not."

She was gently and touchingly considerate towards the lovers, silently
but unobtrusively obviating all that could jar on their feelings, and
employing her exquisite tact in the kindest manner.

She released Meta from the expedition to Ryde, silencing scruples on
the one hand, by a suggestion of "poor Sir Henry," and, on the other,
by offering to exchange her for Mary. The first proposal made Mary take
such a spring in her chair, with eyes so round, and cheeks so red, and
such a shriek about Harry and the Bucephalus, that no one could have
borne to say one word in opposition, even if it had not been the opinion
of the Council that sea air would best repair Mary's strength.

Ethel had some private fears of a scene, since it was one of Miss
Bracy's idiosyncrasies to be hurt whenever Mary was taken out of her
hands; and she went to announce the design, in dread lest this shock
should destroy the harmony that had prevailed for many months; nay, she
almost believed, since the loss of the Alcestis had been known.

She was agreeably surprised. Miss Bracy thought Mary in need of the
change, and discussed both her and Blanche in so pleasant and sensible
a manner, that Ethel was quite relieved. She partook in Mary's
anticipations of pleasure, forwarded her preparations, and was delighted
with her promise of letters--promises that Mary bestowed so largely,
in the fullness of her heart, that there were fears lest her whole time
should be spent in writing.

Her soft heart indulged in a shower of tears when she wished them all
good-bye; and Ethel and Blanche found the house was very empty without
her; but that was only till Meta came in from a walk with Norman, and,
under the plea of trying to supply Mary's place, did the work of five
Maries, and a great deal besides.

Nothing could be happier than Meta's visit, brightening the house so
that the Mays thought they had never known half her charms, helping
whatever was going on, yet ready to play with Daisy, tell stories to
Aubrey, hear Tom's confidences, talk to Margaret, read with Norman, and
teach Richard singing for his school children. The only vexation was,
that every one could not always engross her entirely; and Dr. May used
to threaten that they should never spare her to that long-legged fellow,
Norman.

She had persuaded Bellairs to go and take care of Flora and Mary,
instead of the French maid--a plan which greatly satisfied Margaret, who
had never liked the loo