godfather--the
other is all a sham."

"I think so," said Margaret; "but I must not stand with her in a
draught," and on she went, while he called after her. "So we are to have
an expedition to-day."

She did not gainsay it, but there was a little sigh of disappointment,
and when she was out of hearing, she whispered, "Oh! lucky baby, to
have so many years to come before you are plagued with troublesome
propriety!"

Then depositing her little charge with the nurse, and trying to cheer up
a solemn-looking boy of three, who evidently considered his deposition
from babyhood as a great injury, she tripped lightly down again, to take
part in the Saturday's reading and catechising.

It was pleasant to see that large family in the hush and reverence of
such teaching, the mother's gentle power preventing the outbreaks of
restlessness to which even at such times the wild young spirits were
liable. Margaret and Miss Winter especially rejoiced in it on this
occasion, the first since the birth of the baby, that she had been able
to preside. Under her, though seemingly without her taking any trouble,
there was none of the smothered laughing at the little mistakes, the
fidgeting of the boys, or Harry's audacious impertinence to Miss Winter;
and no less glad was Harry to have his mother there, and be guarded from
himself.

The Catechism was repeated, and a comment on the Sunday Services read
aloud. The Gospel was that on the taking the lowest place, and when they
had finished, Ethel said, "I like the verse which explains that:

'They who now sit lowest here,
When their Master shall appear,
He shall bid them higher rise,
And be highest in the skies.'"

"I did not think of that being the meaning of 'when He that bade thee
cometh,'" said Norman thoughtfully.

"It seemed to be only our worldly advantage that was meant before," said
Ethel.

"Well, it means that too," said Flora.

"I suppose it does," said Mrs. May; "but the higher sense is the
one chiefly to be dwelt on. It is a lesson how those least known and
regarded here, and humblest in their own eyes, shall be the highest
hereafter."

And Margaret looked earnestly at her mother, but did not speak.

"May we go, mamma?" said Mary.

"Yes, you three--all of you, indeed, unless you wish to say any more."

The "boys" availed themselves of the permission. Norman tarried to put
his books into a neat leather case, and Ethel stood thinking.