to know whether this was really
his address--Ethel telling him she knew he had muttered it to himself
quite audibly, for which she was rewarded by a pretended box on the ear.
It certainly was vain to expect order at dinner on Saturday, for the
doctor was as bad as the boys, and Mrs. May took it with complete
composure, hardly appearing sensible of the Babel which would sometimes
almost deafen its promoter, papa; and yet her interference was
all-powerful, as now when Harry and Mary were sparring over the salt,
with one gentle "Mary!" and one reproving glance, they were reduced to
quiescence.

Meanwhile Dr. May, in a voice above the tumult, was telling "Maggie," as
he always called his wife, some piece of news about Mr. Rivers, who had
bought Abbotstoke Grange; and Alan Ernescliffe, in much lower tones,
saying to Margaret how he delighted in the sight of these home scenes,
and this free household mirth.

"It is the first time you have seen us in perfection," said Margaret,
"with mamma at the head of the table--no, not quite perfection either,
without Richard."

"I am very glad to have seen it," repeated Alan. "What a blessing it
must be to your brothers to have such a home!"

"Yes, indeed," said Margaret earnestly.

"I cannot fancy any advantage in life equal to it. Your father and
mother so entirely one with you all."

Margaret smiled, too much pleased to speak, and glanced at her mother's
sweet face.

"You can't think how often I shall remember it, or how rejoiced I--" He
broke off, for the noise subsided, and his speech was not intended for
the public ear, so he dashed into the general conversation, and catching
his own name, exclaimed, "What's that base proposal, Ethel?"

"To put you on the donkey," said Norman.

"They want to see a sailor riding," interposed the doctor.

"Dr. May!" cried the indignant voice of Hector Ernescliffe, as his
honest Scottish face flushed like a turkey cock, "I assure you that Alan
rides like--"

"Like a horse marine," said Norman.

Hector and Harry both looked furious, but "June" was too great a man in
their world for them to attempt any revenge, and it was left for Mary
to call out, "Why, Norman, nonsense! Mr. Ernescliffe rode the new black
kicking horse till he made it quite steady."

"Made it steady! No, Mary, that is saying too much for it," said Mr.
Ernescliffe.

"It has no harm in it--capital horse--splendid," said the doctor; "I
shall take you out with it this af