cannot it be taken for some good?"

"They meant it to be good," said Dr. May. "Come, I cannot have you
severe and ungrateful."

"So I have been telling myself, papa, all along; but, now that the
day has come, and I have seen what jealousies, and competitions, and
vanities, and disappointments it has produced--not even poor little
Blanche allowed any comfort--I am almost sick at heart with thinking
Cocksmoor was the excuse!"

"Spectators are more philosophical than actors, Ethel. Others have not
been tying parcels all day."

"I had rather do that than--But that is the 'Fox and the Grapes,'" said
Ethel, smiling. "What I mean is, that the real gladness of life is not
in these great occasions of pleasure, but in the little side delights
that come in the midst of one's work, don't they, papa? Why is it worth
while to go and search for a day's pleasuring?"

"Ethel, my child! I don't like to hear you talk so," said Dr. May,
looking anxiously at her. "It may be too true, but it is not youthful
nor hopeful. It is not as your mother or I felt in our young days, when
a treat was a treat to us, and gladdened our hearts long before and
after. I am afraid you have been too much saddened with loss and care--"

"Oh, no, papa!" said Ethel, rousing herself, though speaking huskily.
"You know I am your merry Ethel. You know I can be happy enough--only at
home--"

And Ethel, though she had tried to be cheerful, leaned against his arm,
and shed a few tears.

"The fact is, she is tired out," said Dr. May soothingly, yet half
laughing. "She is not a beauty or a grace, and she is thoughtful and
quiet, and so she moralises, instead of enjoying, as the world goes by.
I dare say a night's rest will make all the difference in the world."

"Ah! but there is more to come. That Ladies' Committee at Cocksmoor!"

"They are not there yet, Ethel. Good-night, you tired little cynic."

CHAPTER IV.

Back then, complainer...
Go, to the world return, nor fear to cast
Thy bread upon the waters, sure at last
In joy to find it after many days.--Christian Year.

The next day Ethel had hoped for a return to reason, but behold, the
world was cross! The reaction of the long excitement was felt, Gertrude
fretted, and was unwell; Aubrey was pettish at his lessons; and Mary and
Blanche were weary, yawning and inattentive; every straw was a burden,
and Miss Bracy had feelings.

Ethel had been holding an interminable c