 Chapter 7 of the Trial. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nancy Cochran-Gergen, Gilbert, Arizona. The Trial by Charlotte Mary Young, Chapter 7. Little specks of daily trouble. Petty grievance. Petty strife. Filling up with drops incessant to the brim, the cup of life. Deeper import have these trifles than we think or care to know. In the air a feather floating tells from whence the breezes blow. Rev. G. Munsell. The first brightening of the orphan house of Bankside had been in Leonard's return. The weeks of his absence had been very sore ones to April, while she commenced the round of duties that were a heavy birth in for one so young, and became, instead of the petted favorite, the responsible head of the house. She was willing and glad to accept the care of her little sisters, docile, bright children, who were pleased to return to the orderly habits so long interrupted, and were so intelligent that her task of teaching was a pleasant one, and almost motherly love towards them grew up as she felt their dependence on her, and enjoyed their caresses. With Henry she had less in common. He expected of her what she had not learned, and was not willing to acquire. A man interfering in the woman's province meets little toleration, and Henry was extremely precise in his requirements of exact order, punctuality, and excellence in all the arrangements of his house. While breaking her into housekeeping he made himself appear almost in the light of a taskmaster, and what was worse, of a despised taskmaster. April thought she could not respect a brother whose displeasure was manifested by petulance, not sternness, who cared not only about his dinner, but about the tidy appearance of the drying room, nay, who called that tasty what she thought vulgar, made things stiff where she meant them to be easy and elegant, and prepared the place to be the butt of Tom May's satire. Henry was not a companion to her, his intellect was lower, his education had not been of the same order, and he had not the manly force of character that makes up for everything in a woman's eyes, where she had talents he had pretensions, just enough to make his judgments both conceited and irritating, and where her deeper thoughts and higher aspirations were concerned she met either a blank or a growing jealousy of the influence of the clergy and of the May family. Yet Henry Ward was really a good brother, sacrificing much to his orphaned sisters, and living a moral and religious life, such as gained for him much credit, and made Mrs. Ledwich congratulate April on the great excellence and kindness of her incomparable brother. April assented and felt it a dreary thing to have an incomparable brother. But when Leonard came home the face of the house was changed, now she had something to look forward to, now there was something to hear that stirred her deeper feelings, someone who would understand and respond, someone to make common cause with. Little as she saw of the schoolboy, there was life in her day for sympathy and comprehension had come home with him. After all, there were recesses in Leonard's confidence to which Abe did not penetrate, but there was quite enough to be very happy upon, especially those visions that had been built on the Melanesian letters. They were not near enough to terrify her with the thought of separation, and she was sufficiently imbued with Mary May's sentiments to regard mission work as the highest ambition. Leonard's strong will and manly disposition would have obtained her homage and affection, even without the lofty sentiments, and the lesser graces that made the brother and sister thoroughly suited to one another, and the bond of union was unfortunately cemented by equal annoyance at Henry's peculiarities. It certainly was rather hard on a young head of a family to have a younger brother or his superior, in every respect, and with an inseparable sister, that Henry had not found out Leonard's superiority was no reason that it should not gall him, and his self-assertions were apt to be extremely irritating. Even in the first flush of welcome, he had made it plain that he meant to be felt as master of the house, and to enforce those petty regulations of exact order that might be easily borne from a mother or played with in a sister would be obeyed grudgingly from a father but could be intolerable in a brother. The reception of Mab and the Ammonites was but an earnest of similar ungracious acts on the one hand and aggressions on the other, often unintentional. Averill did indeed smooth matters, but she shared Leonard's resentment, and outward submission was compensated by murmur and mockery in private. Still the household worked on fairly, and Mrs. Ledwich was heard to declare, with tears in her eyes, that it was beautiful to see such a happy family of love as those dear young lords. The happy family, in Trafalgar Square, lettered Dr. Spencer. The confidence of the happy family was on this wise. When Leonard came home with his unpresentable face, he baffled all Abe's anxious questions, and she was only enlightened by Henry's lamentations, in his absence, over the hopelessness of a brother who was so low and vulgar as to box. Her defense being met by a sneer, she flew to tell Leonard of the calumny and was laughed at for her innocence, but extorted that he had fought with a fellow that talked impudently of some of the maize, causefully sufficient in her eyes. Nor did Henry utter any open reproof, though he contrived to exasperate his brother into fierce retort and angry gesture by an unnecessary injunction not to show that ungentlemanly face. Full consciousness of the difficulties presented by the characters of the two brothers would have been far too oppressive, and perhaps it was better for Avril that she had it not, but had her own engrossing interests and employments drawing off her attention and enlivening her spirits. Her church music was her object in life, the dedication of the talent that had been cultivated at so much time and cost and the greatest honor and enjoyment she could imagine, and she had full participation from Leonard, who had a hearty love for sacred music, readily threw himself into her plans and offered voice and taste to assist her experiments, nor had her elder brother any objection to her being thus brought forward. He was proud of her performance and gratified with the compliments it elicited, and all went well till the new hymnals arrived, and books upon books, full of new tunes, anthems and chants, were accumulating on the music stand. What are you about there all the evening, not opening your lips? Leonard is writing out his verses, and I am copying music. I wonder you neither of you will remember that that table was never meant to be littered over with all sorts of rubbish. I thought tables were to put things on, returned Leonard coolly. Drawing room tables were not made to be inked, that cover will be ruined in a day or two. Very well, then we'll pay for it," said Leonard in the same aggravating tone. Here are newspapers spread between it and the inks at Avril, displaying them with an air of injured innocence that made Henry subside, but he presently exclaimed, Is that hopping to go on all night? Can't you speak nor play anything to send one off to sleep? With a martyr look, yet a satirical glance, Avril opened the piano, and Henry settled himself in the master's armchair, as one about to enjoy well-earned rest and entertainment after a hard day's work. I say, what doful drone have you there? I am trying a new chant for the non-pimitas. Nothing but that day and night give us something worth hearing. I thought you only wanted to go to sleep. I don't want to dream myself in the church listening to Scudamore's praises. I've quite enough of that on Sunday. Avril began to play one of her school-waltzes, and the touch of her fingers on the keys had so sharp-edged and petulant a tone that Leonard smiled to himself as he ran his fingers through his hair over his books. Nor was it soothing to Henry, who, instead of going to sleep, began to survey the room and get food for annoyance. I say, said he, looking across at a little brass-barred bookcase of ornamental volumes on the opposite chifonière. What book is out there? Scott's Lay, said Leonard, it is up in my room. I told you, Av, not to let the drawing-room books be carried about the house to be spoiled, said Henry, who seldom reproved his brother direct, but generally through Avril. You'd better get some made of wood, then, said Leonard. Remember, then, Av, I say I will not have my books taken out and left about over the house. Leonard dashed out of the room passionately, and presently came thundering down again, every step audible the whole way, and threw the book on the table, bringing in a whirlwind and a flaring sloping candle dropping upon the precious clock. Henry started up and pointed. I'm glad of it, exclaimed Leonard. It will be a little amusement for you. Good night, Av. I'm going to finish upstairs, since one can't read, write, or touch a book without your being wrote. He was gone, and Avril, though rather frightened, gave him infinite credit for keeping his temper, and perhaps he deserved it considering the annoyance and the nature of the provocation. But she did not reflect how much might have been prevented by more forethought and less preoccupation. She said not a word, but quietly returned to her copying. And when Henry came with paper and poker to remove the damage, she only shoved back her chair and sat waiting, pen in hand, resigned, and ironical. I declare, grumbled Henry, as he examined the remaining amount of damage, these day schools are of great inconvenience. There's no keeping a place fit to be seen with the great uncivilized lad always hanging about. Leonard is considered particularly gentlemanlike, said Av, with lips compressed to keep back something about old bachelors. Now I should have thought a lady would have some regard to her own drawing-room and object to softenedness. Elbows on table, feet everywhere. Nothing is in worse taste than constraint, said Av, from the corners of her mouth, and leaves through those that can trust their manners without it. I tell you, Av, you are spoiling the void. He is more conceited than ever since the maze noticed him. Leonard conceited? Yes, he is getting as stuck up as Tom may himself. You're model, I believe. I thought he was yours. Mine? Yes, you always seem to aim at a poor imitation of him. There was a blushing, angry stammer in reply, and she suppressed her smile, but felt triumphant in having hit the mark. Unready at retort, he gathered himself up and said, Well, Av, I have only this to say, that if you choose to support that boy in his impertnances, there will be no bearing it, and I shall see what I shall do. Seeing what shall be done is a threat stimulating to some, but appalling to others, she accepted the latter class with no desire for such a spectacle, be it what it might. She did not apologize for the trifle, possible ink, a spot of wax, a borrowed book, or far beneath an apology, but she made up her mind to humor Henry's follies magnanimously and avoid collisions like an admirable peacemaker. As soon as bedtime came, she repaired to Leonard's room, and Henry, as he went along the passage, heard the two young voices ringing with laughter. Her retort had been particularly delightful to Leonard. That's right, Av. I'm glad you set him down, for I thought afterwards whether I ought not to have stood by you. Only his way of pitching into me through you puts me into such a rage. I shall do something desperate some day. Never mind it, Leonard. It does not hurt me, and if it did, I should like to bear a great deal for you. That's all the wrong way, said Leonard, smiling affectionately. No, men do, and women suffer. That's right, said Leonard, patting her family. I like you to do, as you call it, Miss May does, and everyone that is worth anything. I say, Av, when I go out to the islands, you are coming too? Oh yes, I know I could do a great deal. If nothing else I could sing, and they have a great aptitude for singing, Mary was telling me. But that reminds me I must finish copying the hymn for next Sunday. Henry hindered me, and I have six copies more to do. I'll do some of