 Preface of the Daisy Chain No one can be more sensible than as the author that the present is an overgrown book of a nondescript class, neither the tale for the young nor the novel for their elders but a mixture of both. Begun as a series of conversational sketches the story outran both the original intention and the limits of the periodical in which it was commenced and such as it has become it is here presented to those who have already made acquaintance with the May family and may be willing to see more of them. It would beg to be considered merely as what it calls itself a family chronicle a domestic record of home events large and small during those years of early life when the characters chiefly formed and as an endeavor to trace the effects of those aspirations which are a part of every youthful nature that the young should take one hint to think whether their hopes and upward breathings are truly upwards and founded in lowliness may be called the moral of the tale for those who may deem the story too long and the characters too numerous the author can only beg their pardon for any tedium that they may have undergone before giving it up February 22nd 1856 and of preface recording by Hannah Mary part one chapter one of the Daisy chain this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the Daisy chain by Charlotte Mary Young part one chapter one see Douse est la Marguerite Chaucer miss winter are you busy do you want this afternoon can you take a good long walk Ethel my dear how often have I told you of your impetuosity you have forgotten very well with an impatient twist I beg you pardon good morning miss winter set a thin lank angular sallow girl just 15 trembling from head to foot with restrained eagerness as she tried to curb her tone into the requisite civility good morning Ethel good morning flora said the prim middle-aged daily governess taking off her bonnet and arranging the stiff little rolls of curl at the long narrow looking glass the border of which distorted the countenance good morning properly responded flora a pretty fair girl nearly two years older than her sister will you began to burst from Ethel dreads lips again but was stifled by miss winter's inquiry is your mom a pretty well today oh very well said both at once she is coming to the reading and flora added papa is going to drive her out today I'm very glad and the baby I do believe she does it on purpose whispered Ethel to herself wriggling fearfully on the wide window seat on which she had precipitated herself and kicking at the bar of the table by which manifestation she of course succeeded in deferring her hopes by a reproof which caused her to draw herself into a rigid melancholy attitude a sort of penance of decorum but a rapid motion of the eyelids a tendency to crack the joints of the fingers and an unquietness at the ends of her shoes betraying the restlessness of the digits therein contained it was such a room as is often to be found in old country townhouses the two large windows looking out on a broad old-fashioned street through heavy framework and panes of glass scratched with various names and initials the walls were painted blue the skirting almost a third of the height and so wide at the top as to form a narrow shelf the fireplace constructed in the days when fires were made to give as little heat as possible was ornamented with blue and white Dutch tiles bearing marvelous representations of scripture history and was protected by a very tall green guard the chairs were much of the same date solid and heavy the seats and faded carpet work but there was a sprinkling of lesser ones and of stools a piano a globe a large table in the middle of the room with three desks on it a small one and a light cane chair by each window and loaded bookcases floor began if you don't want this afternoon to yourself Ethel was on her feet and open mouthed Oh Miss winter if you would be so kind as to walk to Coxmore with us to Coxmore my dear exclaimed the governess in dismay yes yes but here quite Ethel it is not for nothing yesterday no the day before interposed flora there was a poor man brought into the hospital he had been terribly hurt in the quarry and papa says he'll die he was in great distress for his wife has just got twins and there were lots of children before they want everything food and clothes and we want to walk and take it we had a collection of clothes ready luckily said flora and we have a blanket and some tea and some arrowroot and a bit of bacon and mama says she does not think it is too far for us to walk if you will be so kind as to go with us Miss winter looked perplexed how could you carry the blanket my dear Oh we have settled that said Ethel we mean to make the donkey a sumptom mule so if you are tired you may ride home on her but my dear has your mama considered they are such a set of wild people at coxmoor I don't think we could walk there alone it is Saturday said Ethel we can get the boys if you would reflect a little they would be no protection Harry would be getting into scrapes and you and Mary running wild I wish Richard was at home said flora I know quite Ethel Mr. Ernest Cliff will come I'm sure he can walk so far now I'll ask him Ethel had clapped after her the heavy door with