s had been opened to see that earthly homes may not endure, nor
fill the heart. Her dear father might, indeed, claim her full-hearted
devotion, but, to him, she was only one of many. Norman was no longer
solely hers; and she had begun to understand that the unmarried woman
must not seek undivided return of affection, and must not set her love,
with exclusive eagerness, on aught below, but must be ready to cease in
turn to be first with any. Ethel was truly a mother to the younger ones;
but she faced the probability that they would find others to whom she
would have the second place. To love each heartily, to do her utmost for
each in turn, and to be grateful for their fondness, was her call; but
never to count on their affection as her sole right and inalienable
possession. She felt that this was the probable course, and that
she might look to becoming comparatively solitary in the course of
years--then tried to realise what her lonely life might be, but broke
off smiling at herself, "What is that to me? What will it be when it is
over? My course and aim are straight on, and He will direct my paths.
I don't know that I shall be alone, and I shall have the memory--the
communion with them, if not their presence. Some one there must be to be
loved and helped, and the poor for certain. Only I must have my treasure
above, and when I think what is there, and of--Oh! that bliss of being
perfectly able to praise--with no bad old self to mar the full joy of
giving thanks, and blessing, and honour, and power! Need I dread a few
short years?--and they have not begun yet--perhaps they won't--Oh! here
is actually papa coming home this way! how delightful! Papa, are you
coming to church here?"

"Ay, Ethel. That weathercock of Spencer's is a magnet, I believe! It
draws me from all parts of the country to hear Richard in St. Andrew's
Church."

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