye," said Mrs. Barton, "as I'm
sure I am, as I have reason; but they, poor things--their hearts would
not jump so at sight of their father's face, as indeed how should they,
seeing they can have no recollection of him."

The children replied to all these kind expressions from mother and
children, and then drawing Mrs. Sackville to the door, they suggested
their plan. She kissed them both, and bade them await her in the
cottage, while she went to consult their father and uncle, whom she saw
approaching.

As soon as she had communicated the children's wishes, Mr. Morris
laughed at them. "Why," said he, "the poor foolish woman is on a
wild-goose chase, and the sooner she is stopped the better--travelling
over the world after a husband, who I have no doubt she is vastly better
without than with."

"But she is the best judge of that, brother."

"Lord bless you, no--a wife is no judge at all about her husband. She is
evidently an ingenious worthy woman, and can get a good living if she is
not footing it over the world after this soldier--a good riddance--a
good riddance, Mrs. Sackville. I am surprised you do not see it is a
good riddance."

Mrs. Sackville, who did not esteem matrimonial ties so lightly as her
bachelor brother, appealed to her husband, but he joined Mr. Morris in
thinking Mrs. Barton had much better remain where she was; not because
he was sure the father and husband, though a soldier, might not be worth
looking up, but because there was not the slight