its shining brass lock before Miss winter well knew what she was about and the governess seemed annoyed Ethel does not consider said she I don't think your mama will be pleased why not said flora my dear a gentleman walking with you especially if Margaret is going I don't think he is strong enough said flora but I can't think why there should be any harm Papa took us all out walking with him yesterday little Albury and all and Mr. Ernest Cliff went but my dear she was interrupted by the entrance of a fine tall blooming girl of 18 holding in her hand a pretty little maid of five good morning Miss winter I suppose flora has told you the request we have to make to you yes my dear Margaret but did your mama consider what a lawless place coxmoor is that was the doubt said Margaret but Papa said he would answer for it nothing happened to us and mama said if you would be so kind it is unlucky began the governess but stopped at the incursion of some newcomers nearly tumbling over each other Ethel at the head of them Oh Harry as the gathers of her frock gave way in the rude grasp of a 12 year old boy Miss winter is all right Mr. Ernest Cliff says he is quite up to the walk and will like it very much and he will undertake to defend you from the quarrymen is Miss winter afraid of the quarrymen who lewd Harry shall I take a club I'll take my gun and shoot them valiantly exclaimed Tom and while threats were passing among the boys Margaret asked in a low voice did you ask him to come with us yes he said he should like it of all things Papa was there and said it was not too far for him besides there's the donkey Papa says it so we must go Miss winter Miss winter glanced unutterable things at Margaret and Ethel began to perceive she had done something wrong Flora was going to speak when Margaret trying to appear unconscious of a certain deepening color in her own cheeks pressed a hand on her shoulder and whispering I'll see about it don't say any more please glide it out of the room what's in the wind said Harry are many of your reefs out there Ethel Harry can talk nothing but sailors language said Flora and I am sure he did not learn that of Mr. Owenscliffe you never hear slang from him but aren't we going to Coxmore asked Mary a blunt downright girl of ten we shall know soon said Ethel I suppose I had better wait till after the reading to mend that horrid frock I think so since we are so nearly collected said Miss winter and Ethel seating herself on the corner of the window seat with one leg doubled under her took up a Shakespeare holding it close to her eyes and her brother Norman who in age came between her and Flora kneeling on one knee on the window seat and supporting himself with one arm against the shutter leaned over her reading it to disregarding a tumultuous skirmish going on in that division of the family collectively termed the boys namely Harry Mary and Tom until Tom was suddenly pushed down and tumbled over into Ethel's lap thereby upsetting her and Norman together and there was a general downfall and a loud scream the Sphinx you've crushed it cried Harry dealing out thumps indiscriminately no here it is said Mary rushing among them and bringing out a green Sphinx caterpillar on her finger does not hurt packs packs cried Norman overall with the voice of an authority as he leaped up lightly and set Tom on his legs again Harry you had better do that again he added warningly be off out of this window and let Ethel and me read in peace here's the place said Ethel Crispin Crispin's day how I do like Henry the fifth it is no use to try to keep those boys in order side Miss Winter Saturnalia as Papa calls Saturday replied Flora is not your eldest brother coming home today said Miss Winter in a low voice to Flora who shook her head and said confidentially he is not coming till he has passed that examination he thinks it better not here entered with a baby in her arms a lady with a beautiful countenance of calm sweetness looking almost too young to be the mother of the tall Margaret who followed her there was a general hush as she greeted Miss Winter the girls crowding round to look at their little sister not quite six weeks old now Margaret will you take her up to the nursery said the mother while the impatient speech was repeated mama can we go to Coxmore you don't think it will be too far for you said the mother to Miss Winter as Margaret departed oh no not at all thank you that was not but Margaret has explained yes poor Margaret said Mrs May smiling she has settled it by choosing to stay at home with me it is no matter for the others and he is going on Monday so that it will not happen again Margaret has behaved very well said Miss Winter she has indeed said her mother smiling well Harry how is the caterpillar they've just capsized it mama answered Harry and Mary is making all taught Mrs May laughed and proceeded to advise Ethel and Norman to put away Henry the fifth and find the places in their Bibles or you will have the things mixed together in your heads said she in the meantime Margaret with the little babe tomorrow to be her godchild lying gently in her arms came out into the matted hall and began to mount the broad shallow step staircase protected by low stout ballasters with a very thick flat