The Daisy Chain ; or , Aspirations .  A Family Chronicle .  By the author of The Heir of Redclyffe , etc.  ' To the highest room , Earth 'slowliest flowers our Lord receives : Close to His heart a place He gives , Where they shall ever bloom . '  In two volumes .  NEW YORK :  D.APPLETON AND COMPANY ,  549 + 551 BROADWAY .  1871  PREFACE .  No one can be more sensible than is the Author that the present is an overgrown book of a nondescript class , neither the " tale " for the young , nor the novel for their elders , but a mixture of both .  Begun as a series of conversational sketches , the story outran both the original intention and the limits of the periodical in which it was commenced ; and , such as it has become , it is here presented to those who have already made acquaintance with the May family , and may be willing to see more of them .  It would beg to be considered merely as what it calls itself , a Family Chronicle — a domestic record of home events , large and small , during those years of early life when the character is chiefly formed , and as an endeavour to trace the effects of those aspirations which are a part of every youthful nature .  That the young should take one hint , to think whether their hopes and upward-breathings are truly upwards , and founded in lowliness , may be called the moral of the tale .  For those who may deem the story too long , and the characters too numerous , the Author can only beg their pardon for any tedium that they may have undergone before giving it up .  Feb. 22ND , 1856.  PART I .  CHAPTER I .  ' Si douce est la Marguerite '— Chaucer .  ' Miss Winter , are you busy ?  Do you want this afternoon ?  Can you take a good long walk ?  '  ' Ethel , my dear , how often have I told you of your impetuosity — you have forgotten .  '  ' Very well ' — with an impatient twist — ' I beg your pardon .  Good morning , Miss Winter , ' said a thin , lank , angular , sallow girl , just fifteen , trembling from head to foot with restrained eagerness , as she tried to curb her tone into the requisite civility .  ' Good morning , Ethel , good morning , Flora , ' said the prim , middle-aged , daily governess , taking off her bonnet , and arranging the stiff little rolls of curl at the long , narrow looking-glass , the border of which distorted the countenance .  ' Good morning , ' properly responded Flora , a pretty , fair girl , nearly two years older than her sister .  ' Will you — ' began to burst from Etheldred 'slips again , but was stifled by Miss Winter 'sinquiry , ' Is your mamma pretty well to-day ?  '  ' Oh !  very well , ' said both at once ; ' she is coming to the reading .  ' And Flora added , ' Papa is going to drive her out to-day .  '  ' I am very glad .  And the baby ?  '  ' I do believe she does it on purpose !  ' whispered Ethel to herself , wriggling fearfully on the wide window-seat on which she had precipitated herself , and kicking at the bar of the table , by which manifestation she of course succeeded in deferring her hopes , by a reproof which caused her to draw herself into a rigid , melancholy attitude , a sort of penance of decorum , but a rapid motion of the eyelids , a tendency to crack the joints of the fingers , and an unquietness at the ends of her shoes , betraying the restlessness of the digits therein contained .  It was such a room as is often to be found in old country town houses , the two large windows looking out on a broad old-fashioned street , through heavy framework , and panes of glass scratched with various names and initials .  The walls were painted blue , the skirting almost a third of the height , and so wide at the top as to form a narrow shelf .  The fire-place , constructed in the days when fires were made to give as little heat as possible , was ornamented with blue and white Dutch tiles bearing marvellous representations of Scripture history , and was protected by a very tall green guard ; the chairs were much of the same date , solid and heavy , the seats in faded carpet-work , but there was a sprinkling of lesser ones and of stools ; a piano ; a globe ; a large table in the middle of the room , with three desks on it ; a small one , and a light cane chair by each window ; and loaded book-cases .  Flora began , ' If you do n't want this afternoon to yourself — '  Ethel was on her feet , and open-mouthed .  ' O , Miss Winter !  if you would be so kind as to walk to Cocksmoor with us .  '  ' To Cocksmoor , my dear !  ' exclaimed the governess in dismay .  ' Yes , yes , but hear , ' cried Ethel .  ' It is not for nothing .  Yesterday — '  ' No , the day before , ' interposed Flora .  ' There was a poor man brought into the hospital .  He had been terribly hurt in the quarry , and papa says he 'lldie .  He was in great distress , for his wife has just got twins , and there were lots of children before .  They want everything — food and clothes — and we want to walk and take it .  '  ' We had a collection of clothes ready , luckily , ' said Flora ; ' and we have a blanket , and some tea and some arrowroot , and a bit of bacon , and mamma says she does not think it too far for us to walk , if you will be so kind as to go with us .  '  Miss Winter looked perplexed .  ' How could you carry the blanket , my dear ?  '  ' O , we have settled that , ' said Ethel , ' we mean to make the donkey a sumpter-mule , so , if you are tired , you may ride home on her .  '  ' But , my dear , has your mamma considered ?  They are such a set of wild people at Cocksmoor ; I do n't think we could walk there alone .  '  ' It is Saturday , ' said Ethel , ' we can get the boys .  '  ' If you would reflect a little !  They would be no protection .  Harry would be getting into scrapes , and you and Mary running wild .  '  ' I wish Richard was at home !  ' said Flora .  ' I know !  ' cried Ethel .  ' Mr .  Ernescliffe will come .  I am sure he can walk so far now .  I 'llask him .  '  Ethel had clapped after her the heavy door with its shining brass lock , before Miss Winter well knew what she was about , and the governess seemed annoyed .  ' Ethel does not consider , ' said she .  ' I do n't think your mamma will be pleased .  '  ' Why not ?  ' said Flora .  ' My dear — a gentleman walking with you , especially if Margaret is going .  '  ' I do n't think he is strong enough , ' said Flora ; but I ca n't think why there should be any harm .  Papa took us all out walking with him yesterday — little Aubrey and all , and Mr. Ernescliffe went .  '  ' But , my dear — '  She was interrupted by the entrance of a fine tall blooming girl of eighteen , holding in her hand a pretty little maid of five .  'Good morning , Miss Winter .  I suppose Flora has told you the request we have to make to you ?  '  ' Yes , my dear Margaret , but did your mamma consider what a lawless place Cocksmoor is ?  '  ' That was the doubt , ' said Margaret , but papa said he would answer for it nothing would happen to us , and mamma said if you would be so kind .  '  ' It is unlucky , ' began the governess , but stopped at the incursion of some new comers , nearly tumbling over each other , Ethel at the head of them .  ' Oh !  Harry !  ' as the gathers of her frock gave way in the rude grasp of a twelve-years-old boy .  ' Miss Winter , ' tis all right — Mr. Ernescliffe says he is quite up to the walk , and will like it very much , and he will undertake to defend you from the quarrymen .  '  ' Is Miss Winter afraid of the quarrymen ?  ' hallooed Harry .  ' Shall I take a club ?  '  ' I 'lltake my gun and shoot them , ' valiantly exclaimed .  Tom ; and while threats were passing among the boys , Margaret asked , in a low voice , ' Did you ask him to come with us ?  '  ' Yes , he said he should like it of all things .  Papa was there , and said it was not too far for him — besides , there 'sthe donkey .  Papa says it , so we must go , Miss Winter .  '  Miss Winter glanced unutterable things at Margaret , and Ethel began to perceive she had done something wrong .  Flora was going to speak , when Margaret , trying to appear unconscious of a certain deepening colour in her own cheeks , pressed a hand on her shoulder , and whispering , ' I 'llsee about it .  Do n't say any more , please , ' glided out of the room .  ' What 'sin the wind ?  ' said Harry .  ' Are many of your reefs out there , Ethel ?  '  ' Harry can talk nothing but sailors 'language , ' said Flora , ' and I am sure he did not learn that of Mr. Ernescliffe .  You never hear slang from him .  '  ' But are n't we going to Cocksmoor ?  ' asked Mary , a blunt downright right girl of ten .  ' We shall know soon , ' said Ethel .  ' I suppose I had better wait till after the reading to mend that horrid frock ?  '  ' I think so , since we are so nearly collected , ' said Miss Winter ; and Ethel , seating herself on the corner of the window-seat , with one leg doubled under her , took up a Shakespeare , holding it close to her eyes , and her brother Norman , who , in age , came between her and Flora , kneeling on one knee on the window-seat , and supporting himself with one arm against the shutter , leant over her , reading it too , disregarding a tumultuous skirmish going on in that division of the family collectively termed ' the boys , ' namely , Harry , Mary , and Tom , until Tom was suddenly pushed down , and tumbled over into Ethel 'slap , thereby upsetting her and Norman together , and there was a general downfall , and a loud scream , ' The sphynx !  '  ' You 'vecrushed it , ' cried Harry , dealing out thumps indiscriminately .  ' No , here 'tis , ' said Mary , rushing among them , and bringing out a green sphynx caterpillar , on her finger — ' tis not hurt .  '  ' Pax ! Pax ! ' cried Norman , over all , with the voice of an authority , as he leapt up lightly and set Tom on his legs again .  ' Harry !  you had better do that again , ' he added , warningly .  ' Be off , out of this window , and let Ethel and me read in peace .  '  ' Here 'sthe place , ' said Ethel — ' Crispin , Crispian 'sday .  How I do like Henry V .  '  ' It is no use to try to keep those boys in order !  ' sighed Miss Winter .  'Saturnalia , as papa calls Saturday , ' replied Flora .  ' Is not your eldest brother coming home to-day ?  ' said Miss Winter , in a low voice to Flora , who shook her head , and said , confidentially , ' He is not coming till he has passed that examination .  He thinks it better not .  '  Here entered , with a baby in her arms , a lady with a beautiful countenance of calm sweetness , looking almost too young to be the mother of the tall Margaret , who followed her .  There was a general hush as she greeted Miss Winter , the girls crowding round to look at their little sister , not quite six weeks old .  ' Now , Margaret , will you take her up to the nursery ?  ' said the mother , while the impatient speech was repeated , ' Mamma , can we go to Cocksmoor ?  '  ' You do n't think it will be too far for you ?  ' said the mother to Miss Winter , as Margaret departed .  ' O no , not at all , thank you , that was not — But Margaret has explained .  '  ' Yes , poor Margaret , ' said Mrs. May , smiling .  ' She has settled it by choosing to stay at home with me .  It is no matter for the others , and he is going on Monday , so that it will not happen again .  '  ' Margaret has behaved very well , ' said Miss Winter .  ' She has indeed , ' said her mother , smiling .  ' Well , Harry , how is the caterpillar ?  '  ' They 'vejust capsized it , mamma , ' answered Harry , ' and Mary is making all taut .  '  Mrs. May laughed , and proceeded to advise Ethel and Norman to put away Henry V. , and find the places in their Bibles , ' or you will have the things mixed together in your heads , ' said she .  In the meantime Margaret , with the little babe , to-morrow to be her godchild , lying gently in her arms , came out into the matted hall , and began to mount the broad shallow-stepped stair-case , protected by low stout balusters , with a very thick flat and solid mahogany hand-rail , polished by the boys 'constant riding up and down upon it .  She was only on the first step , when the dining-room door opened , and there came out a young man , slight , and delicate-looking , with bright blue eyes , and thickly-curling light hair .  ' Acting nurse ?  ' he said , smiling .  ' What an odd little face it is !  I did n't think little white babies were so pretty !  Well , I shall always consider myself as the real godfather — the other is all a sham .  ' I think so , ' said Margaret , ' but I must not stand with her in a draught , ' and on she went , while he called after her .  ' So we are to have an expedition to-day .  '  She did not gainsay it , but there was a little sigh of disappointment , and when she was out of hearing , she whispered , ' Oh !  lucky baby , to have so many years to come before you are plagued with troublesome propriety !  '  Then depositing her little charge with the nurse , and trying to cheer up a solemn-looking boy of three , who evidently considered his deposition from babyhood as a great injury , she tripped lightly down again , to take part in the Saturday 'sreading and catechising .  It was pleasant to see that large family in the hush and reverence of such teaching , the mother 'sgentle power preventing the outbreaks of restlessness to which even at such times the wild young spirits were liable .  Margaret and Miss Winter especially rejoiced in it on this occasion , the first since the birth of the baby , that she had been able to preside .  Under her , though seemingly without her taking any trouble , there was none of the smothered laughing at the little ones 'mistakes , the fidgetting of the boys , or Harry 'saudacious impertinence to Miss Winter ; and no less glad was Harry to have his mother there , and be guarded from himself .  The Catechism was repeated , and a comment on the Sunday Services read aloud .  The Gospel was that on the taking the lowest place , and when they had finished , Ethel said , ' I like the verse which explains that : " They who now sit lowest here , When their Master shall appear , He shall bid them higher rise , And be highest in the skies .  "  ' I did not think of that being the meaning of " when He that bade thee cometh , " ' said Norman , thoughtfully .  ' It seemed to be only our worldly advantage that was meant before , ' said Ethel .  ' Well , it means that too , ' said Flora .  ' I suppose it does , ' said Mrs. May ; ' but the higher sense is the one chiefly to be dwelt on .  It is a lesson how those least known and regarded here , and humblest in their own eyes , shall be the highest hereafter .  '  And Margaret looked earnestly at her mother , but did not speak .  ' May we go , mamma ?  ' said Mary .  ' Yes , you three — all of you , indeed , unless you wish to say any more .  '  The ' boys ' availed themselves of the permission .  Norman tarried to put his books into a neat leather case , and Ethel stood thinking .  ' It means altogether — it is a lesson against ambition , ' said she .  ' True , ' said her mother , ' the love of eminence for its own sake .  '  ' And in so many different ways !  ' said Margaret .  ' Aye , worldly greatness , riches , rank , beauty , ' said Flora .  ' All sorts of false flash and nonsense , and liking to be higher than one ought to be , ' said Norman .  ' I am sure there is nothing lower , or more mean and shabby , than getting places and praise a fellow does not deserve .  '  ' Oh !  yes !  ' cried Ethel , ' but no one fit to speak to would do that !  '  ' Plenty of people do , I can tell you , ' said Norman ,  ' Then I hope I shall never know who they are !  ' exclaimed Ethel .  ' But I 'lltell you what I was thinking of , mamma .  Caring to be clever , and get on , only for the sake of beating people .  '  ' I think that might be better expressed .  '  ' I know , ' said Ethel , bending her brow , with the fulness of her thought — ' I mean caring to do a thing only because nobody else can do it — wanting to be first more than wanting to do one 'sbest .  '  ' You are quite right , my dear Ethel , ' said her mother ; ' and I am glad you have found in the Gospel a practical lesson , that should be useful to you both .  I had rather you did so than that you read it in Greek , though that is very nice too , ' she added , smiling , as she put her hand on a little Greek Testament , in which Ethel had been reading it , within her English Bible .  ' Now , go and mend that deplorable frock , and if you do n't dream over it , you wo n't waste too much of your holiday .  '  ' I 'llget it done in no time !  ' cried Ethel , rushing head-long upstairs , twice tripping in it , before she reached the attic , where she slept , as well as Flora and Mary — a large room in the roof , the windows gay with bird-cages and flowers , a canary singing loud enough to deafen any one but girls to whom headaches were unknown , plenty of books and treasures , and a very fine view , from the dormer-window , of the town sloping downwards , and the river winding away , with some heathy hills in the distance .  Poking and peering about with her short-sighted eyes , Ethel lighted on a work-basket in rare disorder , pulled off her frock , threw on a shawl , and sat down cross-legged on her bed , stitching vigorously , while meantime she spouted with great emphasis an ode of Horace , which Norman having learnt , by heart , she had followed his example ; it being her great desire to be even with him in all his studies , and though eleven months younger , she had never yet fallen behind him .  On Saturday , he showed her what were his tasks for the week , and as soon as her rent was repaired , she swung herself down-stairs in search of him for this purpose .  She found him in the drawing-room , a pretty pleasant room — its only fault that it was rather too low .  It had windows opening down to the lawn , and was full of pretty things , works and knicknacks .  Ethel found the state of affairs unfavourable to her .  Norman was intent on a book on the sofa , and at the table sat Mr. Ernescliffe , hard at work with calculations and mathematical instruments .  Ethel would not , for the world , that any one should guess at her classical studies — she scarcely liked to believe that even her father knew of them , and to mention them before Mr. Ernescliffe would have been dreadful .  So she only shoved Norman , and asked him to come .  ' Presently , ' he said .  ' What have you there ?  ' said she , poking her head into the book .  ' Oh !  no wonder you ca n't leave off .  I 'vebeen wanting you to read it all the week .  '  She read over him a few minutes , then recoiled : ' I forgot , mamma told me not to read those stories in the morning .  Only five minutes , Norman .  '  ' Wait a bit , I 'llcome .  '  She fidgetted , till Mr. Ernescliffe asked Norman if there was a table of logarithms in the house .  ' O yes , ' she answered ; ' do n't you know , Norman ?  In a brown book on the upper shelf in the dining-room .  Do n't you remember papa 'stelling us the meaning of them , when we had the grand book-dusting .  '  He was conscious of nothing but his book ; however , she found the logarithms , and brought them to Mr. Ernescliffe , staying to look at his drawing , and asking what he was making out .  He replied , smiling at the impossibility of her understanding , but she wrinkled her brown forehead , hooked her long nose , and spent the next hour in amateur navigation .  Market Stoneborough was a fine old town .  The Minster , grand with the architecture of the time of Henry III .  , stood beside a broad river , and round it were the buildings of a Convent , made by a certain good Bishop Whichcote , the nucleus of a grammar school , which had survived the Reformation , and trained up many good scholars ; among them , one of England 'sprincely merchants , Nicholas Randall , whose effigy knelt in a niche in the Chancel wall , scarlet-cloaked , white-ruffed , and black doubletted , a desk bearing an open Bible before him , and a twisted pillar of Derbyshire spar on each side .  He was the founder of thirteen almshouses , and had endowed two scholarships at Oxford , the object of ambition of the Stoneborough boys , every eighteen months .  There were about sixty or seventy boarders , and the town boys slept at home , and spent their weekly holiday there on Saturday — the happiest day in the week to the May family , when alone , they had the company at dinner of Norman and Harry , otherwise known by their school names of June and July , given them because their elder brother had begun the series of months as May .  Some two hundred years back , a Dr. Thomas May had been head master , but ever since that time there had always been an M.D. , not a D.D. , in the family , owning a comfortable demense of spacious garden , and field enough for two cows , still green and intact , among modern buildings and improvements .  The present Dr. May stood very high in his profession , and might soon have made a large fortune in London , had he not held fast to his home attachments .  He was extremely skilful and clever , with a boyish character that seemed as if it could never grow older ; ardent , sensitive , and heedless , with a quickness of sympathy and tenderness of heart that was increased , rather than blunted , by exercise in scenes of suffering .  At the end of the previous summer holidays , Dr. May had been called one morning to attend a gentleman who had been taken very ill , at the Swan Inn .  He was received by a little boy of ten years old , in much grief , explaining that his brother had come two days ago from London , to bring him to school here ; he had seemed unwell ever since they met , and last night had become much worse .  And extremely ill the Doctor found him ; a youth of two or three-and-twenty , suffering under a severe attack of fever , oppressed , and scarcely conscious , so as quite to justify his little brother 'sapprehensions .  He advised the boy to write to his family , but was answered by a look that went to his heart — ' Alan 'was all he had in the world — father and mother were dead , and their relations lived in Scotland , and were hardly known to them .  ' Where have you been living , then ?  '  ' Alan sent me to school at Miss Lawler 's, when my mother died , and there I have been ever since , while he has been these three years and a half on the African station .  '  ' What , is he in the navy ?  '  ' Yes , ' said the boy , proudly , ' Lieutenant Ernescliffe .  He got his promotion last week .  My father was in the battle of Trafalgar ; and Alan has been three years in the West Indies , and then he was in the Mediterranean , and now on the coast of Africa , in the Atalantis .  You must have heard about him , for it was in the newspaper , how , when he was mate , he had the command of the Santa Isabel , the slaver they captured .  '  The boy would have gone on for ever , if Dr. May had not recalled him to his brother 'spresent condition , and proceeded to take every measure for the welfare and comfort of the forlorn pair .  He learnt from other sources that the Ernescliffes were well connected .  The father had been a distinguished officer , but had been ill able to provide for his sons ; indeed , he died , without ever having seen little Hector , who was born during his absence on a voyage — his last , and Alan 'sfirst .  Alan , the elder by thirteen years , had been like a father to the little boy , showing judgment and selfdenial that marked him of a high cast of character .  He had distinguished himself in encounters with slave ships , and in command of a prize that he had had to conduct to Sierra Leone , he had shown great coolness and seamanship , in several perilous conjunctures , such as a sudden storm , and an encounter with another slaver , when his Portuguese prisoners became mutinous , and nothing but his steadiness and intrepidity had saved the lives of himself and his few English companions .  He was , in fact , as Dr. May reported , pretty much of a hero .  He had not , at the time , felt the effects of the climate , but , owing to sickness and death among the other officers , he had suffered much fatigue , and pressure of mind and body .  Immediately on his return , had followed his examination , and though he had passed with great credit , and it had been at once followed by well-earned promotion , his nervous excitable frame had been over-tasked , and the consequence was a long and severe illness .  The Swan inn was not forty yards from Dr. May 'sback gate , and , at every spare moment , he was doing the part of nurse as well as doctor , professionally obliged to Alan Ernescliffe for bringing him a curious exotic specimen of fever , and requiting him by the utmost care and attention , while , for their own sakes , he delighted in the two boys with all the enthusiasm of his warm heart .  Before the first week was at an end , they had learnt to look on the Doctor as one of the kindest friends it had been their lot to meet with , and Alan knew that if he died , he should leave his little brother in the hands of one who would comfort him as a father .  No sooner was young Ernescliffe able to sit up , than Dr. May insisted on conveying him to his own house , as his recovery was likely to be tedious , in solitude at the Swan .  It was not till he had been drawn in a chair along the sloping garden , and placed on the sofa to rest , that he discovered that the time the good Doctor had chosen for bringing a helpless convalescent to his house , was two days after an eleventh child had been added to his family .  Mrs. May was too sorry for the solitary youth , and too sympathizing with her husband , to make any objection , though she was not fond of strangers , and had some anxieties .  She had the utmost dependence on Margaret 'sdiscretion , but there was a chance of awkward situations , which papa was not likely to see or guard against .  However , all seemed to do very well , and no one ever came into her room without some degree of rapture about Mr. Ernescliffe .  The Doctor reiterated praises of his excellence , his principle , his ability and talent , his amusing talk ; the girls were always bringing reports of his perfections ; Norman retracted his grumbling at having his evenings spoilt ; and ' the boys 'were bursting with the secret that he was teaching them to rig a little ship that was to astonish mamma on her first coming down stairs , and to be named after the baby ; while Blanche did all the coquetry with him , from which Margaret abstained .  The universal desire was for mamma to see him , and when the time came , she owned that papa 'sswan had not turned out a goose .  There were now no grounds for prolonging his stay ; but it was very hard to go , and he was glad to avail himself of the excuse of remaining for the Christening , when he was to represent the absent godfather .  After that , he must go ; he had written to his Scottish cousins to offer a visit , and he had a promise that he should soon be afloat again .  No place would ever seem to him to like home as Market Stoneborough .  He was quite like one of themselves , and took a full share in the discussions on the baby 'sname , which , as all the old family appellations had been used up , was an open question .  The Doctor protested against Alice and Edith , which he said were the universal names in the present day .  The boys hissed every attempt of their sisters at a romantic name , and then Harry wanted it to be Atalantis !  