ich will be the more
amenable. Whenever I want to be particularly impressive, I shall bring
in that smelling-bottle, with the diamond stopper that won't come out,
and you will find that carries all before it."

"A talisman!" said Ethel, laughing. "But I had rather they yielded to a
sense of right!"

"So had I," said Flora. "Perhaps you will rule them that way?"

"Not I!" cried Ethel, terrified.

"Then you must come to me, and secondary motives. Seriously--I do mean
that George should do something for Stoneborough; and, in a position of
influence, I hope to be able to be useful to my poor old town. Perhaps
we shall have the minster restored."

Flora did wish it. She did love Stoneborough, and was sincerely
interested for Cocksmoor. She thought she worked earnestly for them,
and that her situation would be turned to their profit; but there was
something for which she worked more earnestly. Had Flora never heard of
the two masters whom we cannot serve at the same time?

Richard came home for "a parson's week," so as to include the wedding.
He looked very fresh and youthful; but his manner, though still gentle
and retiring, had lost all that shrinking diffidence, and had, now, a
very suitable grave composure. Everybody was delighted to have him;
and Ethel, more than any one, except Margaret. What floods of Cocksmoor
histories were poured upon him; and what comparing of notes about his
present school-children! He could not enter into the refinements of her
dread of the Ladies' Committee, and thought she might be thankful if
the school were built by any proper means; for, if Cherry Elwood
were retained, and the ladies prevented from doing harm, he did not
understand why Ethel should wish to reject all assistance that did not
come in a manner she admired. He never would comprehend--so Ethel gave
it up--feared she was again jealous and self-sufficient, and contented
herself with the joy that his presence produced at Cocksmoor, where the
children smiled, blushed, and tittered, with ecstasy, whenever he even
looked at one of them.

Richard was not allowed to have a Sunday of rest. His father apologised
for having made an engagement for him--as Mr. Ramsden was unwell, and
the school clergy were all absent, so that he could do no otherwise than
assist in the service. Richard coloured, and said that he had brought no
sermon; and he was, in fact, deprived of much of his sister's company,
for composition was not easy to him, a