and solid mahogany handrail polished by the boys constant riding up and down upon it she was only on the first step when the dining room door opened and there came out a young man slight and delicate looking with bright blue eyes and thickly curling light hair acting nurse he said smiling what an odd little face it is I didn't think little white babies were so pretty well I shall always consider myself as the real godfather the other is all a sham I think so said Margaret but I must not stand with her in a draft and on she went while he called after her so we are going to have an expedition today she did not gain say it but there was a little sigh of disappointment and when she was out of hearing she whispered oh lucky baby to have so many years to come before you are plagued with troublesome propriety then depositing her little charge with the nurse and trying to cheer up a solemn looking boy of three who evidently considered his deposition from babyhood as a great injury she tripped lightly down again to take part in the Saturday's reading and catacysing it was pleasant to see that large family in the hush and reverence of such teaching the mother's gentle power preventing the outbreaks of restlessness to which even at such times the wild young spirits were liable Margaret and Miss Winter especially rejoiced in it on this occasion the first since the birth of the baby that she had been able to preside under her though seemingly without her taking any trouble there was none of the smothered laughing at the little mistakes the fidgeting of the boys or Harry's audacious impertinence to Miss Winter and no less glad was Harry to have his mother there and be guarded from himself the catacysm was repeated and a comment on the Sunday services read aloud that gospel was that on the taking the lowest place and when they had finished as they'll said I like the verse which explains that they who now sit lowest here when their master shall appear he shall bid them higher rise and be highest in the skies I did not think of that being the meaning of when he that baid the cometh said Norman thoughtfully it seemed to be only our worldly advantage that was meant before said Ethel well it means that to said flora I suppose it does said Mrs. May but the higher sense is the one chiefly to be dwelt on it is a lesson how those least known and regarded here and humblest in their own eyes shall be the highest here after and Margaret looked earnestly at her mother but did not speak may we go Mama asked Mary yes you three all of you indeed unless you wish to say any more the boys availed themselves of the permission Norman Terry to put his books into a neat leather case and Ethel stood thinking it means all together it is a lesson against ambition said she true said her mother the love of eminence for its own sake and in so many different ways said Margaret I worldly greatness riches rank beauty said flora all sorts of false flash and nonsense and liking to be higher than one ought to be said Norman I'm sure there's nothing lower or more mean and shabby than getting places and praise a fellow does not deserve oh yes card Ethel but no one fit to speak to would do that plenty of people do I can tell you said Norman then I hope I shall never know who they are exclaimed Ethel but I'll tell you what I was thinking of Mama caring to be clever and get on only for the sake of beating people I think that might be better expressed I know said Ethel bending her brow with the fullness of her thought I mean caring to do a thing only because nobody else can do it wanting to be first more than wanting to do one's best you are quite right my dear Ethel said her mother and I'm glad you have found in the gospel a practical lesson that should be useful to you both I had rather you did so then that you read it in Greek though that is very nice too she added smiling as she put her hand on a little Greek testament in which Ethel had been reading it within her English Bible now go and mend that deplorable frock and if you don't dream over it you won't waste too much of your holiday I'll get it done in no time cried Ethel rushing headlong upstairs twice tripping in it before she reached the attic where she slept as well as Flora and Mary a large room in the roof the windows gay with bird cages and flowers a canary singing loud enough to deafen anyone but girls to whom headaches were unknown plenty of books and treasures and a very fine view from the dormer window of the town sloping downwards and the river winding away with some heathy hills in the distance poking and peering about with her short-sighted eyes Ethel lighted on a workbasket in rare disorder pulled off her frock threw on a shawl and sat down cross-legged on her bed stitching vigorously while meantime she spouted with great emphasis and ode of Horace which Norman having learned by heart she had followed his example it being her great desire to be even with him in all his studies and though eleven months younger she had never yet fallen behind him on Saturday he showed her what were his tasks for the week and as soon as her rent was repaired she swung herself downstairs in search of him for this purpose she found him in the drawing room a pretty pleasant room it's only fault that it