know what you mean," said Ethel.

"One ought not to wish it to go on, because there are other people and
other duties," said Meta, "but quietness is so peaceful. Do you know,
Ethel, I shall always think of those two first days, before anybody
came, with you and Dr. May, as something very--very--precious," she said
at last, with the tears rising.

"I am sure I shall," said Ethel.

"I don't know how it is, but there is something even in this affliction
that makes it like--a strange sort of happiness," said Meta musingly.

"I know what it is!" said Ethel.

"That He is so very good?" said Meta reverently.

"Yes," said Ethel, almost rebuked for the first thought, namely, that it
was because Meta was so very good.

"It does make one feel more confidence," said Meta.

"'It is good for me to have been in trouble,'" repeated Ethel.

"Yes," said Meta. "I hope it is not wrong or unkind in me to feel it,
for I think dear papa would wish it; but I do not feel as if--miss him
always as I shall--the spring of life were gone from me. I don't think
it can, for I know no more pain or trouble can reach him, and there
is--don't you think, Ethel, that I may think so?--especial care for the
orphan, like a compensation. And there is hope, and work here. And I am
very thankful! How much worse it would have been, if George had not been
married! Dear Flora! Will you tell her, Ethel, how really I do wish her
to take the command of me? Tell her it will be the greatest kindness in
the world to make me useful to her."

"I will," said Ethel.

"And please tell her that I am afraid I may forget, and take upon me, as
if I were still lady of the house. Tell her I do not mean it, and I hope
that she will check it."

"I think there is no fear of her forgetting that," said Ethel,
regretting the words before they were out of her mouth.

"I hope I shall not," said Meta. "If I do, I shall drive myself away to
stay with Aunt Leonora, and I don't want to do that at all. So please
to make Flora understand that she is head, and I am ready to be hand and
foot;" and Meta's bright smile shone out, with the pleasure of a fresh
and loving service.

Ethel understood the force of her father's words, that it was a brave,
vigorous spirit.

Dr. May came back with George, and stayed to dinner, after which he
talked over business with Flora, whose sagacity continually amazed
him, and who undertook to make her husband understand, and do what was
needed.