At last Dr. May announced that he should have her named Dowsabel if they did not agree , and Mrs. May advised all the parties concerned , to write their choice on a slip of paper , and little Aubrey should draw two out of her bag , trusting that Atalantis Dowsabel would not come out , as Harry confidently predicted .  However , it was even worse , Aubrey 'stwo lots were Gertrude and Margaret .  Ethel and Mary made a vehement uproar to discover who could have written Margaret , and at last traced it home to Mr. Ernescliffe , who replied that Flora , without saying why , had desired him to set down his favourite name .  He was much disconcerted , and did not materially mend the matter by saying it was the first name that came into his head .  CHAPTER II .  'Meadows trim with daisies pied . '— Milton .  Ethel 'snavigation lesson was interrupted by the dinner-bell .  That long table was a goodly sight .  Few ever looked happier than Dr. and Mrs. May , as they sat opposite to each other , presenting a considerable contrast in appearance as in disposition .  She was a little woman , with that smooth pleasant plumpness that seems to belong to perfect content and serenity , her complexion fair and youthful , her face and figure very pretty , and full of quiet grace and refinement , and her whole air and expression denoting a serene , unruffled , affectionate happiness , yet with much authority in her mildness — warm and open in her own family , but reserved beyond it , and shrinking from general society .  The Doctor , on the contrary , had a lank , bony figure , nearly six feet high , and looking more so from his slightness ; a face sallow , thin , and strongly marked , an aquiline nose , highly developed forehead , and peculiar temples , over which the hair strayed in thin curling flakes .  His eyes were light-coloured , and were seldom seen without his near-sighted spectacles , but the expressions of the mouth were everything — so varying , so bright , and so sweet were the smiles that showed beautiful white teeth — moreover , his hand was particularly well made , small and delicate ; and it always turned out that no one ever recollected that Dr. May was plain , who had ever heard his kindly greeting .  The sons and daughters were divided in likeness to father and mother ; Ethel was almost an exaggeration of the Doctor 'speculiarities , especially at the formed , but unsoftened age of fifteen ; Norman had his long nose , sallow complexion , and tall figure , but was much improved by his mother 'sfine blue eyes , and was a very pleasant-looking boy , though not handsome ; little Tom was a thin , white , delicate edition of his father ; and Blanche contrived to combine great likeness to him with a great deal of prettiness .  Of those that , as nurse said , favoured their mamma , Margaret was tall and blooming , with the same calm eyes , but with the brilliance of her father 'ssmile ; Flora had greater regularity of feature , and was fast becoming a very pretty girl , while Mary and Harry could not boast of much beauty , but were stout sturdy pictures of health ; Harry 'slocks in masses of small tight yellow curls , much given to tangling and matting , unfit to be seen all the week , till nurse put him to torture every Saturday , by combing them out so as , at least , to make him for once , like , she said , a gentleman , instead of a young lion .  Little Aubrey was said by his papa to be like nothing but the full moon .  And there he shone on them , by his mamma 'sside , announcing in language few could understand , where he had been with papa .  ' He has been a small doctor , ' said his father , beginning to cut the boiled beef as fast as if his hands had been moved by machinery .  ' He has been with me to see old Mrs. Robins , and she made so much of him , that if I take you again you 'llbe regularly spoilt , young master .  '  ' Poor old woman , it must have been a pleasure to her , ' said Mrs. May — ' it is so seldom she has any change .  '  ' Who is she ?  ' asked Mr. Ernescliffe .  ' The butcher 'sold mother , ' said Margaret , who was next to him .  ' She is one of papa 'spet patients , because he thinks her desolate and ill-used .  '  ' Her sons bully her , ' said the doctor , too intent on carving to perceive certain deprecatory glances of caution cast at him by his wife , to remind him of the presence of man and maid — ' and that smart daughter is worse still .  She never comes to see the old lady but she throws her into an agitated state , fit to bring on another attack .  A meek old soul , not fit to contend with them !  '  ' Why do they do it ?  ' said Ethel .  ' For the cause of all evil !  That daughter marries a grazier , and wants to set up for gentility ; she comes and squeezes presents out of her mother , and the whole family are distrusting each other , and squabbling over the spoil before the poor old creature is dead !  It makes one sick !  I gave that Mrs. Thorn a bit of my mind at last ; I could not stand the sight any longer .  Madam , said I , you 'llhave to answer for your mother 'sdeath , as sure as my name 'sDick May — a harpy dressed up in feathers and lace .  '  There was a great laugh , and an entreaty to know whether this was really his address — Ethel telling him she knew he had muttered it to himself quite audibly , for which she was rewarded by a pretended box on the ear .  It certainly was vain to expect order at dinner on Saturday , for the Doctor was as bad as the boys , and Mrs. May took it with complete composure , hardly appearing sensible of the Babel which would sometimes almost deafen its promoter , papa ; and yet her interference was all-powerful , as now when Harry and Mary were sparring over the salt , with one gentle 'Mary !  ' and one reproving glance , they were reduced to quiescence .  Meanwhile Dr. May , in a voice above the tumult , was telling ' Maggie , ' as he always called his wife , some piece of news about Mr. Rivers , who had bought Abbotstoke Grange ; and Alan Ernescliffe , in much lower tones , saying to Margaret how he delighted in the sight of these home scenes , and this free household mirth .  ' It is the first time you have seen us in perfection , ' said Margaret , ' with mamma at the head of the table — no , not quite perfection either , without Richard .  '  ' I am very glad to have seen it , ' repeated Alan .  ' What a blessing it must be to your brothers to have such a home !  '  ' Yes , indeed , ' said Margaret , earnestly .  ' I cannot fancy any advantage in life equal to it .  Your father and mother so entirely one with you all .  '  Margaret smiled , too much pleased to speak , and glanced at her mother 'ssweet face .  ' You ca n't think how often I shall remember it , or how rejoiced I — ' He broke off , for the noise subsided , and his speech was not intended for the public ear , so he dashed into the general conversation , and catching his own name , exclaimed , ' What 'sthat base proposal , Ethel ?  '  ' To put you on the donkey , ' said Norman .  ' They want to see a sailor riding , ' interposed the doctor .  ' Dr .  May !  cried the indignant voice of Hector Ernescliffe , as his honest Scottish face flushed like a turkey cock , ' I assure you that Alan rides like — '  ' Like a horse marine , ' said Norman .  Hector and Harry both looked furious , but " June " was too great a man in their world , for them to attempt any revenge , and it was left for Mary to call out , ' Why , Norman , nonsense !  Mr. Ernescliffe rode the new black kicking horse till he made it quite steady .  '  'Made it steady !  No , Mary , that is saying too much for it , ' said Mr. Ernescliffe .  ' It has no harm in it — capital horse — splendid , ' said the Doctor ; ' I shall take you out with it this afternoon , Maggie .  '  ' You have driven it several times ?  ' said Alan .  ' Yes , I drove him to Abbotstoke yesterday — never started , except at a fool of a woman with an umbrella , and at the train — and we 'lltake care not to meet that .  '  ' It is only to avoid the viaduct at half-past four , ' said Mrs. May , ' and that is easily done .  '  ' So you are bound for Cocksmoor ?  ' said the Doctor .  ' I told the poor fellow you were going to see his wife , and he was so thankful , that it did one 'sheart good .  '  ' Is he better ?  I should like to tell his wife , ' said Flora .  The Doctor screwed up his face .  ' A bad business , ' he said ; ' he is a shade better to-day ; he may get through yet ; but he is not my patient .  I only saw him because I happened to be there when he was brought in , and Ward was not in the way .  '  ' And what 'shis name ?  '  ' I ca n't tell — do n't think I ever heard .  '  ' We ought to know , ' said Miss Winter ; ' it would be awkward to go without .  '  ' To go roaming about Cocksmoor asking where the man in the hospital lives !  ' said Flora .  ' We ca n't wait till Monday .  '  ' I 'vedone , ' said Norman ; ' I 'llrun down to the hospital and find out .  May I , mamma ?  '  ' Without your pudding , old fellow ?  '  ' I do n't want pudding , ' said Norman , slipping back his chair .  ' May I , mamma ?  '  ' To be sure you may ; ' and Norman , with a hand on the back of Ethel 'schair , took a flying leap over his own , that set all the glasses ringing .  ' Stop , stop !  know what you are going after , sir , ' cried his father .  ' What will they know there of Cocksmoor , or the man whose wife has twins ?  You must ask for the accident in number five .  '  ' And oh !  Norman , come back in time , ' said Ethel .  ' I 'llbe bound I 'mback before Etheldred the Unready wants me , ' he answered , bounding off with an elasticity that caused his mother to say the boy was made of Indian rubber , and then putting his head in by the window to say , ' By-the-bye , if there 'sany pudding owing to me , that little chorister fellow of ours , Bill Blake , has got a lot of voracious brothers that want anything that 'sgoing .  Tom and Blanche might take it down to ' em ; I 'moff !  Hooray !  ' and he scampered headlong up the garden , prolonging his voice into a tremendous shout as he got further off , leaving every one laughing , and his mother tenderly observing that he was going to run a quarter of a mile and back , and lose his only chance of pudding for the week — old Bishop Whichcote 'srules contemplating no fare but daily mutton , to be bought at a shilling per sheep .  A little private discussion ensued between Harry and Hector , on the merits of the cakes at Ballhatchet 'sgate , and old Nelly 'spies , which led the doctor to mourn over the loss of the tarts of the cranberries , that sued to grow on Cocksmoor , before it was inhabited , and to be the delight of the scholars of Stoneborough , when he was one of them — and then to enchant the boys by relations of ancient exploits , especially his friend Spencer climbing up , and engraving a name on the top of the market cross , now no more , swept away by the Town Council in a fit of improvement , which had for the last twenty years enraged the Doctor at every remembrance of it .  Perhaps at this moment his wife could hardly sympathize , when she thought of her boys emulating such deeds .  ' Papa , ' said Ethel , ' will you lend me a pair of spectacles for the walk ?  '  ' And make yourself one , Ethel , ' said Flora .  ' I do n't care — I want to see the view .  '  ' It is very bad for you , Ethel , ' further added her mother ; ' you will make your sight much shorter if you accustom your eyes to them .  '  ' Well , mamma , I never do wear them about the house .  ' For a very good reason , ' said Margaret ; ' because you have n't got them .  '  ' No , I believe Harry stole them in the holidays .  '  'Stole them !  ' said the Doctor ; ' as if they were n't my property , unjustifiably appropriated by her !  '  ' They were that pair that you never could keep on , papa , ' said Ethel — no use at all to you .  Come , do lend me some .  '  ' I 'msure I sha n't let you wear them , ' said Harry .  ' I sha n't go , if you choose to make yourself such an object .  '  ' Ah !  ' said the father , ' the boys thought it time to put a stop to it when it came to a caricature of the little Doctor in petticoats .  '  ' Yes , in Norman 'sLexicon , ' said Ethel , ' a capital likeness of you , papa ; but I never could get him to tell me who drew it .  '  Nor did Ethel know that that caricature had been the cause of the black eye that Harry had brought home last summer .  Harry returned , to protest that he would not join the walk , if she chose to be seen in the spectacles , while she undauntedly continued her petition , though answered that she would attract the attacks of the quarry-men , who would take her for an attenuated owl .  ' I wish you were obliged to go about without them yourself , papa !  ' cried Ethel , ' and then you would know how tiresome it is not to see twice the length of your own nose .  '  ' Not such a very short allowance , either , ' said the Doctor , quaintly , and therewith the dinner concluded : There was apt to be a race between the two eldest girls , for the honour of bringing down the baby ; but this time their father strode up three steps at once , turned at the top of the first flight , made his bow to them , and presently came down with his little daughter in his arms , nodded triumphantly at the sisters , and set her down on her mother 'slap .  ' There , Maggie , you are complete , you old hen-and-chicken daisy .  Ca n't you take her portrait in the character , Margaret ?  '  ' With her pink cap , and Blanche and Aubrey as they are now , on each side ?  ' said Flora .  ' Margaret ought to be in the picture herself , ' said Ethel .  ' Fetch the artist in Norman 'sLexicon , Harry .  '  ' Since he has hit off one of us so well , ' said the doctor .  ' Well !  I 'moff .  I must see old Southern .  You 'llbe ready by three ?  Good-bye , hen and chicken .  '  ' And I may have the spectacles ?  ' said Ethel , running after him ; ' you know I am an injured individual , for mamma wo n't let me carry baby about the house , because I am so blind .  '  ' You are welcome to embellish yourself , as far as I am concerned .  '  A general dispersion ensued , and only Mrs. May , Margaret , and the baby , remained .  ' O no !  ' sighed Margaret ; ' you ca n't be the hen-and-chicken daisy properly , without all your chickens .  It is the first christening we ever had without our all being there .  '  ' It was best not to press it , my dear , ' said her mother .  ' Your papa would have had his thoughts turned to the disappointment again , and it makes Richard himself so unhappy to see his vexation , that I believe it is better not to renew it .  '  ' But to miss him for so long !  ' said Margaret .  ' Perhaps it is best , for it is very miserable , when papa is sarcastic and sharp , and he cannot understand it , and takes it as meaning so much mere than it really does , and grows all the more frightened and diffident .  I cannot think what he would do without you to encourage him .  '  ' Or you , you good sister , ' said her mother , smiling .  ' If we could only teach him not to mind being laughed at , and to have some confidence in himself , he and papa would get on together .  '  ' It is very hard , ' cried Margaret , almost indignantly , ' that papa wo n't believe it , when he does his best !  '  ' I do n't think papa can bear to bring himself to believe that it is his best .  '  ' He is too clever himself to see how other people can be slow , ' said Margaret ; ' and yet '— the tears came into her eyes — ' I cannot bear to think of his telling Richard it was no use to think of being a Clergyman , and he had better turn carpenter at once , just because he failed in his examination .  '  ' My dear , I wish you would forget that , ' said Mrs. May .  ' You know papa sometimes says more than he means , and he was excessively vexed and disappointed .  I know he was pleased with Ritchie 'sresolve not to come home again till he had passed , and it is best that it should not be broken .  '  ' The whole vacation , studying so hard , and this Christening !  ' said Margaret ; ' it is treating him as if he had done wrong .  I do believe Mr. Ernescliffe thinks he has — for papa always turns away the conversation , if his name is mentioned !  I wish you would explain it , mamma ; I ca n't bear that .  '  ' If I can , ' said Mrs. May , rather pleased that Margaret had not taken on herself this vindication of her favourite brother at her father 'sexpense .  ' But , after all , Margaret , I never feel quite sure that poor Ritchie does exert himself to the utmost ; he is too desponding to make the most of himself .  '  ' And the more vexed papa is , the worse it grows !  ' said Margaret .  ' It is provoking , though .  How I do wish sometimes to give Ritchie a jog , when there is some stumbling-block that he sticks fast at .  Do n't you remember those sums , and those declensions ?  When he is so clear and sensible about practical matters too — anything but learning — I cannot think why — and it is very mortifying !  '  ' I dare say it is very good for us not to have our ambition gratified , ' said her mother .  ' There are so many troubles worse than these failures , that it only shows how happy we are that we should take them so much to heart .  '  ' They are a very real trouble !  ' said Margaret .  ' Do n't smile , mamma .  Only remember how wretched his school days were , when papa could not see any difficulty in what to him was so hard , and how all papa 'seagerness only stupified him the more .  '  ' They are a comfort not to have that over again !  Yet , ' said the mother , ' I often think there is more fear for Norman .  I dread his talent and success being snares .  '  ' There is no self-sufficiency about him , ' said Margaret .  ' I hope not , and he is so transparent , that it would be laughed down at the first bud ; but the universal good report , and certainty of success , and being so often put in comparison with Richard , is hardly safe .  I was very glad he heard what Ethel said to-day .  '  ' Ethel spoke very deeply , ' said Margaret ; ' I was a good deal struck by it — she often comes out with such solid thoughts .  '  ' She is an excellent companion for Norman .  '  ' The desire of being first !  ' said Margaret , ' I suppose that is a form of caring for oneself !  It set me thinking a good deal , mamma , how many forms of ambition there are .  