enting. If it were her
proper business, Ethel supposed she could do it, but another hour of her
leisure was gone, and what would become of them all, with her, a proverb
for heedlessness, and ignorance of ordinary details. She did not know
that these were more proverbial than actual, and, having a bad name, she
believed in it herself. However, Flora made it her business to persuade
her that her powers were as good for household matters, as for books, or
Cocksmoor; instructed her in her own methodical plans, and made her
keep house for a fortnight, with so much success that she began to be
hopeful.

In the attendance on Margaret, the other great charge, old nurse was
the security; and Ethel, who had felt her self much less unhandy
than before, was, to succeed to the abode, in her room--Blanche
being promoted from the nursery to the old attic. "And," said Flora
consolingly, "if dear Margaret ever should be ill, you may reckon on
me."

Miss Flora May made her last appearance at the Ladies' Committee to hear
the reply from the principal of the college. It was a civil letter,
but declined taking any steps in the matter without more certain
intelligence of the wishes of the incumbent of the parish or of the
holders of the land in question.

The ladies abused all colleges--as prejudiced old Bodies, and feared
that it would be impossible to ask Mrs. Perkinson's niece to take the
school while there was neither room nor lodging. So Miss Rich recorded
the correspondence, and the vote of censure, by which it was to be hoped
the Ladies' Committee of Market Stoneborough inflicted a severe blow on
the principal and fellows of M---- College.

"Never mind, Ethel," said Flora. "I shall meet Sir Henry Walkinghame in
London, and will talk to him. We shall yet astonish the muses. If we can
get the land without them, we shall be able to manage it our own way,
without obligations."

"You forget the money!"

"We will keep them from dissipating it--or that might be no harm! A
hundred pounds will be easily found, and we should then have it in our
own hands. Besides, you know, I don't mean to give up. I shall write a
polite note to Mrs. Ledwich, begging to subscribe on my own account, and
to retain my seat! and you will see what we shall do."

"You mean to come down with the external authority," said Ethel,
smiling.

"True! and though my driving in with a pair of horses may make little
difference to you, Ethel, depend upon it, Mrs. Ledw