them, said Leonard. Let us go down now, the coast is clear, if the fire is not out. They went down softly, map it all, nursed up the fire that Henry had raked out, and if Saturnalia could be helped over the writing out of a hymn tune, they did it. It had the charm of an assertion of independence, and to Avril it was something like a midnight meeting of persecuted Christians. To Leonard it was great fun. That evening was not a solitary specimen. Avril and Leonard intended to aviate causes of offense, but they were young and heedless, and did not feel bound to obedience. Very little temptation made them forget or defy Henry's fancies, and Leonard was easily lashed into answers really unbecoming and violent, for which he could not bring himself to be sorry when he thought over the petty interference and annoyance that had caused them. These small tyrannies and frets made Avril the more devoted to the music, which was her rest, her delight, and not only exalted her above cares, but sanctioned her oblivion of them. The occupation grew upon her, never ending, still beginning, with fresh occasions for practice and new lessons. But though bankside boys were willing to be taught, yet it was chiefly in hope of performant as choristers at the minster, and she soon found that a scholar no sooner proved his voice good for anything, then he went off to be trained for the choir on the foundation which fed, clothed, and apprenticed its young singers. She found she must be take herself to an elder race if she wanted their reliable staff of voices. And some young men and women showing themselves willing, a practice with Mr. Scudamore to keep order, was organized for late evenings, twice in the week. This was rather much. Henry opposed at first on the ground that the evening would be broken up, to which he answered that for such a purpose they ought to be willing to sacrifice a little domestic comfort. And when he muttered a petulant, Pasha looked at him in reproof for sacrilege. She was not going to be one of the women kind sitting up in a row till their lords and masters should be pleased to want them. Next he insisted that he would not have her going about the place after Dar. That she was fortified by the curate's promise to escort her safely and reduced him to a semi-implication which she again viewed as extremely wicked. The existence of that meek, low, helpless Mrs. Scudamore always shut up in a warm room with her delicate baby, cut off Henry from any other possible objection, and he was obliged to submit. Leonard would gladly have been his sister's companion on her expeditions, but he must remain at home and prepare for the morrow schoolwork and endure the first hour of dreariness unenlivened by her smile and greeting, and, what was worse, without the scanty infusion of peace produced by her presence. Her rapid departure after dinner always discomposed Henry, and the usual vent for his ill humor was either a murmur against the clergy and all their measures or the discovery of some of Leonard's transgressions of his code. Fretted and irritable at the destruction of Ethan Comfort, he in his turn teased the fiery temper of his brother. If there were nothing worse, his grumbling remarks interrupted, and too often they were that sort of manner that is expressively called nagging. Leonard would reply angrily, and the flashes of his passion generally produced silence. Neither brother spoke to Averil of these evening interludes, which were becoming almost habitual, but they kept Leonard in a constant sore sense of injury, yet of uneasy conscience. He looked to the Randall scholarship as his best hope of living home in its torments, and he lost the last quarter, but the requirements of the one before it were obscured, and the vexations themselves so harassed and interrupted his evening studies, that he knew it was unreasonable to hope for it at the next examination, which, from various causes, was to come after the Christmas holidays, and it would be well if you could even succeed in the summer. Innocent as the mays were of the Harmonian business, Henry included and the annoyance it gave. It was the work of the curate, and was not Dr. May won in everything with the clergy? Had he not been instrumental in building the chapel? Was it not the mays and the clergy who had made a inconveniently religious and opinionative to say nothing of Leonard? The whole town was creased, led and bigoted, and Dr. May was the death spot to whom all bowed down. This was an opinion Henry would hardly have originated. He was no other than Harvey Anderson, who had later become known to the world by a book proving King John to have been the most enlightened and patriotic of English sovereigns enduring the interdict on a pure principle of national independence and devising Magna Carta from his own generous brain, in fact presenting a magnificent and misunderstood anticipation of the most advanced theories of the nineteenth century. The book had made so much noise in the world that the author had been induced to quit his college tutorship and become editor of a popular magazine. He lived in London but often came down to spend Sunday with his mother and had begun to be looked on as rather the lion on the face. Henry took in his magazine and courted his notice, often bringing him into Evra's way that she might hear her heroes treated with irony more effectual and satire. But Evra's staunch, she hated the sight of Mr. Anderson, never cut the leaves of his magazine and if driven to sing to him took as little pains as her musical nature would let her do but the very strength of her dislike gave it an air of prejudice and it was set down less to principle than to party spirit and may influence. There was another cause for Henry's being soured. He was a teacher to be filial with Dr. May and therefore gratitude oppressed and patronage embittered him. The first months of warm feeling at an end the old spirit of independence revived and he avoided consulting the physician as much as possible. More than once his management of a case was not approved by Dr. May and the strong and hasty language and the sharper proofs that ensued were not taken as the signs of interest but as the greatest offenses suddenly but not the less bitterly endured. Moreover one of the Whitford surgeons had been called in by a few of the outlying families who had hitherto been patients of the wards and worse than all Mrs. Rivers took her child up to London for three days in November and it became known through a chain of tones that it was for the enlargement of tonsils on which Mr. May operated a year before. Old May was playing him false was Henry's cry. His professions were humbug. He would endure no one who did not submit to his dictation and he would bring in a stranger to run them all. Little did Henry know of Dr. May's near approach to untruth and denying that he had a house to let the opposition surgeon of his attestations to his daughter that young ward was a skillful operator or of his vexation when she professed herself ready to undergo anything for his pleasure but said that little Margaret's health was another thing. Yet even this might have been forgiven but for that worst rub of all Tom May's manners his politeness was intense most punctilious and condescending in form and yet provoking beyond measure to persons who like Henry in April had not playfulness enough to detect the certainty whether they were being made game of or not nor whether his smoothly uttered compliments were not in windows. Henry was certain of being despised and naturally chafed against the prospect of the future connection between the two medical men of the town and though Tom was gone back to Cambridge it was the rankling remembrance of his super silliest looks that more than any present offense or independence of spirit made the young surgeon kick against direction the physician. Here too April was of the same line. She had heard Tom May observe that his sister Gertrude would play quite well enough for a lady for the mission of a lady's music was to put one to sleep at home and cover conversation to at a party as to the rest unprofessionals were a mistake. After that the civil speeches with which Tom would approach the piano only added insult to injury end of Chapter 7 Recording by Nancy Cochran-Gergen, Gilbert, Arizona Chapter 8 of the Trial This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Nancy Cochran-Gergen, Gilbert, Arizona The Trial by Charlotte Mary Young near Reddier at alarm bells call, thy burkers rose to man thy wall, then now in danger shall be thine thy dauntless voluntary line. Marmian Drive fast, Will, said Dr. May, hastily stepping into his carriage in the early darkness of a December evening. Five already, and he is to be there by 5.25. He was no other than Harry May and there was the station with the tidings of the terrible fight of Pehoe had come a letter from a messmate of Harry's with an account of his serious wound in the chest describing it as just short of immediately dangerous. Another letter had notified his amendment and that he was invalid at home. A few cheery words from Harry himself scrawled at the end showing that his power was far less than his goodwill. And after two months waiting and suspense a telegram had come from Plymouth with the words Stoneborough 5.25 In ignorance as to the state of the traveler and expecting to find him in a condition requiring great care and watching Dr. May had laid his injunctions on the eager family not to rush up to the station en masse to excite and overwhelm but to leave the meeting there entirely to himself in his groan. He had therefore been exceedingly annoyed that one of Henry Ward's pieces of self-assertion had delayed him unnecessarily at a consultation and when at last he had escaped he spent most of his journey with his body half out of the window hurrying while Adams and making noises of encouragement to the horse or else in a strange tumult of sensation between hope and fear pain and pleasure suspense and thankfulness the predominant feeling being vexation at not having provided against this contingency by sending Richard to the station after all the best efforts of the stout old chestnut he and the train were simultaneously at the station and the passengers were getting out on the opposite platform the doctor made the dash to cross in the rear of the train but was caught and held fast by a porter with the angry exclamation she's backing sir and there he stood in an agony feeling all Harry's blank disappointment and the guilt of it besides and straining his eyes through the narrow gaps between the blocks of carriages the train rushed on and he was across the line the same instant but the blank was his up and down the gaslighted platform he looked in vain among the crowd only his eyes suddenly lit on a black case close to his feet with the three letters M-A-Y and the next moment a huge chest appeared out of the darkness and lifted on a truck by the joint strength of a green porter and a pair of broad blue shoulders too ill to come on telegraph, mail train rushed through the poor doctor's brain as he stepped forward as if to interrogate the chest the blue shoulders turned a ruddy sunburnt face lighted up and the inarticulate exclamation on either side was of the most intense relief and satisfaction where are the rest said Harry holding his father's hand in no sick man's grasp at home I told him not to come up I thought well we'll walk down together I've got you all to myself I thought you had missed my telegram hello Will, how do you do what, this thing to drive down in I thought you were an invalid Harry said Dr. May with a laughing yet tearful ring in his agitated tone as he packed himself and his son in I, I wished I could have let you know sooner how well I had got over it said Harry in the deep full voice of strong healthy manhood I am afraid you have been very anxious we are used to it my boy said the doctor huskily stroking the great firm fingers that were lying lovingly on his knee and if it always ends in this way it ought to do us more good than harm it has not done harm I hope said Harry catching him up quick not told Mary Harry no, Mary works things off good girl I flatter myself you will find us all in high preservation all all