gly uneasy at the thought that it would be a painful effort to
him to join them in the evening. Her mind was full of it when she was
conducted, with Flora, to the room where they were to dress; and when
Flora began to express her delight, her answer was only that she hoped
it was not very unpleasant to papa.

"It is not worth while to be unhappy about that, Ethel. If it is an
effort, it will be good for him when he is once here. I know he will
enjoy it."

"Yes, I should think he would--I hope he will. He must like you to have
such a friend as Miss Rivers. How pretty she is!"

"Now, Ethel, it is high time to dress. Pray make yourself look
nice--don't twist up your hair in that any-how fashion."

Ethel sighed, then began talking fast about some hints on school-keeping
which she had picked up for Cocksmoor.

Flora's glossy braids were in full order, while Ethel was still
struggling to get her plait smooth, and was extremely beholden to her
sister for taking it into her own hands and doing the best with it that
its thinness and roughness permitted. And then Flora pinched and pulled
and arranged Ethel's frock, in vain attempts to make it sit like her
own--those sharp high bones resisted all attempts to disguise them.
"Never mind, Flora, it is quite tidy, I am sure, there--do let me be in
peace. You are like old nurse."

"So those are all the thanks I get?"

"Well, thank you very much, dear Flora. You are a famous person. How I
wish Margaret could see that lovely mimosa!"

"And, Ethel, do take care. Pray don't poke and spy when you come into
the room, and don't frown when you are trying to see. I hope you won't
have anything to help at dinner. Take care how you manage."

"I'll try," said Ethel meekly, though a good deal tormented, as Flora
went on with half a dozen more injunctions, closed by Meta's coming to
fetch them. Little Meta did not like to show them her own bedroom--she
pitied them so much when she thought of the contrast. She would have
liked to put Flora's arm through her's, but she thought, it would look
neglectful of Ethel; so she only showed the way downstairs. Ethel forgot
all her sister's orders; for there stood her father, and she looked
most earnestly at his face. It was cheerful, and his voice sounded
well pleased as he greeted Meta; then resumed an animated talk with
Mr. Rivers. Ethel drew as near him as she could; she had a sense of
protection, and could open to full enjoyment when she saw him b