d Margaret; "I was a good deal struck by
it--she often comes out with such solid thoughts."

"She is an excellent companion for Norman."

"The desire of being first!" said Margaret, "I suppose that is a form
of caring for oneself! It set me thinking a good deal, mamma, how many
forms of ambition there are. The craving for rank, or wealth, or beauty,
are so clearly wrong, that one does not question about them; but I
suppose, as Ethel said, the caring to be first in attainments is as
bad."

"Or in affection," said Mrs. May.

"In affection--oh, mamma, there is always some one person with whom one
is first!" said Margaret eagerly; and then, her colour deepening, as
she saw her mother looking at her, she said hastily, "Ritchie--I never
considered it--but I know--it is my great pleasure--oh, mamma!"

"Well, my dear, I do not say but that you are the first with Richard,
and that you well deserve to be so; but is the seeking to be the first
even in that way safe? Is it not self-seeking again?"

"Well, perhaps it is. I know it is what makes jealousy."

"The only plan is not to think about ourselves at all," said Mrs. May.
"Affection is round us like sunshine, and there is no use in measuring
and comparing. We must give it out freely ourselves, hoping for nothing
again."

"Oh, mamma, you don't mean that!"

"Perhaps I should have said, bargaining for nothing again. It will
come of itself, if we don't exact it; but rivalry is the sure means of
driving it away, because that is trying to get oneself worshipped."

"I suppose, then, you have never thought of it," said Margaret, smiling.

"Why, it would have been rather absurd," said Mrs. May, laughing, "to
begin to torment myself whether you were all fond of me! You all have
just as much affection for me, from beginning to end, as is natural,
and what's the use of thinking about it? No, no, Margaret, don't go
and protest that you love me, more than is natural," as Margaret looked
inclined to say something very eager, "that would be in the style of
Regan and Goneril. It will be natural by-and-by that you should, some
of you, love some one else better, and if I cared for being first, what
should I do then?"

"Oh, mamma! But," said Margaret suddenly, "you are always sure of papa."

"In one way, yes," said Mrs. May; "but how do I know how long--" Calm as
she was, she could not finish that sentence. "No, Margaret, depend upon
it, the only security is not to think about oursel