at home that's right yes, those infants from Maplewood and all you are sure you are all right Harry as sure as my own feelings can make me and the surgeon of the dexterity back then said Harry I don't believe my lungs were touched after all but you shall all sit upon me when you like Tom and all it was a greater escape than I looked for he added in a lower voice I did not think to have had another Christmas here the silence lasted for the few moments till the carriage drew up behind the lines the doors were thrown open and the doctor shouted to the timid anxious figure that alone was allowed to appear in the hall come and lift him out Mary the drawing room was a goodly sight that evening and the doctor sat leaning back in worry happiness might be well satisfied with the bright garland that still clustered on his heart though the age of almost all forbade their old title of daisies the only one who still asserted her right to that name was perched on the sailor's knee insisting on establishing that there was as much room for her there as there had been three years ago though as he had seated himself on a low footstool her feet were sometimes on the ground and moreover her throne was subject to sudden earthquakes which made her nothing low cling to his neck draw his arm closer round her and lean on his broad breast proud that universal consent declared her his likeness in the family and the two presenting a pleasant contrasting similarity the open honest features blue eyes and smile expressive of hearty goodwill and simple happiness were so entirely of the same mold in the plump white skin rosy cheeked golden-haired girl and in the large powerful bronzed ready sailor with a thick mass of curls at which Tom looked with hostility as fixed though less declared than that of his eaten days those were the idle members upon the hearth rug on the sofa with a small table to herself and a tall embroidery frame before her nearly hiding slight person set Mrs. Ernst Cliff her pretty head occasionally looking up over the top of her work to smile and answer and her artistically arranged hair and the crispness of her white dress and broad blue ribbons marking that there was a step in life between her and her sisters her husband sat beside her on the sofa with the red volume in his hand with orders the only word visible above the fingers was keeping his place Hector looked very happy and spirited though his visage was not greatly ornamented by a mustache sandier even than his hair giving effect to every freckle on his on his face a little behind was Mary winding one of Blanche's silks over the back of the chair and so often looking up to revel in the contemplation of Harry's face that her skein was in a wild tangle which she studiously concealed lest the sight should compel Richard to come and unravel it with those wonderful fingers of his Richard and Ethel were arranging the sick albums which they had constructed one of Cheap Religious Prince with texts and hymns to be lent in cases of lingering illness the other commonly called the profane of such scraps as might please a sick child pictures from or not books or advertisements which Ethel was coloring Aubrey volunteering aid was received rather distrustfully as his love of effect caused him to array the model school children in colors gaudy enough as Gertrude complained to corrupt the saint nor was his dilettante help more appreciated as small sand well provided with tiny drawers and holding a shaded lamp according to Gertrude burning something horrible ending in gin that would kill anybody but Tom who managed it with various glass dishes tubes and slides and the tall brass microscope that Tom was said to love better than all his kids and Ken in which afforded him occupation for his leisure moments I say Harry he asked did you get my letter your letter of what date I got nonsense Marys of the second of May when everyone was down in the fever poor award and never was more shocked what has become of the young ones oh you must ask Mary Miss Ward is a bosom friend of hers what the girl that sang like the lark I must hear her again but she won't be in tune for singing now poor thing what are they doing Henry Ward taken to the practice he used to be the dirtiest little sneak going but I hope he has mended now as my father said mischievous Tom and doctor May answered not nor revealed his days annoyance with Henry he is doing his best to make a home for his brother and sister said Richard my letter said Tom was written in witsom week I wish you had had it I would have been precious from its rarity said Harry what commission did it contain me I ask you have not by good luck brought me home a Chinese flea he has all the fleas in creation said Daisy confidentially cats and dogs and hedgehogs and human and you would have been twice as welcome if you had brought one I've brought no present to nobody I've got my eye on this splendid ivory junk for Blanche's wedding present had Canton but I couldn't even speak to send anyone after it you have uncommon bad luck for a sailors relatives as long as you bring yourself home we don't care said Blanche treating the loss of the junk with far more resignation than did Tom that of the flea if you only had a morsel of river mud sticking anywhere had it Tom you don't know the value the infusoria might be I had a good deal more than a morsel sticking to me once said Harry it was only to my boat's crew that I am not ever so many feet deep in it now like many better men they never lost sight of me and somehow hauled me out Gertrude gave him a hug and Mary's eyes got so misty that her skein fell into worse entanglements than ever were you conscious asked Ethel I can't say I'm clear of nothing but choking and gasping men and a good while after it was a treacherous unlucky affair and I'm afraid I shall miss the licking of rascally John Chinaman if all I heard at Plymouth is true we may have work handy at home at home you may say said his father Dolce et and C is our motto didn't you know what a nest of heroes we have here to receive you let me introduce you to Captain Ernst Club of the Dorset Volunteer Rifle Corps Private Thomas May of the Cambridge University Corps and Mr. Aubrey Spencer May for whom I have found a rifle and them expected to find a uniform as soon as the wise heads have settled what color will be most becoming becoming no papa indignantly shouted Aubrey it is the color that will be most invisible in skirmishing gray face with scarlet said Hector decidedly yes that is the color of the invincible dorsets said Dr. May there you see our great authority with his military instructions in his hand no sir replied Hector it's not military instructions it is Crawford's general orders and added the doctor there's his bride working the colors and Mary wanting to emulate her I don't think George will ever permit us to have colors said Ethel he says the rifles have no business with them for that they are of no use to skirmishers the matter has been taken out of George's hands said Aubrey there would not have been a volunteer in the country if he had his way yes explained Ethel the real soldier can't believe in volunteers nor cavalry and infantry but he is thoroughly in for it now owing to his Roman matron quote Tom it was a wonderful opening for public spirit when Lady Walkingham insisted on Sir Henry refusing the use of the park for practice for fear we should make targets of the children so the Spartan mother at Abbott stoke gallantly setting Margaret aside sent for the committee at once to choose the very best place in the park Papa is chairman of the committee at Adobe he is mayor this year so we must encourage it and Aubrey hit four times at a hundred yards triumphantly declared Gertrude when Edward Anderson and Henry Ward only got a ball in by accident Henry Ward ought to be shot at himself was Aubrey sentiment for not letting Leonard be in the core the fellow that you brought to Maplewood asked Hector I thought he was at school didn't you know that a Hoxton has given leave to any of the six form to drill in practice and that Trumpy fellow Henry says he can't afford the outfit though a sister would have given him the uniform let me tell you young folks said the doctor that you are not to suppose it always hails cracked rifles on all source of improved systems as it does when Captain Hector is in the house they are only on trial sir apologize Hector very odd then that they all have an eagle and a G on them observe the doctor driving oh they'll take them again or I shall find a use for them said Hector well if Henry can't afford to said Aubrey holding to his point he ought to give up to his brother he knows no more how to handle a rifle that's the very reason mother Tom and Flora is going to give a great party preceded Gertrude as soon as the uniform is settled and they are enrolled Blanche and Hector are to stay for it and you'll have to wear your lieutenant's uniform Harry I can't be going to balls till I've been up to report myself fit for service said Harry it is not to be a ball said Blanche's soft serious voice over her green silk banner it is to be a breakfast and concert ending in a dance such as we had at Maplewood hello said Harry now I begin to believe in Mrs. Ernstcliffe when I hear her drying down herself as an example to Flora only a precedent said Blanche blushing a little but still great we have had some experience you know our core was one of the earliest enrolled and Hector managed it almost entirely it was the reason we have not been able to come here sooner but we thought it right before most as the enemy are sure to attempt our coast first I believe the enemy are expected on every coast at first was Ethel's aside but it was not heard for Harry was declaring your coast they will never get the length of that I was talking to an old mess mate of mine in the train who was telling me how we could burn their whole fleet before it could get off Sherberg if they should slip by began Hector slip by and Harry had well my dislodged Daisy by his vehemence and demonstrating that they were welcome to volunteer but that the channel fleet would prevent the rifles from being seriously put to the proof a declaration highly satisfactory to the ladies and Harley backed up by the doctor though Blanche looked rather discomfited and Hector argued loud for the probability of active service I say Aubrey said Tom rather tired of the land and sea debate do just reach me a card to take up some of this sand upon Aubrey obeyed and reading the black-edged card as he handed it said Mrs. Pug what? Pug ought to have been calling upon man maybe she will in good earnest observed Tom again in Ethel's ear while the whole room rang with the laughter that always befalls the unlucky white guilty of a plunder in a name you don't mean that you don't know who she is Aubrey was the cry I how should I what? not Mrs. Pugh exclaimed Daisy Pugh or Pug I know nothing of either is this edge as mourning for all the old Pugh's that have been demolished in the church for shame Aubrey said Mary seriously you must know it is for her husband Aubrey set up his eyebrows in utter ignorance how true it is that one half of the world knows nothing of the other exclaimed Ethel I have never found out the great Mrs. Pugh Mrs. Ledwitch's dear suffering Matilda I have seen a black lady sitting with Mrs. Ledwitch in church such is life said Ethel how little she thought herself living in such an unimpressable world she is a pretty woman enough observed Tom and very desirous of being useful added Richard she and Mrs. Ledwitch came over to Coxmoor this morning and offered any kind of suggestions at Coxmoor cried Ethel much as if it had been the French every district is filled up here you know said Richard and Mrs. Ledwitch begged me as a personal favor to give her some occupation that would interest her and cheer her spirits so I asked her to look after those new cottages at Gould's End quite out of your beat Ethel and she seemed to be going about energetically Ethel who replied with a glass between diversion and dismay who is the lady said Lanch she assaulted me in the street with inquiries and congratulations about Harry declaring she had known me as a child a thing I particularly dislike and Mrs. Ernst Cliff looked