The craving for rank , or wealth , or beauty , are so clearly wrong , that one does not question about them ; but I suppose , as Ethel said , the caring to be first in attainments is as bad .  '  ' Or in affection , ' said Mrs. May .  ' In affection — oh !  mamma , there is always some one person with whom one is first , ' said Margaret , eagerly ; and then , her colour deepening , as she saw her mother looking at her , she said hastily , ' Ritchie — I never considered it — but I know — it is my great pleasure — oh , mamma !  '  ' Well , my dear , I do not say but that you are the first with Richard , and that you well deserve to be so ; but is the seeking to be the first even in that way safe ?  Is it not self-seeking again ?  '  ' Well , perhaps , it is .  I know it is what makes jealousy .  '  ' The only plan is not to think about ourselves at all , ' said Mrs. May .  'Affection is round us like sunshine , and there is no use in measuring and comparing .  We must give it out freely ourselves , hoping for nothing again .  '  ' O , mamma , you do n't mean that !  '  ' Perhaps I should have said , bargaining for nothing again .  It will come of itself , if we do n't exact it ; but rivalry is the sure means of driving it away , because that is trying to get oneself worshipped .  '  ' I suppose , then , you have never thought of it , ' said Margaret , smiling .  ' Why , it would have been rather absurd , ' said Mrs. May , laughing , ' to begin to torment myself , whether you were all fond of me !  you all have just as much affection for me , from beginning to end , as is natural , and what 'sthe use of thinking about it ?  No , no , Margaret , do n't go and protest that you love me , more than is natural , ' as Margaret looked inclined to say something very eager , ' that would be in the style of Regan and Goneril .  It will be natural by-and-by that you should , some of you , love some one else better , and if I cared for being first , what should I do then ?  '  ' O , mamma !  — But , ' said Margaret , suddenly , ' you are always sure of papa .  '  ' In one way , yes , ' said Mrs. May ; ' but how do I know how long — ' Calm as she was , she could not finish that sentence .  ' No , Margaret , depend upon it , the only security is , not to think about ourselves at all , and not to fix our mind on any affection on earth .  The least share of the Love above , is the fulness of all blessing , and if we seek that first , all these things will be added unto us , and are , ' she whispered more to herself than to Margaret .  CHAPTER III .  'Wee modest crimson-tipped flower , Thou'st met me in an evil hour , For I maun crush among the stoure Thy slender stem . To spare thee now is past my power , Thou bonnie gem . '— Burns .  ' Is this all the walking party ?  ' exclaimed Mr. Ernescliffe , as Miss Winter , Flora , and Norman gathered in the hall .  ' Harry wo n't go because of Ethel 'sspectacles , ' answered Flora ; ' and Mary and he are inseparable , so they are gone with Hector to have a shipwreck in the field .  '  ' And your other sisters ?  '  ' Margaret has ratted — she is going to drive out with mamma , ' said Norman ; ' as to Etheldred the Unready , I 'llrun up and hurry her .  '  In a moment he was at her door .  ' Oh !  Norman , come in .  Is it time ?  '  ' I should think so !  You 'rekeeping every one waiting .  '  ' Oh dear !  go on ; only just tell me the past participle of offero , and I 'llcatch you up .  '  'Oblatus .  '  ' O , yes , how stupid .  The a long or short ?  Then that 'sright .  I had such a line in my head , I was forced to write it down .  Is not it a capital subject this time ?  '  ' The devotion of Decius ?  Capital .  Let me see ?  ' said Norman , taking up a paper scribbled in pencil , with Latin verses .  ' O , you have taken up quite a different line from mine .  I began with Mount Vesuvius spouting lava like anything .  '  ' But Mount Vesuvius did n't spout till it overthrew Pompeii .  '  'Murder !  ' cried Norman , I forgot !  It 'slucky you put me in mind .  I must make a fresh beginning .  There go my six best lines !  However , it was an uncanny place , fit for hob-goblins , and shades , and funny customers , which will do as well for my purpose .  Ha !  that 'sgrand about its being so much better than the ' vana gloria triumphalis — only take care of the scanning there — '  ' If it was but English .  Something like this : — For what is equal to the fame Of forgetting self in the aim ?  That 'snot right , but — '  ' Ethel , Norman , what are you about ?  ' cried Flora .  ' Do you mean to go to Cocksmoor to-day ?  '  ' Oh yes !  ' cried Ethel , flying into vehement activity ; ' only I 'velost my blue-edged handkerchief — Flora , have you seen it ?  '  ' No ; but here is your red scarf .  '  ' Thank you , there is a good Flora .  And oh !  I finished a frock all but two stitches .  Where is it gone ?  Go on , all of you , I 'llovertake you — Purer than breath of earthly fame , Is losing self in a glorious aim .  Is that better , Norman ?  '  ' You 'lldrive us out of patience , ' said Flora , tying the handkerchief round Ethel 'sthroat , and pulling out the fingers of her gloves , which of course were inside out ; ' are you ready ?  '  ' Oh , my frock !  my frock !  There 'tis — three stitches — go on , and I 'llcome , ' said Ethel , seizing a needle , and sewing vehemently at a little pink frock .  ' Go on , Miss Winter goes slowly up the hill , and I 'llovertake you .  '  ' Come , Norman , then ; it is the only way to make her come at all .  '  ' I shall wait for her , ' said Norman .  ' Go on , Flora , we shall catch you up in no time ; ' and , as Flora went , he continued , ' Never mind your aims and fames and trumpery English rhymes .  Your verses will be much the best , Ethel ; I only went on a little about Mount Vesuvius and the landscape , as Alan described it the other day , and Decius taking a last look , knowing he was to die .  I made him beg his horse 'spardon , and say how they will both be remembered , and their self-devotion would inspire Romans to all posterity , and shout with a noble voice !  ' said Norman , repeating some of his lines , correcting them as he proceeded .  ' Oh !  yes ; but oh !  dear , I 'vedone .  Come along , ' said Ethel , crumpling her work into a bundle , and snatching up her gloves — then , as they ran down stairs , and emerged into the street , ' it is a famous subject .  '  ' Yes , you have made a capital beginning .  If you wo n't break down somewhere , as you always do , with some frightful false quantity , that you would get an imposition for , if you were a boy .  I wish you were .  I should like to see old Hoxton 'sface , if you were to show him up some of these verses .  '  ' I 'lltell you what , Norman , if I was you , I would not make Decius flatter himself with the fame he was to get — it is too like the stuff every one talks in stupid books .  I want him to say — Rome — my country — the eagles — must win , if they do — never mind what becomes of me .  '  ' But why should he not like to get the credit of it , as he did ?  Fame and glory — they are the spirit of life , the reward of such a death .  '  ' O no , no , ' said Ethel .  'Fame is coarse and vulgar — blinder than ever they draw Love or Fortune — she is only a personified newspaper , trumpeting out all that is extraordinary , without minding whether it is good or bad .  She misses the delicate and lovely — I wished they would give us a theme to write about her .  I should like to abuse her well .  '  ' It would make a very good theme , in a new line , ' said Norman ; ' but I do n't give into it , altogether .  It is the hope and the thought of fame , that has made men great , from first to last .  It is in every one that is not good for nothing , and always will be !  The moving spirit of man 'sgreatness !  '  ' I 'mnot sure , ' said Ethel ; ' I think looking for fame is like wanting a reward at once .  I had rather people forgot themselves .  Do you think Arnold von Winkelried thought about fame , when he threw himself on the spears ?  '  ' He got it , ' said Norman .  ' Yes ; he got it for the good of other people , not to please himself .  Fame does those that admire it good , not those that win it .  '  ' But !  ' said Norman , and both were silent for some short interval , as they left the last buildings of the town , and began to mount a steep hill .  Presently Norman slackened his space , and driving his stick vehemently against a stone , exclaimed , ' It is no use talking , Ethel , it is all a fight and a race .  One is always to try to be foremost .  That 'sthe spirit of the things — that 'swhat the great , from first to last , have struggled , and fought , and lived , and died for .  ' I know it is a battle , I know it is a race .  The Bible says so replied Ethel ; ' but is not there the difference , that here all may win — not only one ?  One may do one 'sbest , not care whether one is first or last .  That 'swhat our reading to-day said .  '  ' That was against trumpery vanity — false elevation — not what one has earned for oneself , but getting into other people 'splaces that one never deserved .  That every one despises !  '  ' Of course !  That they do .  I say , Norman , did n't you mean Harvey Anderson ?  '  Instead of answering , Norman exclaimed , ' It is pretension that is hateful — true excelling is what one 'slife is for .  No , no , I 'llnever be beat , Ethel — I never have been beat by any one , except by you , when you take pains , ' he added , looking exultingly at his sister , ' and I never will be .  '  ' O Norman !  '  ' I mean , of course , while I have senses .  I would not be like Richard for all the world .  '  ' O no , no , poor Richard !  '  ' He is an excellent fellow in everything else , ' said Norman ; ' I could sometimes wish I was more like him — but how he can be so amazingly slow , I ca n't imagine .  That examination paper he broke down in — I could have done it as easily as possible .  '  ' I did it all but one question , ' said Ethel , ' but so did he , you know , and we ca n't tell whether we should have it done well enough .  '  ' I know I must do something respectable when first I go to Oxford , if I do n't with to be known as the man whose brother was plucked , ' said Norman .  ' Yes , ' said Ethel ; ' if papa will but let you try for the Randall scholarship next year , but he says it is not good to go to Oxford so young .  '  ' And I believe I had better not be there with Richard , ' added Norman .  ' I do n't like coming into contrast with him , and I do n't think he can like it , poor fellow , and it is n't his fault .  I had rather stay another year here , get one of the open scholarships , and leave the Stoneborough ones for those who can do no better .  '  In justice to Norman , we must observe that this was by no means said as a boast .  He would scarcely have thus spoken to any one but Etheldred , to whom , as well as to himself , it seemed mere matter-of-fact .  The others had in the meantime halted at the top of the hill , and were looking back at the town — the great old Minster , raising its twin towers and long roof , close to the river , where rich green meadows spread over the valley , and the town rising irregularly on the slope above , plentifully interspersed with trees and gardens , and one green space on the banks of the river , speckled over with a flock of little black dots in rapid motion .  ' Here you are !  ' exclaimed Flora .  ' I told them it was of no use to wait when you and Norman had begun a dissertation .  '  ' Now , Mr. Ernescliffe , I should like you to say , ' cried Ethel , ' which do you think is the best , the name of it , or the thing ?  ' Her eloquence always broke down with any auditor but her brother , or , perhaps , Margaret .  ' Ethell ' said Norman , ' how is any one to understand you ?  The argument is this : Ethel wants people to do great deeds , and be utterly careless of the fame of them ; I say , that love of glory is a mighty spring .  '  ' A mighty one !  ' said Alan ; ' but I think , as far as I understand the question , that Ethel has the best of it .  '  ' I do n't mean that people should not serve the cause first of all , ' said Norman , ' but let them have their right place and due honour .  '  ' They had better make up their minds to do without it , ' said Alan .  ' Remember " The world knows nothing of its greatest men .  "  ' Then it is a great shame , ' said Norman .  ' But do you think it right , ' said Ethel , ' to care for distinction ?  It is a great thing to earn it , but I do n't think one should care for the outer glory .  '  ' I believe it is a great temptation , ' said Alan .  ' The being over elated or over depressed by success or failure in the eyes of the world , independently of the exertion we have used — '  ' You call it a temptation ?  ' said Ethel .  ' Decidedly so .  '  ' But one ca n't live or get on without it , ' said Norman .  There they were cut short .  There was a plantation to be crossed , with a gate that would not open , and that seemed an effectual barrier against both Miss Winter and the donkey , until by persuasive eloquence and great gallantry , Mr. Ernescliffe performed the wonderful feat of getting the former over the tall fence , while Norman conducted the donkey a long way round , undertaking to meet them at the other side of the plantation .  The talk became desultory , as they proceeded for at least a mile along a cart-track , through soft tufted grass and heath , and young fir trees .  It ended in a broad open moor , stony and full of damp boggy hollows , forlorn and desolate under the autumn sky .  Here they met Norman again , and walked on along a very rough and dirty road , the ground growing more decidedly into hills and valleys as they advanced , till they found themselves before a small , but very steep hillock , one side of which was cut away into a slate quarry .  Round this stood a colony of roughly-built huts , of mud , turf , or large blocks of the slate .  Many workmen were engaged in splitting up the slates , or loading waggons with them , rude wild-looking men , at the sight of whom the ladies shrank up to their protectors , but who seemed too busy even to spare time for staring at them .  They were directed to John Taylor 'shouse , a low mud cottage , very wretched looking , and apparently so smoky , that Mr. Ernescliffe and Norman were glad to remain outside and survey the quarry , while the ladies entered .  Inside they found more cleanliness and neatness than they had expected , but there was a sad appearance of poverty , insufficient furniture , and the cups and broken tea-pot on the table , holding nothing but toast and water , as a substitute for their proper contents .  The poor woman was sitting by the fire with one twin on her lap , and the other on a chair by her side , and a larger child was in the corner by the fire , looking heavy and ill , while others of different ages lounged about listlessly .  She was not untidy , but very pale , and she spoke in a meek , subdued way , as if the ills of life were so heavy on her that she had no spirit even to complain .  She thanked them for their gifts but languidly , and did not visibly brighten when told that her husband was better .  Flora asked when the babes would be Christened .  ' I ca n't hardly tell , Miss — ' tis so far to go .  '  ' I suppose none of the children can go to school .  I do n't know their faces there , ' said Flora , looking at a nice tall , smooth-haired girl , of thirteen or fourteen .  ' No , Miss — ' tis so far .  I am sorry they should not , for they always was used to it where we lived before , and my oldest girl , she can work very nicely .  I wish I could get a little place for her .  '  ' You would hardly know what to do without her , ' said Miss Winter .  ' No , ma'am ; but she wants better food than I can give her , and it is a bad wild place for a girl to grow up .  It is not like what I was used to , ma'am ; I was always used to keep to my school and to my Church — but it is a bad place to live in here .  '  No one could deny it , and the party left the cottage gravely .  Alan and Norman joined them , having heard a grievous history of the lawlessness of the people , from a foreman with whom they had met .  There seemed to be no visible means of improvement .  The parish Church was Stoneborough , and there the living was very poor , the tithes having been appropriated to the old Monastery , and since its dissolution having fallen into possession of a Body that never did anything for the town .  The incumbent , Mr. Ramsden , had small means , and was not a high stamp of Clergyman , seldom exerting himself , and leaving most of his parish work to the two under masters of the school , Mr. Wilmot and Mr. Harrison , who did all they had time and strength for , and more too , within the town itself .  There was no hope for Cocksmoor !  ' There would be a worthy ambition !  ' said Etheldred , as they turned their steps homeward .  ' Let us propose that aim to ourselves , to build a Church on Cocksmoor !  '  ' How many years do you give us to do it in ?  ' said Norman .  ' Few or many , I do n't care .  I 'llnever leave off thinking about it till it is done .  '  ' It need not be long , ' said Flora , ' if one could get up a subscription .  '  ' A penny subscription ?  ' said Norman .  ' I 'drather have it my own doing .  '  ' You agree then , ' said Ethel , ' do you , Mr. Ernescliffe ?  '  ' I may safely do so , ' he answered , smiling .  Miss Winter looked at Etheldred reprovingly , and she shrank into herself , drew apart , and indulged in a reverie .  She had heard in books , of girls writing poetry , romance , history — gaining fifties and hundreds .  Could not some of the myriads of fancies floating in her mind thus be made available ?  She would compose , publish , earn money — some day call papa , show him her hoard , beg him to take it , and , never owning whence it came , raise the building .  Spire and chancel — pinnacle and buttress rose before her eyes — and she and Norman were standing in the porch , with an orderly , religious population , blessing the unknown benefactor , who had caused the news of salvation to be heard among them .  They were almost at home , when the sight of a crowd in the main street checked them .  