or that she
was not acting just as she would have done by her own child. She found
herself happily married to one whom home notions would have rejected,
and she believed Meta would be perfectly happy with a man of decided
talent, honour, and unstained character, even though he should not come
up to her father's or Ethel's standard.

If Meta were to marry as they would approve, she would have far to
seek among "desirable connections." Meantime, was not Flora acting with
exemplary judgment and self-denial?

So she wrote that she could not come home; Margaret was much
disappointed, and so was Meta, who had looked to Ethel to unravel the
tangles of her life.

"No, no, little miss," said Flora to herself; "you don't talk to Ethel
till your fate is irrevocable. Why, if I had listened to her, I should
be thankful to be singing at Mrs. Hoxton's parties at this minute!
and, as for herself, look at Norman Ogilvie! No, no, after six weeks'
yachting--moonlight, sea, and sympathy--I defy her to rob Sir Henry of
his prize! And, with Meta lady of Cocksmoor, even Ethel herself must be
charmed!"

CHAPTER XX.

We barter life for pottage, sell true bliss
For wealth or power, for pleasure or renown;
Thus, Esau-like, our Father's blessing miss,
Then wash with fruitless tears our faded crown.
Christian Year.

"Papa, here is a message from Flora for you," said Margaret, holding up
a letter; "she wants to know whom to consult about the baby."

"Ha! what's the matter?"

Margaret read--"Will you ask papa whom I had better call in to see the
baby. There does not seem to be anything positively amiss, but I am
not happy about her. There is a sleepiness about her which I do not
understand, and, when roused, she is fretful, and will not be amused.
There is a look in her eyes which I do not like, and I should wish to
have some advice for her. Lady Leonora recommends Mr.--, but I always
distrust people who are very much the rage, and I shall send for no one
without papa's advice."

"Let me see!" said Dr. May, startled, and holding out his hand for the
letter. "A look about the eyes! I shall go up and see her myself. Why
has not she brought her home?"

"It would have been far better," said Margaret.

"Sleepy and dull! She was as lively a child when they took her away as
I ever saw. What! is there no more about her? The letter is crammed with
somebody's fete--vote