like a ruffled goldfinch forgetting her has not been easy to the pairs of duty calls said Ethel she was the daughter of Mrs. Ledwitch's brother the Colonel of Marines and used in old times to be with her aunt there used to be urgent invitations to flooring me to drink tea there because she was of our age she married quite young something very prosperous and rather aged and the glories of Dear Matilda's villa at Bristol have been our staple subject but Mr. Pugh died in the spring leading his lady 500 a year absolutely her own and looked for a house etc. added Tom what in the buxom widow line asked Harry no no said Richard rather indignantly no in the pathetic line said Ethel but that requires some self-denial our tongues don't lose their venom you see Harry put in the doctor no indeed Papa said Ethel really anxious to guard her brothers I was very sorry for her at first and perhaps I pity her more now than even then I was taken with her pale face and dark eyes and I believe she was a good wife and really concerned for her husband but I can't help seeing that she knows her grief is an attraction too simple Parsons muttered Tom along the tube of his microscope the sound of her voice showed her to be full of pretension said Blanche besides Mrs. Ledwitch's trumpeting would fix by opinion in a moment just so observed the doctor no Papa said Ethel I was really pleased and touched in spite of Mrs. Ledwitch's devotion to her till I found out a certain maneuvering to put herself in the foreground and not let her sorrow hinder her from any enjoyment or display she can't bear anyone to do what she does not what Mary's mouth open against her too cried Dr. May well Papa insisted Mary nobody wanted her to insist on taking the harmonium at Bankside last Sunday just because Avel had a cold in her head and she played so fast that everyone was put out and then said she would come to the practice that they might understand one another she was not even in the Bankside district so it is no business of hers there Richard her favors are equally distributed said Aubrey but if she would take that harmonium all together one would not mind it makes Henry Ward as salty as a bear to have a sister going out all the evening and he visits it on Leonard I dare say if she stayed at home he would not have been such a brute about the rifle I should not wonder said Dr. May I sometimes doubt if home is sweetened to my friend Henry Oh Papa cried Mary bristling up Abe is very hard work and she gives up everything in the world but her church music and that is her great duty and delight Ms. Ward's music must be a sore trial to the pug said Tom will it be at this affair at Abbott Stoke that's the question said Ethel it never goes out yet is to be met everywhere just over persuaded at the last moment now flora you will see will think it absolutely improper to ask her and she'll be greatly disappointed not to have the chance of refusing and then yielding at the last minute floor must have her said Harry I trust not said Blanche shrinking floor will not ask her said Tom but she will be there and will dance with me said Harry no with Richard said Tom what said Richard looking up at the sound of his name all laugh but were ashamed to explain and were relieved that their father rang the bell at that unhappy skein still Mary said Mrs. Ernst Cliff as the good nights were passing what a horrid state it is in I shall do it in time said Mary when there's nothing to distract my attention I only hope I shall not hurt it for you chuck it into the fire at once it is not worth the trouble said Hector each had a word of advice but Mary held her purpose and persevered till all had left the room except Richard who quietly took the crimson tangle on his wrist turn and twisted open passages for the winter and by the magic of his dexterous hands had found the clue to the maze so that all was proceeding well though slowly when the study door opened and Harry's voice was heard in Alaska night to his father Mary's eyes looked whistful and one misdirection of her winter tightened an obdurate loop once more run he said Richard taking possession of the ivory good night I can always do these things best alone I had rather yes really good night and his kiss had the elder brother's authority of dismissal his main Mona was too glad and grateful for more than a summary thank you and upstairs in time to find Harry turning baffled from her empty room what only just done that interminable yarn he said Richard is doing it I could not help letting him this first evening of you good old Richard he is not a bit altered since I first went to see when I was so proud of that said Harry taking up his midshipman sterk which formed a trophy on Mary's mantel shelf are we altered since you went last said Mary the younger ones of course I was in hopes that Arby would have been more like old June but he'll never be so much of a fellow he is a very dear good boy said Mary warmly of course he is said Harry but somehow he will always have a woman breadway about him can't be helped of course but what a pair of swells Tom and Blanche are come out and he laughed good naturedly is not Blanche a beautiful dear darling cried Mary eagerly it is so nice to have her they could not come at first to the rifle core and now it is delicious to have all at home well Molly I'm glad it wasn't you that have married mind you mustn't marry till I do and Harry was really glad that Mary's laugh was perfectly fancy free as she answered I'm sure I hope not but I won't promise because that might be unreasonable you know oh you prudent provident Polly but added Harry recall to the time by clock striking 11 I came to bring you something Mary you shall have it if you will give me another Mary recognized with some difficulty a prayer book with limp covers that Margaret had given him after his first voyage not only was a warm by seven years use but it was soil and stain with dark brownish red and a straight round hole perforated it from cover to cover is it too bad to keep let me just cut out my name in Margaret's hand and the verse of the one hundred seven song luckily the ball missed that the ball said Mary beginning to understand yes every one of those circles that you see cut out there was in here said Harry laying his hand over his chest before the ball which I have given to my father Oh Harry was all Mary could say pointing to her own name and a pencil scroll on a fly leave yes I said that down because I could not speak to tell what was to be done with it when we didn't know that that book had really been the saving of my life that Harris breath deviation of the bullet made all the difference Mary was kissing the blood stain book and sobbing why Mary what is there to cry for it is all over now I tell you I am as well as man would wish and there's not it but to thank God and try to deserve his goodness yes yes I know Harry but to think how little we knew or thought or felt going on in our own way when you were in such danger and suffering wasn't I very glad you were going on in your own way said Harry why Mary it was that which did it it has been always that thought of you at the minster every day that kept me to reading the songs and so having the book about me and did not it do one good to lie and think of the snug room and my father's spectacles and all as usual when they used to lay me on the deck of the dexter at night because I could not breathe below I used to watch old Orion who was my great friend in the loyalty aisles and which the heathen name had not stuck to the old fellow he always seemed so like the Christian warrior climbing up with his shield for him and his a home like this is a shield to a man in more ways than one Mary hello was that the street door yes Richie going home fancy his being at the silk all this time I am so sorry Moger her sorrow there were few happier maidens in England than Mary May even though her service was distracted by the claims of three slave owners at once found as she was thoughtful by habitual fidelity to Harry by eager adoration to blanche by willing submission luckily their requisitions for the most part unconscious seldom clashed or if they did the two elders gave way and the bride asserted her supremacy in the plenitude of her youthful importance and prosperity thus she carried off Mary in her barouche to support her in the return of bridal calls while the others were organizing a walk to visit flora and the rifle target Gertrude's enthusiasm was not equal to walking with a weapon that might be loaded nor to being ordered out to admire the practice so she accompanied the sisters Tom was reading hard and Ethel found herself Aubrey and the sailor the only ones ready to start this was a decided treat for Aubrey and she were so nearly one that it was almost a tetetet with Harry though it was not his way to enter by daylight and without strong impulse on what regarded himself and there were no such confidences as those to marry on the previous night but in talking over home details it was easier to speak without Tom's ironical ears and caustic tongue among other details the story of the summer that Ethel and Aubrey had spent at Coombe was narrated and Aubrey indulged himself of Ethel's conquest it is more a conquest of Normans and of Melanesia said Ethel if it were not nonsense to build upon people's generous visions at 17 I should sometimes hope a spark had been lit that would shine some day in your islands Harry growing up that hill was not the place for a theldered maid to talk of the futility of youthful aspirations but it did not so strike either of the brothers to whom Coxmore had long been a familiar fact Harry laughed to hear the old Ethel so like herself and Aubrey said by the by what did you do the day you walked into Coxmore he was fuller of those islands than ever after it I did not mean it said Ethel but the first day of the holidays I came on him disconsolate in the street with nothing to do and very sore about Henry's refusal to let him volunteer he walked on with me till we found ourselves close to Coxmore and I found he had never seen the church and would like to stay for evening service so I put him into the parsonage while I was busy and told him to take a book I know said Aubrey the liveliest literature you can get in Richard's parlor are the missionary reports exactly so and he got quite saturated with them and when we walked home I was so thankful that the rifle grievance should be a little displaced that I led him on to talk and build castles rather more than according to my resolutions hello Ethel said Harry yes I think spontaneous castles are admirable but I mistrust all timber from other people's woods but isn't this a hard shame of Henry said Aubrey such a little preg as he is to take the place of such a fellow as Leonard a capital shot already I wish Henry had been magnanimous said Ethel I'd as soon talk of a magnanimous weasel from what I recollect and he is worse now Harry continued Aubrey so spruce and silky out of doors and such a regular old tyrannical bachelor indoors he is jealous of Leonard anyone can see and that's the reason he won't give him his due you observe said Ethel that this boy thinks the youngest brother's due is always to come first so it is in this family said Harry no one comes so last as old Richie but of course said Aubrey rather taken aback if I were not youngest I should have to knock under to someone Ethel and Harry both laughed hardly one congratulated him on not having carried the principal into the cockpit the other adding don't indoctrinate Leonard with it there is enough already to breathe bitterness between those brothers Leonard ought to be kept in mind that Henry has so much to harass him that his temper should be born patiently with he I don't think Papa's best endeavours have kept all his father's practice for him and I'm sure the rate of living must make him feel pinched this Christmas whoo he will be in a sweeter mood than ever I have been trying to show Leonard that there's room for magnanimity on his side at least and don't you go and upset it all by common place abuse of tutors and governors I upset it, cried Aubrey I might as well try to upset the minster as a word from you to Leonard none since what's that? for they were hailed