l, with gratitude
and deference. He professed that he only wished to do what was best for
her, but she never would spare herself; and, going to her side, with his
heavy, fond solicitude, he made her promise not to hurt herself, and she
laughed and consented.

The promise was easily given, for she did not believe she was hurting
herself; and, as to giving up the election, or ceasing secretly to
prompt George, that was absolutely out of the question. What could be a
greater duty than to incite her husband to usefulness?

Moreover it was but proper to invite Meta's aunt and cousin to see
her, and to project a few select dinners for their amusement and the
gratification of her neighbours. It was only grateful and cousinly
likewise, to ask the "Master of Glenbracken"; and as she saw the
thrill of colour on Ethel's cheeks, at the sight of the address to the
Honourable Norman Ogilvie, she thought herself the best of sisters. She
even talked of Ogilvie as a second Christian name, but Meta observed
that old Aunt Dorothy would call it Leonorar Rogilvie Rivers, and thus
averted it, somewhat to Ethel's satisfaction.

Ethel scolded herself many times for wondering whether Mr. Ogilvie would
come. What was it to her? Suppose he should; suppose the rest. What a
predicament! How unreasonable and conceited, even to think of such a
thing, when her mind was made up. What could result, save tossings to
and fro, a passing gratification set against infinite pain, and strife
with her own heart and with her father's unselfishness! Had he but come
before Flora's marriage! No; Ethel hated herself for the wish that arose
for the moment. Far better he should keep away, if, perhaps, without the
slightest inclination towards her, his mere name could stir up such a
tumult--all, it might be, founded in vanity. Rebellious feelings and
sense of tedium had once been subdued--why should they be roused again?

The answer came. Norman Ogilvie was setting off for Italy, and regretted
that he could not take Abbotstoke on his way. He desired his kind
remembrances and warm Christmas wishes to all his cousins.

If Ethel breathed more freely, there was a sense that tranquillity is
uninteresting. It was, it must be confessed, a flat end to a romance,
that all the permanent present effect was a certain softening, and a
degree more attention to her appearance; and after all, this might, as
Flora averred, be ascribed to the Paris outfit having taught her to wear