r's laboratory, where he
compounded mixtures that Dr. Spencer promised should do no more harm
than was reasonable to himself, or any one else. Ethel suspected that,
if Tom had chanced to singe his eyebrows, his friend would not have
regretted a blight to his nascent coxcombry, but he was far too careful
of his own beauty to do any such thing.

Richard was set at liberty just before Easter, and came home to his new
charge. He was aware of what had taken place, and heartily grateful for
the part his father had taken. To work at Cocksmoor, under Mr. Wilmot,
and to live at home, was felicity; and he fitted at once into his old
place, and resumed all the little home services for which he had been
always famed. Ethel was certain that Margaret was content, when she saw
her brother bending over her, and the sense of reliance and security
that the presence of the silent Richard imparted to the whole family was
something very peculiar, especially as they were so much more active and
demonstrative than he was.

Mr. Wilmot put him at once in charge of the hamlet. The inhabitants were
still a hard, rude, unpromising race, and there were many flagrant
evils amongst them, but the last few years had not been without some
effect--some were less obdurate, a few really touched, and, almost all,
glad of instruction for their children. If Ethel's perseverance had
done nothing else, it had, at least, been a witness, and her immediate
scholars showed the influence of her lessons.

CHAPTER XVI.

Then out into the world, my course I did determine;
Though, to be rich was not my wish, yet to be great was charming.
My talents they were not the worst, nor yet my education;
Resolved was I, at least to try, to mend my situation.--BURNS.

In the meantime, the session of Parliament had begun, and the Rivers'
party had, since February, inhabited Park Lane. Meta had looked pale
and pensive, as she bade her friends at Stoneborough good-bye; but only
betrayed that she had rather have stayed at home, by promising herself
great enjoyment in meeting them again at Easter.

Flora was, on the other hand, in the state of calm patronage that
betokened perfect satisfaction. She promised wonders for Miss Bracy's
sisters--talked of inviting Mary and Blanche to see sights and take
lessons; and undertook to send all the apparatus needed by Cocksmoor
school; and she did, accordingly, send down so many wonderful articles,
that curate and sc