from behind and looking round saw two tall figures weapon in hand in pursuit they proved to be Hector Ernstcliffe and Leonard Ward each bearing one of what doctor may call the age e-rifles but Leonard looked half shy half grim and so decidedly growled off all Aubrey's attempts at inquiry are congratulation that Ethel hazarded none and Aubrey looked discomfited bearing an expression which Harry took to mean that the weight of his rifle fatigued him and insisted on carrying it for him in spite of his rather insulted protests and declarations that the sailor was an invalid Ethel had walked forward and found Leonard at her side with a darkened brow as he glanced back at the friendly contest Harry spoils Aubrey as much as all the others do said Ethel lightly deeming it best to draw out the sting of the rankling thought none of them would leave him to be pitied and offered favors by some chance person said Leonard you don't call my brother Hector a chance person did you say anything to him Miss May? said Leonard turning on her aflushed face as if he could almost have been anchored with her I said not one word nor Aubrey the volunteer politics were discussed last night and Henry got abused among us but Papa defended him and said it did not rain rifles that's all whatever Hector may have done was without a word to either of us very likely on the moment's impulse did he go to Bankside after you? no I was looking in at Sherman's window said Leonard rather sheepishly at the locks of the new lot he has got in and he came and asked if I were going to choose one for he had got a couple down from London and the man had stupidly put his cypher on both I would be glad if I would take one off his hands I didn't accept I made that clear but then he begged as if it was to oblige him that I would come out to Epistoke and help him try the two for he didn't know which he should keep very ingenious of him said Ethel laughing now Miss May do tell me what I ought to do it is such a beauty better than any Sherman ever dreamt of just look at the finish of the lock by the time you have shot with it now don't pray said Leonard I haven't anyone to trust your advice but you indeed Leonard I can see no objection it is a great boon to you and no loss to Hector and he is quite enough my father's son for you to look on him as a friend I can't but be very glad for the removal of this fixation ought to make you get on all the better with your brother Abe would be delighted said Leonard somehow somehow was silenced by a coalescing of the party at a gate and Hector and Harriet were found deep in an argument in which the lieutenants Indian reminiscences of the Naval Brigade were at issue with the captain's self down practice and the experiences of the one meeting the technicalities of the other were so diverting that Leonard forgot his screw poles to let the entrance of the park he turned off towards the target with Hector and the other two walked up to the house the Grange atmosphere always had a strange weight of tedium in it such as was specially perceptible after the joyous ease of the house in the high street no one was in the drawing room and Harry gazed round at the stiff almost petrified aspect of the correct and tasteful arrangement of the tables and furniture put his hands in his pockets and yawned twice asking Ethel why she did not go in search of flora she shook her head and in another moment flora appeared in eager welcome she had been dressing for a drive to Stoneborough to see her brother little expecting him to be in a state for walking to her with her came her little girl a child whose aspect was always a shock to those who connected her with the two Margaret's whose name she bore she had inherited her father's heavy mold of feature and dark complexion in the color of the sallow cheek the pouting lips were fretful the whole appearance unhealthy and the dark bullet shaped head seemed too large for the thin bony little figure worn, fagged and aged as flora looked she had still so much beauty and far more of refinement and elegance as to be a painful foil in contrast to the child that clung to her waywardly refusing all responses to her uncle's advances flora made a sign to him to discontinue them and talk to her husband who was hunting and heard the history of Harry's return in recovery. In the midst little Margaret took heart of grace crossed the room and stood by the sailor and holding up a great india rubber ball as large as her own head asked Uncle Harry were you shot with a cannonball as big as this there upon she was on his knee and as he had all his father's fascination for children he completely beguiled her into ten minutes of genuine childish mirth a sight so rare and precious to her mother that she could not keep up her fate of talking to Evelyn the elderly dame, partners partners for governess presently came to take Miss Rivers out but Miss Rivers with a whine in her voice insisted on going nowhere but to see the shooting and uncle Harry must come with her and come he did the little bony fingers clasping tight hold of one of his large ones fear Harry said Flora he wins everyone it is like a co-refreshing wind from the sea when he comes in in Flora's whole air voice and manner there was apparent a relaxation and absence of constraint such as she never allowed herself except from along with Ethel then only did she relieve the constant strain then only did the veritable woman show herself and the effort the toil the the heartache of her life become visible but close together as the sisters lived such teta tats were rare and perhaps were rather shunned than saw it as perilous and doubtful indulgences even now Flora at once fixed a limit by ordering the carriage to meet her in a quarter of an hour at the nearest point to the rifle ground saying she would walk there and then take home Ethel and any brother who might be tired Margaret does not come to harm said Ethel I am not afraid of that said Flora something in her eye belittling her but she might be troublesome to Harry and I had rather he did not see one of her fights with Miss Morton how has she been I thought her looking clearer and better today said Ethel kindly yes she is pretty well just now said Flora along herself in one of her long deep sighs before descending into the particulars of the child's anxiously watched health if she had been describing them to her father there would have been the same minuteness but the tone would have implied cheerful hope whereas to Ethel she took no pains to mask her dejection one of the points of anxiety was whether one shoulder were not out growing the other but it was not easy to discover whether the appearance were not merely owing to the child's feeble and ungainly carriage I cannot torment her about that said Flora there are enough miseries for her already without making more and as long as it does not affect her health it matters little no certainly not said Ethel who had hardly expected this from Flora perhaps her sister gassed her thought for she said things are best as they are Ethel I am not fit to have a beautiful admired daughter all the past would too easily come over again and my poor Margaret's troubles may be the best balance for her as Ethel it is bad enough to be an heiress but a beautiful heiress is in a worse predicament health would improve her looks began the maternal instinct of defense but then breaking off we met Lord H. yesterday and the uniform was to be like the northern division Papa will hear it officially tomorrow the northern has gray and green facings you are more up in it than I all we begged for was to be inexpensive for the sake of the townspeople I hear a little else said Ethel laughing Dr. Spencer is as hot on it as all the boys now I suppose your party is to come off yes it ought said Flora languidly I waited to see how Harry was he is a great element towards making it go off well I will talk it out with Blanche it will give somebody pleasure if she thinks she manages it I don't know he calls it a great nuisance but he would not like not to come forward and it is quite right that he should quite right said Ethel it is everyone's duty to try to keep it up with these words the sisters came with inside of the targets and found Margaret under Harry's charge much interested and considerably in the way the tidings of the color of the uniform were highly appreciated I'll be observed that it would choke off the snubs who only wanted to be like the rifle brigade and Leonard treated its inexpensiveness as a personal matter having apparently cast off his doubts under Hector's complimentary tuition indeed before it grew too dark for taking aim he and the weapon were so thoroughly united that no further difficulty remained but of getting out of his thanks to Mr. Ernstcliff Ever was sitting alone over the fire in the twilight in a somewhat forlorn mood when the door was pushed to a jar and the muzzle of a gun entered causing her to start up an alarm scarcely diminished by the sight of an exultant massage though the words were your money or your life Leonard don't play with it pray it's not loaded oh but one never can tell then half ashamed of her terror pray put it back or we shall have an uproar with Henry this is none of Henry's he will never own such a beauty as this who's is it not yours is it really a rifle H E what's that Hector Ernstcliff didn't I tell you he was a princely fellow given it to you Leonard dear I am so happy now I don't care for anything what a gallant volunteer you'll make and she kissed him fondly we will order the uniform as soon as ever and I hope it will be a very handsome one it will be a cheap one which is more to the purpose I could get part myself only there's the tax for mad and the subscription to the cricket club I would not have you get any of it you are my volunteer and I'll not give up my right to anyone except that Mina and Ella want to give your belt where are those children he asked Henry has taken them to the Burnham Grove where I am afraid they are being crammed with cake and all sorts of nonsense what could have made him take them there oh some wish of Mrs. Pugh's to see the poor little deers said Avril the cloud returning that had been for a moment dispelled what's the row asked Leonard kindly has he been bothering you he wants me to sound merry me about an invitation for Mrs. Pugh to Mrs. Rivers' volunteer entertainment I'm glad I did not say no one in morning ought to go for I must go now you are a volunteer but you didn't consent to mention her no indeed I knew very well you would say it was a most improper use to make of the maid's kindness and I can't see what business she has there then he said no she was certain not to go but the attention would be gratifying and proper that is Mrs. Rivers' look out so I said but Henry never will hear reason I did not tell you about seeing yesterday counts he says that we must contract our expenses or he shall be ruined so I told him I was ready to give up the hot house or the foot man or the other horse or anything he would specify but he would not hear of it he says it would be fatal to alter our style of living and that it is all my fault for not being economical oh Leonard it is very hard to give up all one cared for to this housekeeping and then never to please Leonard felt his brother a tyrant never mind a deer said he go on doing right and then you need not care for his unreasonableness you are a dear good girl and I can't think how he can have the heart to vex you I don't care while I have you Leonard she said clinging to him at that moment the others were heard returning and an ironical look passed between the brother and sister at certain injunctions at the little India rubber galoshes but Henry had returned in high good humor was pleased to hear of his brother's good fortune pronounced it very handsome in Mr. Ernst's clip and even offered to provide the rest of the equipment but this was proudly rejected by April with some of the manifestations of exclusive partiality that naturally wounded the elder brother he then announced an engagement that he had made with Mrs. Ludwig for a musical evening next week April had her harmonium at her tongue but the evening was a free one chosen on purpose to accommodate her she had no excuse and must