iness. He had
voluntarily propounded his intended profession to his father, who had
been so much pleased by his choice, that he could not but be gratified;
though now and then ambitious fancies, and discontent with Stoneborough,
combined to bring on his ordinary moody fits, the more, because his
habitual reserve prevented any one from knowing what was working in his
mind.

Finally the Rivers' party announced their intention of going to the Isle
of Wight as soon as Meta had come of age; and the council of Cocksmoor,
meeting at tea at Dr. May's house, decided that the foundation stone
of the church should be laid on the day after her birthday, when there
would be a gathering of the whole family, as Margaret wished. Dr.
Spencer had worked incredibly hard to bring it forward, and Margaret's
sweet smiles, and liquid eyes, expressed how personally thankful she
felt.

"What a blessing this church has been to that poor girl," said Dr.
Spencer, as he left the house with Mr. Wilmot. "How it beguiles her out
of her grief! I am glad she has the pleasure of the foundation; I doubt
if she will see the consecration."

"Indeed!" said Mr. Wilmot, shocked. "Was that attack so serious?"

"That recumbent position and want of exercise were certain to produce
organic disease, and suspense and sorrow have hastened it. The death of
Mrs. Rivers's poor child was the blow that called it into activity, and,
if it last more than a year, I shall be surprised."

"For such as she is, one cannot presume to wish, but her father--is he
aware of this?"

"He knows there is extensive damage; I think he does not open his eyes
to the result, but he will bear it. Never was there a man to whom it
came so naturally to live like the fowls of the air, or the lilies of
the field, as it does to dear Dick May," said Dr. Spencer, his voice
faltering.

"There is a strength of faith and love in him that carries him
through all," said Mr. Wilmot. "His childlike nature seems to have the
trustfulness that is, in itself, consolation. You said how Cocksmoor had
been blessed to Margaret--I think it is the same with them all--not only
Ethel and Richard, who have been immediately concerned; but that one
object has been a centre and aim to elevate the whole family, and give
force and unity to their efforts. Even the good doctor, much as I
always looked up to him--much good as he did me in my young days--I must
confess that he was sometimes very provoking."

"If you ha