rgaret was somewhat comforted to find that the sacrifice had cost her
father a good deal; she was always slightly jealous for Richard, and
now that Alan was gone, she clung to him more than ever. His soft calm
manner supported her more than any other human comforter, and she always
yearned after him when absent, more than for all the other brothers; but
her father's decision had been too high-minded for her to dare to wish
it recalled, and she could not but own that Richard would have had
to undergo more toil and annoyance than perhaps his health would have
endured.

Flora had discontinued comments to her sisters on her father's
proceedings, finding that observations mortified Margaret, and did not
tend to peace with Ethel; but she told her husband that she did not
regret it much, for Richard would have exhausted his own income, and his
father's likewise, in paying curates, and raising funds for charities.
She scarcely expected Mr. Edward Wilmot to accept the offer, aware as
he was, of the many disadvantages he should have to contend with, and
unsuccessful as he had been in dealing with the Ladies' Committee.

However, Mr. Wilmot signified his thankful acceptance, and, in due time,
his familiar tap was heard at the drawing-room door, at tea-time, as if
he had just returned after the holidays. He was most gladly welcomed,
and soon was installed in his own place, with his goddaughter, Mary,
blushing with pleasure at pouring out his coffee.

"Well, Ethel, how is Cocksmoor? How like old times!"

"Oh," cried Ethel, "we are so glad you will see the beginning of the
school!"

"I hear you are finishing Cherry Elwood, too."

"Much against Ethel's will," said Margaret; "but we thought Cherry not
easily spoiled. And Whitford school seems to be in very good order. Dr.
Spencer went and had an inspection of it, and conferred with all the
authorities."

"Ah! we have a jewel of a parishioner for you," said Dr. May. "I have
some hopes of Stoneborough now."

Mr. Wilmot did not look too hopeful, but he smiled, and asked after
Granny Hall, and the children.

"Polly grew up quite civilised," said Ethel. "She lives at Whitford,
with some very respectable people, and sends granny presents, which make
her merrier than ever. Last time it was a bonnet, and Jenny persuaded
her to go to church in it, though, she said, what she called the moon of
it was too small."

"How do the people go on?"

"I cannot say much for them. It is dishea