so much given away, that it is enough to
take away all independence and motive for exertion. The people speculate
on it, and take it as a right; by-and-by there will be a reaction--she
will find out she is imposed upon, take offence, and for the rest of her
life will go about saying how ungrateful the poor are!"

"It is a pity good people won't have a little common-sense," said Dr.
May. "But there's something so bewitching in that little girl, that I
can't give her up. I verily believe she will right herself."

"I have scarcely seen her," said Mr. Wilmot. "She has won papa's heart
by her kindness to me," said Margaret, smiling. "You see her beautiful
flowers? She seems to me made to lavish pleasures on others wherever she
goes."

"Oh, yes, they are most kind-hearted," said Mr. Wilmot. "It is only
the excess of a virtue that could be blamed in them, and they are most
valuable to the place. She will learn experience in time--I only hope
she will not be spoiled."

Flora felt as if her father must be thinking his morning's argument
confirmed, and she was annoyed. But she thought there was no reason why
wealth should not be used sensibly, and if she were at the head of such
an establishment as the Grange, her charity should be so well regulated
as to be the subject of general approbation.

She wanted to find some one else on her side, and, as they went to bed,
she said to Ethel, "Don't you wish we had some of this superfluity of
the Riverses for poor Cocksmoor?"

"I wish we had anything for Cocksmoor! Here's a great hole in my boot,
and nurse says I must get a new pair, that is seven-and-sixpence gone! I
shall never get the first pound made up towards building!"

"And pounds seem nothing to them," said Flora.

"Yes, but if they don't manage right with them! I'll tell you, Flora,
I got into a fit of wishing the other day; it does seem such a grievous
pity to see those children running to waste for want of daily teaching,
and Jenny Hall had forgotten everything. I was vexed, and thought it was
all no use while we could not do more; but just then I began to look out
the texts Ritchie had marked for me to print for them to learn, and the
first was, 'Be thou faithful over a few things, and I will make thee
ruler over many things,' and then I thought perhaps we were learning to
be faithful with a few things. I am sure what they said to-night showed
it was lucky we have not more in our hands. I should do wrong for ever
wi