ts--Mr. Rivers's will arranges everything for her."

"It would be a good thing to get rid of a fine wedding," said Ethel;
"but they will never consent!"

"Yes, they will, and be grateful."

"Papa would be happier about Norman," said Ethel; "but I cannot fancy
his liking it. And you--you can't spare Meta, for Aunt Flora must go to
the Arnotts' in a week or two more."

"Suppose papa was to let me have you," said Flora. "If he wants you, he
must come after you."

Ethel gasped at the thought that her occupation at home was gone, but
she said, "If I am not too awkward for you, dear Flora. You will miss
Meta terribly."

"I can't keep the humming-bird caged, with her heart far away," said
Flora.

Dr. May came in to break up the conversation, and Ethel quickly guessed
from his manner that Norman had been talking to him. Flora told him that
she had been agreeing with Ethel that Meta had much better not miss this
opportunity. He was far less startled than Ethel had expected; indeed,
the proposal was rather a relief to his mind, and his chief objection
was the fear that Flora would be fatigued by the extra bustle; but she
promised not to trouble herself about it, otherwise than that if Norman
could not persuade Meta, she would. The sisters parted, much more
comfortable than before. Ethel felt as if she had found something like a
dim reflection of Margaret, and Flora's fear of Ethel had fled away from
the mere force of sisterhood.

As to Norman, he declared that he had not the audacity to make the
proposal to Meta, though he was only too grateful; so his father carried
it to the humming-bird; and, as soon as she found that it was
not improper, nor would hurt any one's feelings, she gave ready
consent--only begging that it might be as best suited every one,
especially Flora; and ending by a whisper to her dear fatherly friend,
owning that she was "very glad--she meant she was very glad there would
be nobody there."

So Norman and Meta settled their plans as they walked home together from
evening service, after listening to the prophecies of the blessings to
be spread into the waste and desolate places, which should yet become
the heritage of the Chosen, and with the evening star shining on them,
like a faint reflex of the Star of the East, Who came to be a Light to
lighten the Gentiles.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Euna delle facolta singolari ed incommunicabili della religione
Cristiana questa, di poter dare indiri