more sorrows."

"My poor child!" said Mrs. Arnott, putting her arm round her niece's
waist.

Ethel rested her head on her shoulder. "Aunt Flora! Aunt Flora! If any
words could tell what Margaret has been ever since we were left. Oh,
don't make me talk or think of ourselves without her. It is wrong to
wish. And when you see her, that dear face of hers will make you happy
in the present. Then," added Ethel, not able to leave off with such a
subject, "you have our Norman to see."

"Ah! Norman's project is too delightful to us; but I fear what it may be
to your father."

"He gives dear Norman, as his most precious gift, the flower and pride
of us all."

"But, Ethel, I am quite frightened at Miss Rivers's looks. Is it
possible that--"

"Aunt Flora," broke in Ethel, "don't say a word against it. The choicest
goods wear the best; and whatever woman can do, Meta Rivers can. Norman
is a great tall fellow, as clever as possible, but perfectly feckless.
If you had him there alone, he would be a bee without a queen."

"Well, but--"

"Listen," continued Ethel. "Meta is a concentration of spirit and
energy, delights in practical matters, is twice the housewife I am, and
does all like an accomplishment. Between them, they will make a noble
missionary--"

"But she looks--"

"Hush," continued the niece. "You will think me domineering; but please
don't give any judgment without seeing; for they look to you as an
arbitrator, and casual words will weigh."

"Thank you, Ethel; perhaps you are right. When does he think of coming
out?"

"When he is ordained--some time next year."

"Does she live with you?"

"I suppose she lives with Flora; but we always manage to get her when
Norman is at home."

"You have told me nothing of Flora or Mary."

"I have little real to tell. Good old Mary! I dare say Harry talked
to you plentifully of her. She is a--a nice old darling," said Ethel
fondly. "We want her again very much, and did not quite bargain for the
succession of smart visits that she has been paying."

"With Flora?"

"Yes. Unluckily George Rivers has taken an aversion to the Grange, and I
have not seen Flora this whole year."

Ethel stopped short, and said that she must not keep Margaret expecting
her. Perhaps her aunt guessed that she had touched the true chord of
anxiety.

The morning brought a cheering account of Margaret; and Mrs. Arnott was
to see her directly after breakfast. In the meantime, the firm limbs,
b