was rather too low it had windows opening down to the lawn and was full of pretty things works and knickknacks Ethel found the state of affairs unfavorable to her Norman was intent on a book on the sofa and at the table sat Mr. Ernstcliff hard at work with calculations and mathematical instruments Ethel would not for the world that anyone should guess at her classical studies she scarcely liked to believe that even her father knew of them and to mention them before Mr. Ernstcliff would have been dreadful so she only shoved Norman and asked him to come presently he said what have you here said she poking her head into the book oh no wonder you can't leave off i've been wanting you to read it all the week she read over him a few minutes then recoiled i forgot mama told me not to read those stories in the morning only five minutes Norman wait a bit all come she fidgeted till Mr. Ernstcliff asked Norman if there was a table of logarithms in the house oh yes she answered don't you know Norman in a brown book on the upper shelf in the dining room don't you remember papa's telling us the meaning of them when we had the grand book dusting he was conscious of nothing but his book however she found the logarithms and brought them to Mr. Ernstcliff staying to look at his drawing and asking what he was making out he replied smiling at the impossibility of her understanding but she wrinkled a brown forehead hooked her long nose and spent the next hour in amateur navigation market stoneboro was a fine old town the minster grand with the architecture of the time of henry the third stood beside a broad river and round it were the buildings of a convent made by a certain good bishop wish cut the nucleus of a grammar school which had survived the reformation and trained up many good scholars among them one of england's princely merchants nicholas randall whose effigy knelt in a niche in the chancel wall scarlet cloaked white roughed and black doubleted a desk bearing an open bible before him and a twisted pillar of dobishers far on each side he was the founder of 13 almshouses and had endowed two scholarships at oxford the object of ambition of the stoneboro boys every 18 months there were about 60 or 70 borders and the town boys slept at home and spent their weekly holiday there on saturday the happiest day in the week to the may family when alone they had the company at dinner of norman and harry otherwise known by their school names of june and july given them because their elder brother had become the series of months as may some 200 years back a doctor thomas may had been headmaster but ever since that time there had always been an md not a d d in the family owning a comfortable demes of spacious garden and field enough for two cows still green and intact among modern buildings and improvements the present doctor may stood very high in his profession and might soon have made a large fortune in london had he not held fast to his home attachments he was extremely skillful and clever with a boyish character that seemed as if it could never grow older ardent sensitive and heedless with a quickness of sympathy and tenderness of heart that was increased rather than blunted by exercise in scenes of suffering at the end of the previous summer holidays doctor may had been called one morning to attend a gentleman who had been taken very ill at this one in he was received by a little boy of 10 years old in much grief explaining that his brother had come two days ago from london to bring him to school here he had seemed unwell ever since they met and last night had become much worse and extremely ill the doctor found him a youth of two or three and 20 suffering under a severe attack of fever oppressed and scarcely conscious so as quite to justify his little brother's apprehensions he advised the boy to write to his family but was answered by a look that went to his heart allen was all he had in the world father and mother were dead and their relations lived in scotland and were hardly known to them where have you been living then allen sent me to school at miss lawlors when my mother died and there i've been ever since while he has been these three years and a half on the african station what is he in the navy yes said the boy proudly lieutenant urnscliffe he got his promotion last week my father was in the battle of trafalgar and allen has been three years in the west indies and then he was in the Mediterranean and now on the coast of africa in the atalantis you must have heard about him for it was in the newspaper how when he was mate he had the command of the santa isabel the slaver they captured the boy would have gone on forever if doctor may had not recalled him to his brother's present condition and proceeded to take every measure for the welfare and comfort of the forlorn pair he learned from other sources that the urnscliffe's were well connected the father had been a distinguished officer but had been ill able to provide for his sons indeed he died without ever having seen little hector who was born during his absence on a voyage his last and allen's first allen the elder by 13 years had been like a father to the little boy showing judgment and self-denial that marked him of a high cast of character he had