n that this is right. I am sure he won't
object."

"Stop, Ethel, don't you see, it can't be done for nothing? If we
undertake it, we must go on with it, and when I am away it will fall on
you and Flora. Well, then, it ought to be considered whether you are
old enough and steady enough; and if it can be managed for you to go
continually all this way, in this wild place. There will be expense
too."

Ethel looked wild with impatience, but could not gainsay these scruples,
otherwise than by declaring they ought not to weigh against the good of
Cocksmoor.

"It will worry him to have to consider all this," said Richard, "and it
must not be pressed upon him."

"No," said Ethel sorrowfully; "but you don't mean to give it up."

"You are always in extremes, Ethel. All I want is to find a good time
for proposing it."

She fidgeted and gave a long sigh.

"Mind," said Richard, stopping short, "I'll have nothing to do with it
except on condition you are patient, and hold your tongue about it."

"I think I can, if I may talk to Margaret."

"Oh yes, to Margaret of course. We could not settle anything without her
help."

"And I know what she will say," said Ethel. "Oh, I am so glad," and she
jumped over three puddles in succession.

"And, Ethel, you must learn to keep your frock out of the dirt."

"I'll do anything, if you'll help me at Cocksmoor."

CHAPTER IX.

For the structure that we raise,
Time is with materials filled;
Our to-days and yesterdays,
Are the blocks which we build.

Truly shape and fashion these,
Leave no yawning gaps between;
Think not, because no man sees,
Such things will remain unseen.--LONGFELLOW.

When Ethel came home, burning with the tidings of the newly-excited
hopes for Cocksmoor, they were at once stopped by Margaret eagerly
saying, "Is Richard come in? pray call him;" then on his entrance, "Oh,
Richard, would you be so kind as to take this to the bank. I don't like
to send it by any one else--it is so much;" and she took from under her
pillows a velvet bag, so heavy, that it weighed down her slender white
hand.

"What, he has given you the care of his money?" said Ethel.

"Yes; I saw him turning something out of his waistcoat-pocket into the
drawer of the looking-glass, and sighing in that very sad way. He said
his fees had come to such an accumulation that he must see about sending
them to the bank; and then he told me o