ess, don't go up in the cold. There, sit by the fire pull off your
frock and stockings, and we will send for the others. Let me see you
look comfortable--there. Now tell me who threw cold water."

"It was figurative cold water," said Ethel, smiling for a moment. "I was
only silly enough to tell Richard my plan, and it's horrid to talk to
a person who only thinks one high-flying and nonsensical--and then came
the dirt."

"But what was the scheme, Ethel?"

"Cocksmoor," said Ethel, proceeding to unfold it.

"I wish we could," said Margaret. "It would be an excellent thing. But
how did Richard vex you?"

"I don't know," said Ethel, "only he thought it would not do. Perhaps he
said right, but it was coldly, and he smiled."

"He is too sober-minded for our flights," said Margaret. "I know the
feeling of it, Ethel dear; but you know if he did see that some of
your plans might not answer, it is no reason you should not try to do
something at once. You have not told me about the girl."

Ethel proceeded to tell the history. "There!" said Margaret cheerfully,
"there are two ways of helping Cocksmoor already. Could you not make
some clothes for the two grandchildren? I could help you a little,
and then, if they were well clothed, you might get them to come to the
Sunday-school. And as to the twins, I wonder what the hire of a cart
would be to bring the christening party? It is just what Richard could
manage."

"Yes," said Ethel; "but those are only little isolated individual
things!"

"But one must make a beginning."

"Then, Margaret, you think it was a real vow? You don't think it silly
of me?" said Ethel wistfully.

"Ethel, dear, I don't think dear mamma would say we ought to make vows,
except what the church decrees for us. I don't think she would like the
notion of your considering yourself pledged; but I do think, that, after
all you have said and felt about Cocksmoor, and being led there on that
day, it does seem as if we might be intended to make it our especial
charge."

"Oh, Margaret, I am glad you say so. You always understand."

"But you know we are so young, that now we have not her to judge for us,
we must only do little things that we are quite sure of, or we shall get
wrong."

"That's not the way great things were done."

"I don't know, Ethel; I think great things can't be good unless they
stand on a sure foundation of little ones."

"Well, I believe Richard was right, and it would not do to begi