submit and practice some of your best pieces said Henry Mrs. Pugh was kind enough to offer to come and get up some duets with Jan I am greatly obliged said April Riley but I do not play duets you do wisely to accept her kindness argued Henry it would be a great advantage to you to be intimate with the lady of her opportunities I do not like patronage said April Abe, Abe cried the children who had been trying to attract her attention if you will let us go to the Burnham Grove by 12 o'clock tomorrow Ms. Pugh will show us her book of the pretty devices of letters and teach us to make one you will have not finished lessons by 12 but if we have no, certainly not I can't have you bothering everyone about that nonsensical fashion you shall go my dears said Henry I can't think why your sister should be so ill-natured April felt that this was the way to destroy her authority and though she kept silence the tears were in her eyes and her champion broke forth how can you be such a brute Henry come away my dear said April Rising and holding out her hands to her sisters as she recollected how bad the scene was for them but it was only Mina who obeyed the call Ella hung about Henry declaring that Leonard was naughty and Abe was cross well shouted Leonard I shan't stay to see that child said against her sister I wonder what you mean her to come to Henry it was no wonder that Mina and Ella squabbled together as to which was cross Henry or April and the spirit of party took up its fatal abode in the house of Bankside End of Chapter 8 Recording by Nancy Cochran-Gergen Gilbert Arizona Chapter 9 of the Trial This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Nancy Cochran-Gergen Gilbert Arizona by Charlotte Mary Young Chapter 9 Too oft my anxious eye has spied that secret grief thou feign wouldst hide the passing pang of humble pride Scott The winter was gay between musical evenings, children's parties, clerical feastings of district visitors, soirees for Sunday school teachers and Christmas trees for their scholars such a universal favorite as Harry, with so keen a relish for amusement was sure to fall an easy prey to invitations. But the rest of the family stood amazed to see him accompanied everywhere by Tom, to whom the secular and the religious dissipations of Stoneboro had always hitherto been equally distasteful, yet be submitted to a Christmas course of music, carpet dances, and je ne société on the one hand, and on the other conferred inestimable obligations on the ecclesiastical staff by exhibitions of his microscope and of some of the ornamental sports of chemistry. The truth is, was the explanation privately dropped out to Ethel, that someone really must see that those two don't make fools of themselves. Ethel stared, then coming to the perception who those two meant burst out laughing and said my dear Tom, I beg your pardon but, on the whole I think that is more likely to fall someone else. Tom held his head loftily, and would not condescent to understand anything so foolish. He considered Bankside as the most dangerous quarter, for Harry was in rapture with Miss Ward's music, extolled her dark eyes, and openly avowed her attraction. But there were far more subtle perils that libert'em grove. The fair widow was really pretty, almost elegant, her weeds becoming, and her disposition so good, so religious, so charitable, that, with her activity, intelligence and carrot worship, she was a dangerous snare to such a mankind as were not sensible of her touch of pretension. As to woman kind, it needed a great deal of submissiveness to endure her at all, and this was not Avery Ward's leading characteristic. In fact the ubiquity of Mrs. Pugh was a sore trial to that young lady, just so superior herself as to detect the flimsiness of the widow's attainments. It was vexatious to find that by means of age, assumption and position, these shallow accomplishments made a prodigious show in the world, while her arm were entirely overlooked. She thought she despised the admiration of the second-rate world of Stoneboro, but it meddled her to see it thus misplaced, and there was something provoking in the species of semi-hommage paid in that quarter by the use of the Mae family. As to the sailor, April frankly liked him very much. He was a pleasantest young man, of the most open and agreeable manners, who had ever fallen in her way. He was worthy to be Mary's brother, for he was friendly to Leonard, and to herself had a truthfully flattering way that was delightful. Without any sentiment in the case she always felt disappointed and defrauded if she were prevented from having a conversation with him, and when this happened it was generally either from his being seized upon by Mrs. Pugh, or from her being bathed by his brother Tom. April was hard to please, for she was as much annoyed by seeing Tom Mae sitting courteous and differential by the side of Mrs. Pugh as by his attentions to herself. She knew that he was playing the widow off, and that when most smooth and bland and look and tone he was inwardly chuckling, and to find the lightness transferred to herself made her feel not only affronted but insulted by being placed on the same level. Thus when, at a reunion at LeBern Grove, she had been looking on with intense disgust while Tom was admiring Mrs. Pugh's famous book of devices for letters, translating the mottos and promising contributions, the offense was greatly increased by his coming up to her, and that too just as Harry was released in Mr. Gray, and saying of course you are a collector too Ms. Ward, I can secure some duplicates for you. She hoard such foolery? She have Mrs. Pugh's duplicates? No wonder she coldly answered my little sister has been slightly infected, thank you but I do not care for such things. Indeed, well I always preserve as many as I can as passports to a lady's favor. That depends on how much sense the lady has said Avril, trusting that this was a spirited set down. You do not consider. Philosophically treated, they become a perfect school in historical heraldry, nay, in languages, in mathematical drawing, in illumination, said Tom, looking across to the album in which Mrs. Pugh's collection was enshrined, each device appropriately framed in bright colors. His gravity was intolerable. Was this mockery or not? However, as answer she must, she said, a very poor purpose for which to learn such things, and a poor way of learning them. True, said Tom, one pass time is as good as another, and the less it pretends to, the better. On the whole, it may be a beneficial outlet for the revival of illumination. Did this intolerable person know that there was an illuminator's room, and a great deal of red, blue, and gold paint, with grand designs for the ornamentation of Bankside Chapel? Whether he knew it or not, she could not help answering. Illumination is desecrated by being used on such subjects, and is not that better than the subjects being desecrated by illumination? Mrs. Pugh came to insist on that sweet thing of Mendelssohn's, from her dear Miss Ward, and Averill Bade, not so glad to escape, as inflamed by vexation at being prevented from fighting it out, and learning what he really meant, though she was so far used to the slippery nature of his arguments, as to know that it was highly improbable that she should get at anything in earnest. If his sisters were silly, I should not mind, said she to Leonard. Then he might hold all women cheap from knowing no better, but when they like sensible things, why is everyone else to be treated like an ape? Never mind, said Leonard. Each nearer said everybody all alike. I can't think how Dr. May came to have such a son, or how Aubrey can run after him so. I should like to know whether they really think it irreverent to do illuminations. Known since age, why should you troll yourself about what he says to teach you? Bad luck to him. Nevertheless, Averill was not at ease till she had asked Mary's opinion of illumination, and Mary had referred to Apple and brought that all depended on the spirit of the work, that it was a dangerous thing from your fashion to make play things of texts of Scripture, but that no one could tell the blessing there might be in dwelling on them with loving declaration, or having them placed where the eye and thought might be won by them. In fact, Ethel always hated fashion, but feared prejudice. The crown of the whole carnival was to be the abbot-stoke entertainment on the enrollment of the volunteers. Preparations went on with great spirit, and the drill sergeant had unremitting work, the target little peas, and Aubrey and Leonard were justly accused of making fetishes of their rifles. The town was frantic, no clothes but uniforms could be had, and the tradesmen forgot their customers in the excitement of electing officers. Averill thought it very officious of Mrs. Pugh to collect a romantic party of bannerworking young ladies before the member's wife or the mayor's family had authorized them. And she refused to join, both on the plea of want of time, and because she heard that Mr. Elvers, a real dragoon, declared colors to be inappropriate to riflemen. And so he did, but his wife said the point was not martial correctness, but popular feeling. So Mary gratified the party by bringing her a needle. Dr. Spencer took care of the blazingry of the arms of the old Abbey was correct, and Flora asked the great lady of the county to surrender and gave the invitation to Mrs. Pugh, who sighed, shook her head, dried her eyes and said something about goodness and spirits, and Mrs. Rivers professed to understand and hoped Mrs. Pugh would do exactly as best suited her. Was this maneuvering or only living in the present? Mary accompanied Harry for a long day of shopping in London when he went to report himself, starting and returning in the clouds of night and having a prodigious amount of business with intense delight and no fatigue. And she was considered to have fitted out the mayor's daughter suitably with his municipal dignity, of which Ethel peaked herself on being proud. The entertainment was not easy to arrange at such a season and Blanche's experience being of early autumn was at fault. But Flora sent for all that could embellish her conservatories, and by one of the charities by which she left to kill her own, imported a young lady who gained her livelihood by singing at private concerts, and with her for a star, supported by the minster and cathedral choirs, hoped to get up sufficient music to occupy people till it should be late enough to dance. She still had some diplomacy to exercise for Mrs. Ledwich suggested asking dear Eve Ward to sing her own dear Spatilda would not object on such an occasion to assist the sweet girl. And Mrs. Ledwich, after her usual prudent fashion, giving neither denial nor assent, Mrs. Ledwich trotted off and put Averill into an agony that raised a needless storm in the bank side house. Leonard declaring the request an insult, and Henry insisting that Eve ought to have no scruples in doing anything Mrs. Pew thought proper to be done. And finally, when Eve rushed with her despair to marry May, it was to be relieved at finding that Mrs. Rivers had never dreamt of a grand ordeal. Though it was the year 1860, the sun shone on the great day, and there were exhilarating tokens of spring, singing birds, opening buds, sparkling drops, and a general sense of festivity. As the green-green began to flet about the streets, and while Mr. May are repaired to the town hall to administer the o's to the core, his unmartialed sons and his daughters started for the Grange to assist Flora in the reception of the guests. The Lord Lieutenant's wife and daughters, as well as the Ernst Cliffs, had slept there, and Ethel found them all with Flora in the great hall, which looked like a winter garden, interspersed with tables covered with plate and glass, where eating and drinking might go on all day long. But Ethel's heart sank within her at the side of Flora's haggard face and sunken eyes. What is the matter, she asked Blanche, an image of content beauty. Oh, they have been stupid in marking the ground, and Hector's gone to see about it. That's all. He is not at all tired. I never supposed he was, said Ethel, but what makes Flora look so ill? Oh, that tiresome