e head keepers of Abbotstoke and
Drydale, between whom the contest really lay.

'The rest is a study of character,' said Dr. Spencer, taking a turn up
and down the road with her. 'I have been watching the various pairs of
brothers; and I doubt if any stand the test as well as the house of
May.'

'There's only one in the field to-day.'

'Yes, but I've seen them together before now, and I will say for even
Tom that he has no black looks when his junior shoots better than he
does.'

'Oh, yes! But then it is Aubrey.'

Dr. Spencer laughed. 'Lucky household where that "it is" accounts for
all favours to the youngest, instead of for the countenance falling at
his successes.'

'I am afraid I know whom you mean. But he has no generosity in him.'

'And his sister helps to make him jealous.'

'I am afraid she does; but though it is very sad, one can't wonder at
her preference of the great to the small.'

'Poor girl, I wonder how she will get on when there is a new inmate in
the happy family.'

'Ha! you shocking old gossip, what have you found out now?'

'Negotiation for the introduction of a Pug dog from the best
circles--eh?'

'Well, if he were alone in the world, it would be a capital match.'

'So she thinks, I fancy; but L600 a year might do better than purchase
so many incumbrances. Depend upon it, the late lamented will remain in
the ascendant till there are no breakers ahead.'

In process of time, ladies, volunteers, and all, were assembled in the
great music-room for the concert; and Ethel, having worked hard in the
service of the company, thought her present duty lay with the sick
child, and quietly crept away, taking, however, one full view of the
entire scene, partly for her own satisfaction, partly in case Margaret
should be inclined to question her on what every one was doing.

There was the orchestra, whose erection Richard had superintended;
there was the conductor in his station, and the broad back of the
Cathedral organist at the piano, the jolly red visages of the singing
men in their ranks, the fresh faces of the choristers full of elation,
the star from London, looking quiet and ladylike, courteously led to
her place by George Rivers himself. But, for all his civility, how
bored and sullen he looked! and how weary were poor Flora's smiles,
though her manner was so engaging, and her universal attention so
unremitting! What a contrast to the serene, self-enfolded look of
happiness and pr