ling one to
pieces."

Poor Dr. May, he knew it was inevitable and quite right, but his
affectionate heart and spirit of perpetuity, which had an association
connected with every marble cloud, green baize pew, and square-headed
panel, anticipated tortures in the general sweep, for which his
ecclesiastical taste and sense of propriety would not soon compensate.

Margaret spared his feelings by bringing the Cocksmoor subject back
again; Dr. Spencer seemed to comprehend the ardour with which she
pressed it on, as if it were very near her heart that there should be no
delay. He said he could almost promise her that the first stone should
be laid before the end of the summer, and she thanked him in her own
warm sweet way, hoping that it would be while Hector and Harry were at
home.

Harry soon returned, having gone through the court-martial with the
utmost credit, been patronised by Captain Gordon in an unheard-of
manner, asked to dine with the admiral, and promised to be quickly
afloat again. Ere many days had passed, he was appointed to one of the
finest vessels in the fleet, commanded by a captain to whom Captain
Gordon had introduced him, and who "seemed to have taken a fancy to
him," as he said. The Bucephalus, now the object of his pride, was
refitting, and his sisters hoped to see a good deal of him before he
should again sail. Besides, Flora would be at Ryde before the end of
July.

It was singular that Ethel's vision should have been fulfilled
simultaneously with Flora's having obtained a position so far beyond
what could have been anticipated.

She was evidently extremely happy and valuable, much admired and
respected, and with full exercise for the energy and cleverness, which
were never more gratified than by finding scope for action. Her husband
was devotedly attached to her, and was entirely managed by her, and
though her good judgment kept her from appearing visibly in matters not
pertaining to her own sphere, she was, in fact, his understanding. She
read, listened, and thought for him, imbued him with her own views, and
composed his letters for him; ruling his affairs, both political and
private, and undeniably making him fill a position which, without her,
he would have left vacant; nor was there any doubt that he was far
happier for finding himself of consequence, and being no longer left
a charge upon his own hands. He seemed fully to suffice to her as
a companion, although she was so far superior in