child has got another cold, and fretted half the night. It is all their fault for giving way to her, and she has done nothing but whine this whole morning, because she is not well enough to go out and see the fortune that she has not come down and be looked at. Ethel crossed over to Flora and asked whether she should go up and see little Margaret. I should be so thankful, said poor Flora, but don't excite her. She is not at all well, and has had very little sleep. Ethel ran upstairs and found herself in the midst of a fight between the governess and Margaret, who wanted to go to the drafty passage window, which she fancied had her better view than that of her nursery. Luckily, Ann Ethel was almost the only person whom Margaret did not like to see her naughty, and she subsided into a much less objectionable lamentation after Uncle Harry and his anchor buttons. Ethel promised to try whether he could be found and confident in his good nature, ran down, and boldly captured him as he was setting out to see Hector's operations. He came with a ready smile, and the child was happy throughout his day. Flora presently stole a moment's visit, intending her sister's release as well as his, but Ethel, in pity to governess as well as pupil, declared the nursery window to be a prime post of observation and begged to be left there. Margaret began to believe that they were very snug there, and by the time the vehicles were heard had forgotten her troubles in watching the arrivals. Up came the gray files, and Ethel's heart throbbed and rike listened at their regular tread and military bearing. Quickly Margaret made out Papa, but he was too real a soldier to evince consciousness of being at his own door before the eyes of his wife and daughter, and Aubrey's young face was made up in imitation of his impassiveness. Other eyes were less under control, and of these were a brown pair that wandered restlessly till they were raised to the nursery window, and there found satisfaction. The aunt and niece were too immediately above the terrace to see what passed upon it, nor could they hear the words, so they only beheld the approach of the ensign, and after a brief interval his return with the tall green silk colors with the arms of the old abbey embroidered in the corner, and heard the enthusiastic cheer that rang out from all the core. Then the colors led the way to the ground for practice, for maneuvers were as yet not ready for exhibition. Almost all the gentlemen followed, and such ladies as did not object to gunpowder or damp grass, thither they took themselves, guided by the ardent Mrs. Ernst Cliff. Having disposed of the others in the drawing rooms and gardens, Flora and her father came to the nursery, and Ethel was set at liberty to witness the prowess of her young champions, being assured by Flora that she would be of more use there in keeping the youthful population out of danger than in entertaining the more timid in-house. She slipped out and hurried down a narrow path towards the scene of action, presently becoming aware of four figures before her, which her glass resolved into Harry and Tom, a lady in black, and a child. Evidently the devoted Tom was keeping guard over one of the enchantresses, for the figure was set of Ava Ward, though, as Ethel said, shaking hands, she was hardly to be known with only one sister. We have been delayed, said Ava. Poor little Ella was in an agony about the firing, and we could not leave her until your brother, indicating Harry, was so kind as to take her to Gertrude. True to the English woman's boast of never having seen the smoke of an engagement, said Tom. A practicing is not an engagement, said Ethel. There may be quite as many casualties, quote Tom, indulging in some of the current ready-made wit for the dangers of volunteering, for the pure purpose of teasing, but he was vigorously fallen upon by Harriet Ethel, an April Brighton dish she heard him put to the route. The shots were already heard when two more black figures were seen in the distance, going towards the gate. Is that Richard, exclaimed Tom? Hi, and I do believe the widow rejoined Harry. Oh yes, said Ethel. I heard her talking about Abbot Stoke Church and saying how much she wished to see it. She must have got Mr. May to show it to her. Ethel, who had no real fears for Richard herself, looked unamused to watch how the guardian spirit was going to act. He exclaimed, By the by, Miss Ward, would you not like to see it? They have a very nice grasp to old Mr. Rivers and have been doing up the chancel. Thank you, said Eve. I should prefer to see how Leonard is getting on. Right, Miss Ward, said Harry. The Church won't run away. Well then, said Tom, after a moment's hesitation, I think I shall just run down as the Church is open and see what sort of work they have made at the chancel. Ethel had the strongest fancy to try what he would do if she were to be seized with a desire to inspect the chancel. But she did not wish to let Harry and Abel appear on the ground under no escort but Mines, and so permitted Tom and watched him hasten to break up the tent-a-tent. Coming among the spectators, who, chiefly drawn up on the carriage drive were watching from a safe distance, the grey figures in turn take aim and emit from their rifles the flash and cotton wool-like tuff of smoke. Ethel's interest was somewhat diminished by hearing that all the other marksmen had been distanced by the headkeepers of Abbott Stoke and Drydale between whom the contest relayed. The rest is a study of characters of Dr. Spencer taking a turn up and down the road with her. I have been watching the various pairs of brothers and I doubt if any stand the test as well as the House of May. There's only one in the field today. Yes, but I've seen them together before now, and I will say for even Tom that he has no black books when his junior shoots better than he does. Oh, yes! But then it is ugly. Dr. Spencer laughed. Lucky household for that it is accounts for all favors to the youngest instead of for the countenance following at his successes. I'm afraid I know whom you mean, but he has no generosity in him. And his sister helps to make him jealous. I'm afraid she does, but though it is very sad, one can't wonder at her preference of the grape to the small. Poor girl. I wonder how she will get on when there is a new inmate in the happy family. Huh, you shocking old gossip. What have you found out now? Negotiation for the introduction of a pug dog from the best circles, eh? Well, if you were alone in the world it would be a capital match. So she thinks, I fancy, but 600 pounds a year might do better than purchase so many encumbrances. Depend upon it, the late limited will remain in the ascendant till there are no breakers ahead. In process of time, ladies, volunteers, and all were assembled in the great music room for the concert. And Ethel, having worked hard in the service of the company, thought her present duty lay with the sick child, and quietly crept away, taking, however, one full view of the entire scene, partly for her own satisfaction, partly in case Margaret should be inclined to question her on what everyone was doing. There was the orchestra, whose direction Richard had superintendent. There was a conductor in his station, and the broad back of the cathedral organist at the piano, the jolly red visages of the singing men in the ranks. The fresh faces of the choristers full of elation, the star from London, looking quiet and ladylike, courtesy led to her place by George Rivers himself. But, for all his civility, how bored and sullen he looked, and how weary were poor Flora's smiles, though her manner was so engaging, and her universal attention so unremitting. What a contrast to the serene, self-infolded look of happiness and prosperity on the pretty youthful face of Blanche, her rich, delicate silk spreading far beyond the sofa where she sat, among the great ladies, and her tall, yellow-haired husband leaning against the wall behind her in wonder and contemplation of his Blanche taking her place in the county. Farther back, among the more ordinary herd, Ethel perceived Mrs. Pugh bribing demurely with Tom on guard over on one side, and Henry Ward looking softy on the other with his younger sister in his charge. The other was looking very happy upon Leonard's knee, close to Averill and Mary, who were evidently highly satisfied to have coalesced. Averill was looking strikingly pretty, the light favorably on her profuse glossy hair, straight features and brilliant coloring. Her dark eyes were full of animation and her lips were apart with a smile as she listened to Leonard's eager narration and Ethel glanced towards Harry to see whether he were admiring. No, Harry was bringing in a hall armchair in the background for a very large, heavy, vulgar-looking old man who seemed too ponderous and infirm for a place on the benches. Richard made one of a black mass of clergy, and Aubrey and Gertrude had asserted their independence by perching themselves on a window-seed as far as possible from all relations whence they nodded a merry saucy greeting to Ethel and she smiled back again thinking her tall boy in his great tunic in black belt and her plump girl in white with green ribbons were as goodly apparent as the room contained. But where was the doctor? Ethel had a shrewd suspicion where she should find him and in the nursery he was playing at Spillikins with his left hand. It was not easy to persuade him that the music would be wasted on her and that he ought to go down that it might receive justice but Margaret settled the question you may go grandpa and Ethel is best to play at Spillikins for she has not got a left hand. There's honor for me who used to have two and therewith Ethel turned him out in time for the overture. Margaret respected her aunt sufficiently not to be extra wayward with her and between the Spillikins and a long story about Cousin Dickey in New Zealand all went well till bedtime. There was something in the child's nervous temperament that made the first hours of the night peculiarly painful to her and the sounds of the distant festivity added to her excitability. She fretted and tossed mawned and wailed sat up in bed and cried snapped off attempts at hymns would not listen to stories and received Ethel's attempts at calm grave commands with bursts of crying and calls for mama and papa. The music had ceased tuning of violins was heard and Ethel dreaded the cries being heard downstairs she was at her wit's end and was thinking who would most avail of the fest with least sensation when there was a soft knock at the door and Harry's voice said, Hello, what's the matter here? In he came with his white glove half fallen and perceiving the state of the case said can't go to sleep? Oh, Uncle Harry, take me and the arms were stretched out and the tear-stained face raised up. We'll put you to sleep as sound as if you were in a hammock just off middle watch said Harry at home and he had a rolled up in her little boo dressing gown nestling on his broad shoulder while he walked up and down the room crooning out a nautical song not in first rate style that the effect was perfect the struggles and stops were over and when at the end of a quarter of an hour Harry paused and looked at the little thin sharp face it was softened by peaceful sleep Ethel pointed to the door there stood Flora full of tears Harry laid the little sleeper on her bed and covered her up Flora laid her arm on her shoulder and gave him such a kiss as she had not given even when he had come back as from the dead then she signed to them to come but sped away before them not trusting herself to speak Ethel tarried with Harry who was in difficulties with gloves too small for his broad hand and was pashaing at himself for him at Whitford oh Harry said Ethel you are the most really like papa of us all how did you come to think of it I'd have given a good deal if anyone would have walked quarter deck with me some nights last summer said Harry still intent on the glove what is to be done Ethel that rogue Tom always stabs up all the beauty I dare say he has engaged Miss Ward and the widow both it was no time for sentiment so Ethel suggested getting half into one glove and carrying the other you'll be quite