" said Ethel. "You will hear it soon enough,"
and she capered a little.

"Let her alone, Flora," said Margaret. "I see there is nothing wrong."

"If she is desired to be silent, there is nothing to be said," replied
Flora, sitting down again, while Ethel ran away to guard her secret.

"Absurd!" muttered Flora. "I cannot imagine why Ethel is always making
mysteries!"

"She cannot help other people having confidence in her," said Margaret
gently.

"She need not be so important, then," said Flora--"always having private
conferences with papa! I do not think it is at all fair on the rest."

"Ethel is a very superior person," said Margaret, with half a sigh.

Flora might toss her head, but she attempted no denial in words. "And,"
continued Margaret, "if papa does find her his best companion and friend
we ought to be glad of it."

"I do not call it just," said Flora.

"I do not think it can be helped," said Margaret: "the best must be
preferred.

"As to that, Ethel is often very ridiculous and silly."

"She is improving every day; and you know dear mamma always thought her
the finest character amongst us."

"Then you are ready to be left out, and have your third sister always
put before you?"

"No, Flora, that is not the case. Neither she nor papa would ever be
unfair; but, as she would say herself, what they can't help, they can't
help; and, as she grows older, she must surpass me more and more."

"And you like it?"

"I like it--when--when I think of papa, and of his dear, noble Ethel. I
do like it, when I am not selfish."

Margaret turned away her head, but presently looked up again.

"Only, Flora," she said, "pray do not say one word of this, on any
account, to Ethel. She is so happy with papa, and I would not for
anything have her think I feel neglected, or had any jealousy."

"Ah," thought Flora, "you can give up sweetly, but you have Alan to fall
back upon. Now I, who certainly have the best right, and a great deal
more practical sense--"

Flora took Margaret's advice, and did not reproach Ethel, for a little
reflection convinced her that she should make a silly figure in so
doing, and she did not like altercations.

It was the same evening that Norman came in from school with his hands
full of papers, and, with one voice, his father and Ethel exclaimed,
"You have them?"

"Yes;" and he gave the letter to his father, while Blanche, who had a
very inquisitive pair of eyes, began to read from a p