ttle shoe on her foot, and even in the very lightness and gaiety of
her movements.

"Oh, Ethel!" cried Meta, springing up in dismay, and looking at herself
in the glass. "What is the matter with me? Do tell me!"

"You'll never get rid of it," said Ethel, "unless you get yourself
tattooed! Even separation from Bellairs hasn't answered. And, after all,
I don't think it would be any satisfaction to Norman or papa. I assure
you, Meta, whatever you may think of it, it is not so much bother to be
prettier than needful, as it is to be uglier than needful."

"What is needful?" said Meta, much amused.

"I suppose to be like Mary, so that nobody should take notice of one,
but that one's own people may have the satisfaction of saying, 'she
is pleasing,' or 'she is in good looks.' I think Gertrude will come to
that. That's one comfort."

"That is your own case, Ethel. I have heard those very things said of
you."

"Of my hatchet face!" said Ethel contemptuously. "Some one must have
been desperately bent on flattering the Member's family."

"I could repeat more," said Meta, "if I were to go back to the
Commemoration, and to the day you went home."

Ethel crimsoned, and made a sign with her hand, exclaiming, "Hark!"

"It went past."

"It was the omnibus. She must be walking down!" Ethel breathed short,
and wandered aimlessly about; Meta put her arm round her waist.

"I did not think this would be so much to you," she said.

"Oh, Meta, it seems like dear mamma coming to see how we have been going
on. And then papa! I wish I had gone up to the station with him."

"He has Richard."

"Ay, but I am afraid Margaret is listening and will be restless, and
have a palpitation; and I can't go and see, or I shall disturb her. Oh,
I wish it were over."

Meta stroked her, and soothed her, and assured her that all would do
well, and presently they heard the click of the door. Ethel flew into
the hall, where she stopped short, her heart beating high at the sound
of overpoweringly familiar accents.

She was almost relieved by detecting otherwise little resemblance; the
height was nearly the same, but there was not the plump softness of
outline. Mrs. Arnott was small, thin, brisk and active, with a vivacious
countenance, once evidently very fair and pretty, but aged and worn by
toil, not trouble, for the furrows were the traces of smiles around her
merry mouth, and beautiful blue eyes, that had a tendency lo laugh and
cry both at on