irresistible enough Harry and if all the beauty is engaged I'll dance with you myself will you cried the lieutenant with sparkling eyes then you are a jolly old Ethel come along then and he took her on his arm ran downstairs with her and before she well knew where she was or what was going on she found herself in his great grasp passive as a doll dragged off into the midst of a vehement polko that took her breath away she trusted to him and remained in a passive half frightened state glad he was so happy but in the first cause hardly wishing he would let her go instead of what she only heard well done old Ethel you'll be a prime dancer yet you're as light as a feather and before she had recovered her breath off he led her with when at length panting and bewildered she was safely placed on a seat with you've had enough have you mind I shan't let you off another time she found that her aberration had excited a good deal of sensation in her own family Blanche and Gertrude could not repress their amusement and Dr. May with merry eyes declared that she was coming out in a new light she had only time to confide to him the reason that she had let Harry get what he pleased with her before two volunteers were at her side Miss May I did not think you ever danced nor I said Ethel but you see what sailors can do with one now Ethel said the other over his shoulder now you have danced with Harry you must have this waltz with me a dangerous precedent Ethel said the doctor laughing I could waltz to save my life Aubrey said Ethel if you can bear me through a polka as well as Harry did you may try the next and waltz you will you for one dance with me said his companion imploringly very well Leonard if I can get through a quadril and their width Ethel was seized upon by both boys to hear the story of every hit and miss and of each of the difficulties that their unpracticed core had encountered in getting round the corners then came Leonard's quadril which it must be hoped was gratifying to him but which he executed with as much solemn deference as if he had been treading a minuet with a princess plainly regarding it as the great event of the day in due time he resigned her to Aubrey but poor Aubrey had been deluded by the facility which the strong and practice sailor had swept his victim along and Ethel grew terrified at the danger of collisions and released herself and pulled him aside by force just in time to avoid being born down by the ponderous weight of Miss Boulder and her partner you did not come to grief with Harry muttered the discomforted boy no more did the lamb damage the eagle but remember the fate of the Jack bell Mr. Graycoat I deserve some ice from my exertions so come into the hall and get some and tell me if you have had better luck elsewhere I have had no partner but men award and she trips as if one was a dancing master and how has Tom been managing stunningly civil he began with a ward in the Lancers and it was such fun he chafed her in a solemn way about music I believe it was and her harmonium I could not quite hear but I could see she was in a tremendous taking and she won't recover at all the evening what a shame it is of Tom oh but it is such fun and since that he has been parading with pug she has not danced oh no she got an audience into Mada's little sitting room and reward Harvey Anderson and some of the curates they shut the door and has music on their own hook was Richard there at first but either he could not bear to see Mada's piano playing or he thought it too strong when they got to the sacred line for he bolted and has gone home there's Harry dancing with Fanny Anderson he has not got Miss Ward all his time nor will said Aubrey Tom had put her in such a rage that she did not choose to dance with that cussing of hers Sam Axworthy so she was obliged to refuse everyone else and I had to put up with that child Sam Axworthy he does not belong to our core how does he come here oh the old man has some houses in the borough and an omnium gatherer like this was a good time to do the civil thing to him there he is peeping to the car room and you'll see his great porpoise back the same old man that Harry and his benevolence assisted to a chair he shook hands with Leonard and told him there was a snug room I dare say and when Leonard thanked him and said he hoped to get off to Cambridge he laughed that horrid fat laugh and told him learning would never put him in good case where shall I find you a place to sit down pug and her tail have taken up all the room whispered Aubrey as by the chief of the glittering tables in the hall he saw Mrs. Pugh drinking tea surrounded by her attendant gentlemen and a little ward like satellite a little way from her here is a coin advantage said apple seating herself on a step a little way up the staircase how those people have taken possession of that child all day I fancy Leonard has come to reclaim her said Aubrey don't you see him trying to work through and get at her and Mrs. Ward told me she was going home early to put the children to bed ha what's the row there's Leonard playing up in a regular rage only look at his eyes and Henry just like Gertrude's java sparrow in a taking it must not be cried Ethel starting up to tempt she knew not what as she heard Leonard's words say it was a mistake Henry you cannot be so baseless to persist there it became evident that Ethel and Aubrey were seen over the balusters Leonard's color deepened but his eye did not plunge though Henry quailed in back and the widow gave a disconcerted laugh then Leonard pounced on his little sister and carried her off to the cloakroom what treason could it have been Leonard Aubrey we shall get it all from Ward but when Leonard reappeared it was with his sister cloaked and bonded it on his arm each leading the little one he took them to the entrance and was seen no more nor was the true history of that explosion ever revealed in the May family though it had grave consequences at Bankside Rumor had long declared at Stoneboro that the member's little daughter was carefully secluded on account of some deformity and Mrs. Pugh had been one of many ladies who had hoped to satisfy their curiosity on this head upon the present occasion she had asked Henry Ward whether it was so and he had replied with pique that he had no means of judging he had never been called in at the Grange by the way of salve to his feelings the sympathizing lady had suggested that the preference for London advice might be from the desire of secrecy and improbable as he knew this to be his vanity had forbidden him to argue against it when no little Miss Rivers appeared the notion of her affliction gained ground and Leonard, whose greyback was undistinguishable from other greybacks heard Mrs. Pugh citing his brother as an authority for the misfortune which Mr. and Mrs. Rivers so carefully concealed as to employ no surgeon from their own neighborhood falsehood slander cruelty ingratitude breach of hospitality where the imputations had fired the hot brain of Leonard and writhed his lips as he started round confronted the lady and assured her it was a a gross mistake and Mrs. Rivers attended the child and she must have misunderstood his brother then seeing Henry at a little distance Leonard summoned him to contradict the allegation but at that moment the sudden appearance of the two maids put the whole conclave to silence not aware that Mrs. Pugh had confounded together his intelligence and her surmise and made him responsible for both Henry was shocked and grieved at his brother's insulting and violent demeanor exhausted himself in apologies and denunciations while the kindhearted lady interceded for the boy declaring that she doted on his generous spirit but not confessing the piece of female embroidery which had embroiled the matter probably not even aware of it though sincerely and kindly desirous to avert the brother's anger her amiability therefore only strengthened Henry's sense of his brother's outrage and his resolve to call him to account it was impossible that night for Leonard had gone home with his sisters and was in bed long before his brother returned but at breakfast Henry found the forces drawn up against him and his first attempt to remonstrate was retorted by the demand what he could mean by spreading such an abominable report cruel, unfounded, ungrateful, spiteful Aval indeed divine that it was Mrs. Pugh's invention but Henry was not inclined to give up Mrs. Pugh and continued in the belief that Leonard's fiery imagination had fabricated the sentence and then most improperly charged it on the lady and on himself had it been as Leonard stated, said Henry, his conduct was shameful and required an apology whereupon Leonard burst out in passion at being disbelieved and Aval was no less indignant the storm rage till the business of the day interrupted it and in Henry's absence Aval and her brother worked up their wrath again at the atrocity of the assertion regarding the child of their entertainers the granddaughter of their truest kindest friend Aval would have rushed to marry with the whole story but for Leonard saw a separation that if ever it came to the ears of any one of the maize he should send back his rifle to Mr. Ernstgliff and work his way out of the colonies rather than again look any of the family in a face Henry divided his opponents next time asking Leonard in his sister's absence whether he had come to his senses and would apologize Leonard hoped Henry had come to his on the whole the dispute had lost some asperity by the absence of the Aval and though Leonard held his ground and maintained that he had every right then it was Henry's duty to make Mrs. Pugh contradicted everywhere yet the two approached nearer together and there was less misunderstanding fewer personalities but Aval could not forget or forget she persisted in manifesting her displeasure and recurred to the subject till her pertenacity wore out Leonard himself nonsense he said at last it was a foolish woman's gossip that Henry ought to have quashed for a reason you should treat them like toads would you have me sanctioned vile slander as if you were sanctioning slander by being decently civil it's not an intolerable thing that we three should never sit down to a meal and piece together oh, Leonard don't you think I feel the misery put it into it then and don't pit those poor children one against the other just fancy men is saying to me I love you and sister but Ella loves Mrs. Pugh and Henry yes, they have set Ella against me she always appeals to Henry and I can do nothing with her Leonard looked out of the window and whistled then said as if he had made a discovery I'll tell you what, Abe something must be done to set things to right between us and I believe the best thing will be to call a Mrs. Pugh not to apologize oh, Leonard stuff and nonsense only this show we don't bear malice Henry had been at you to call ever so long before this had he not I can't see any reason for intimacy I declare, Abe you are too bad I only want you just to keep the peace with your own brother you have led him the life of a dog these three days and now when I want you to be a little obliging you talk of intimacy as I know how it will be if I give that woman an inch she will take an L letter then it will be much better than always living at beggars drawn with one's brother then after waiting for her to say something he added if you won't go with me I shall go alone cave arose subdued but not convinced reverencing her brother but afraid of his concessions Mrs. Pugh had a talent for making herself agreeable and probably had liked the boy for his outburst she would not let Mad be excluded loaded her with admiration and was extremely interested in the volunteer practice so that both the young people were subjugated for the time by her pleasant manners and went away ashamed of their own rancor against one so friendly in good nature and considerably relieved of their burden of animosity their greeting to their brother was so courteous that he perceived their goodwill and was sorry that the dread of an evening of warfare had induced him to accept an invitation to dine at the swan with Sam Axworthy and a party of his friends End of Chapter 9 Recording by Nancy Cochran-Gergen Gilbert, Arizona