Norman and Mr. Ernescliffe went forward to discover the cause , and spoke to some one on the outskirts — then Mr. Ernescliffe hurried back to the ladies .  ' There 'sbeen an accident , ' he said , hastily — ' you had better go down the lane , and in by the garden .  '  He was gone in an instant , and they obeyed in silence .  Whence came Ethel 'scertainty that the accident concerned themselves ?  In an agony of apprehension , though without one outward sign of it , she walked home .  They were in the garden — all was apparently as usual , but no one was in sight .  Ethel had been first , but she held back , and let Miss Winter go forward into the house .  The front door was open — servants were standing about in confusion , and one of the maids , looking dreadfully frightened , gave a cry , ' Oh !  Miss — Miss — have you heard ?  '  ' No — what ?  What has happened ?  Not Mrs. May — ' exclaimed Miss Winter .  ' Oh !  ma'am !  it is all of them .  The carriage is over-turned , and — '  ' Who 'shurt ?  Mamma !  papa !  Oh !  tell me !  ' cried Flora .  ' There 'snurse , ' and Ethel flew up to her .  ' What is it ?  Oh !  nurse !  ' My poor , poor children , ' said old nurse , passionately kissing Ethel .  Harry and Mary were on the stairs behind her , clinging together .  A stranger looked into the house , followed by Adams , the stableman .  ' They are going to bring Miss May in , ' some one said .  Ethel could bear it no longer .  As if she could escape , she fled up-stairs , into her room , and , falling on her knees , hid her face on her bed .  There were heavy steps in the house , then a sound of hasty feet coming up to her .  Norman dashed into the room , and threw himself on a chair .  He was ghastly pale , and shuddered all over .  ' Oh !  Norman , Norman , speak .  What is it ?  '  He groaned , but could not speak ; he rested his head against her , and gasped .  She was terribly frightened .  ' I 'llcall — ' and she would have gone , but he held her .  ' No — no — thye ca n't !  ' He was prevented from saying more , by chattering teeth and deadly faintness .  She tried to support him , but could only guide him as he sank , till he lay at full length on the floor , where she put a pillow under his head , and gave him some water .  ' Is it — oh !  tell me .  Are they much hurt ?  Oh , try to say .  '  ' They say Margaret is alive , ' said Norman , in gasps ; ' but — And papa — he stood up — sat — walked — was better — '  ' Is he hurt — much hurt ?  '  ' His arm — ' and the tremor and fainting stopped him again .  ' Mamma ?  ' whispered Ethel ; but Norman only pressed his face into the pillow .  She was so bewildered as to be more alive to the present distress of his condition , than to the vague horrors down-stairs .  Some minutes passed in silence , Norman lying still , excepting a nervous trembling that agitated his whole frame .  Again was heard the strange tread , doors opening and shutting , and suppressed voices , and he turned his face upwards , and listened with his hand pressed to his forehead , as if to keep himself still enough to listen .  ' Oh !  what is the matter ?  What is it ?  ' cried Ethel , startled and recalled to the sense of what was passing .  ' Oh !  Norman !  ' then springing up , with a sudden thought , ' Mr .  Ward !  Oh !  is he there ?  '  ' Yes , ' said Norman , in a low hopeless tone , ' he was at the place .  He said it — '  ' What ?  '  Again Norman 'sface was out of sight .  'Mamma ?  ' Ethel 'sunderstanding perceived , but her mind refused to grasp the extent of the calamity .  There was no answer , save a convulsive squeezing of her hand .  Fresh sounds below recalled her to speech and action .  ' Where is she ?  What are they doing for her ?  What — '  ' There 'snothing to be done .  She — when they lifted her up , she was — '  ' Dead ?  '  ' Dead .  '  The boy lay with his face hidden , the girl sat by him on the floor , too much crushed for even the sensations belonging to grief , neither moving nor looking .  After an interval Norman spoke again , ' The carriage turned right over — her head struck on the kerb stone — '  ' Did you see ?  ' said Ethel , presently .  ' I saw them lift her up .  ' He spoke at intervals , as he could get breath , and bear to utter the words .  ' And papa — he was stunned — but soon he sat up , said he would go to her — he looked at her — felt her pulse , and then — sank down over her !  '  ' And did you say , I ca n't remember — was he hurt ?  '  The shuddering came again , ' His arm — all twisted — broken , ' and his voice sank into a faint whisper ; Ethel was obliged to sprinkle him again with water .  ' But he wo n't die ?  ' said she , in a tone calm from its bewilderment .  ' Oh !  no , no , no — '  'And Margaret ?  '  ' They were bringing her home .  I 'llgo and see .  Oh !  what 'sthe meaning of this ?  ' exclaimed he , scolding himself , as , sitting up , he was forced to rest his head on his shaking hand .  ' You are still faint , dear Norman ; you had better lie still , and I 'llgo and see .  '  ' Faint — stuff — how horridly stupid !  ' but he was obliged to lay his head down again ; and Ethel , scarcely less trembling , crept carefully towards the stairs , but a dread of what she might meet came over her , and she turned towards the nursery .  The younger ones sat there in a frightened huddle .  Mary was on a low chair by the infant 'scot , Blanche in her lap , Tom and Harry leaning against her , and Aubrey almost asleep .  Mary held up her finger as Ethel entered , and whispered , ' Hush !  do n't wake baby for anything !  '  The first true pang of grief shot through Ethel like a dart , stabbing and taking away her breath , ' Where are they ?  ' she said ; ' how is papa ?  who is with him ?  '  ' Mr .  Ward and Alan Ernescliffe , ' said Harry .  'Nurse came up just now , and said they were setting his arm .  '  ' Where is he ?  '  ' On the bed in his dressing-room , ' said Harry .  ' Has he come to himself — is he better ?  '  They did not seem to know , and Ethel asked where to find Flora .  ' With Margaret , ' she was told , and she was thinking whether she could venture to seek her , when she herself came fast up the stairs .  Ethel and Harry both darted out .  ' Do n't stop me , ' said Flora — ' they want some handkerchiefs .  '  ' What , is not she in her own room ?  '  ' No , ' said Harry , ' in mamma 's; ' and then his face quivered all over , and he turned away .  Ethel ran after her sister , and pulling out drawers without knowing what she sought , begged to hear how papa and Margaret were .  ' We ca n't judge of Margaret — she has moved , and made a little moaning — there are no limbs broken , but we are afraid for her head .  Oh !  if papa could but — '  'And papa ?  '  ' Mr .  Ward is with him now — his arm is terribly hurt .  '  ' But oh !  Flora — one moment — is he sensible ?  '  ' Hardly ; he does not take any notice — but do n't keep me .  '  ' Can I do anything ?  ' following her to the head of the stairs .  ' No ; I do n't see what you can do .  Miss Winter and I are with Margaret ; there 'snothing to do for her .  '  It was a relief .  Etheldred shrank from what she might have to behold , and Flora hastened down , too busy and too useful to have time to think .  Harry had gone back to his refuge in the nursery , and Ethel returned to Norman .  There they remained for a long time , both unwilling to speak or stir , or even to observe to each other on the noises that came in to them , as their door was left ajar , though in those sounds they were so absorbed , that they did not notice the cold of a frosty October evening , or the darkness that closed in on them .  They heard the poor babe crying , one of the children going down to call nurse , and nurse coming up ; then Harry , at the door of the room where the boys slept , calling Norman in a low voice .  Norman , now nearly recovered , went and brought him into his sister 'sroom , and his tidings were , that their father 'sarm had been broken in two places , and the elbow frightfully injured , having been crushed and twisted by the wheel .  He was also a good deal bruised , and though Mr. Ward trusted there was no positive harm to the head , he was in an unconscious state , from which the severe pain of the operation had only roused him , so far as to evince a few signs of suffering .  Margaret was still insensible .  The piteous sound of the baby 'swailing almost broke their hearts .  Norman walked about the room in the dark , and said he should go down , he could not bear it ; but he could not make up his mind to go , and after about a quarter of an hour , to their great relief , it ceased .  Next Mary opened the door , saying , ' Norman , here 'sMr. Wilmot come to ask if he can do anything — Miss Winter sent word that you had better go to him .  '  ' How is baby ?  ' asked Harry .  'Nurse has fed her , and is putting her to bed ; she is quiet now , ' said Mary ; ' will you go down , Norman ?  '  ' Where is he ?  '  ' In the drawing-room .  '  Norman paused to ask what he was to say .  ' Nothing , ' said Mary , ' nobody can do anything .  Make haste .  Do n't you want a candle ?  '  ' No , thank you , I had rather be in the dark .