distinguished himself in encounters with slave ships and in command of a prize that he had had to conduct to see era leon he had shown great coolness and seamanship in several perilous conjunctures such as a sudden storm and an encounter with another slaver when his portuguese prisoners became mutinous and nothing but his steadiness and intrepidity had saved the lives of himself and his few english companions he was in fact as doctor may reported pretty much of a hero he had not at the time felt the effects of the climate but owing to sickness and death among the other officers he had suffered much fatigue and pressure of mind and body immediately on his return had followed his examination and though he had passed with great credit and it had been at once followed by well-earned promotion his nervous excitable frame had been overtasked and the consequence was a long and severe illness the swan inn was not 40 yards from doctor may's back gate and at every spare moment he was doing the part of nurse as well as doctor professionally obliged to alan urnscliffe for bringing him a curious exotic specimen of fever and requiting him by the utmost care and attention while for their own sakes he delighted in the two boys with all the enthusiasm of his warm heart before the first week was at an end they had learned to look on the doctor as one of the kindest friends it had been their lot to meet with and alan knew that if he had died he should leave his little brother in the hands of one who would comfort him as a father no sooner was young urnscliffe able to sit up than doctor may insisted on conveying him to his own house as his recovery was likely to be tedious in solitude at the swan it was not till he had been drawn in a chair along the sloping garden and placed on the sofa to rest that he discovered that the time the good doctor had chosen for bringing a helpless convalescent to his house was two days after an eleventh child had been added to his family mrs may was too sorry for the solitary youth and too sympathizing with her husband to make any objection though she was not fond of strangers and had some anxieties she had the utmost dependence on margaret's discretion but there was a chance of awkward situations which papa was not likely to see or guard against however all seemed to do very well and no one ever came into her room without some degree of rapture about mr urnscliffe the doctor reiterated praises of his excellence his principal his ability and talent his amusing talk the girls were always bringing reports of his perfections norman retracted his grumbling at having his evenings spoiled and the boys were bursting with the secret that he was teaching them to rig a little ship that was to astonish mama on her first coming downstairs and to be named after the baby while Blanche did all the coquetry with him from which margaret abstained the universal desire was for mama to see him and when the time came she owned that papa swan had not turned out a goose there were now no grounds for prolonging his stay but it was very hard to go and he was glad to avail himself of the excuse of remaining for the christening when he was to represent the absent godfather after that he must go he had written to his Scottish cousins to offer a visit and he had a promise that he should soon be afloat again no place would ever seem to him so like home as margaret stoneborough he was quite like one of themselves and took a full share in the discussions on the baby's name which as all the old family appellations had been used up was an open question the doctor protested against alice and edith which he said with the universal names in the present day the boys hissed every attempt of their sisters at a romantic name and then harry wanted it to be atalantis at last doctor may announce that he should have her named dousable if they did not agree and mrs. may advised all the parties concerned to write their choice on a slip of paper and little obry should draw two out of the bag trusting that atalantis dousable would not come out as harry confidently predicted however it was even worse obry's two lots were Gertrude and margaret ethyl and mary made a vehement uproar to discover who could have written margaret and at last traced it home to mr. urn's cliff who replied that flora without saying why had desired him to set down his favorite name he was much disconcerted and did not materially meant the matter by saying it was the first name that came into his head end of part one chapter one recording by hannah mary part one chapter two of the daisy chain this is a leber vox recording all leber vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit leber vox dot org the daisy chain by charlotte mary young part one chapter two meadows trim with daisy's pied milton ethyl's navigation lesson was interrupted by the dinner bell that long table was a goodly sight few ever looked happier than doctor and mrs. may as they sat opposite to each other presenting a considerable contrast in appearance as in disposition she was a little woman with that smooth pleasant plumpness that seems to belong to perfect content and serenity her complexion fair and youthful her face and figure very pretty and full of quiet grace and refinement and her whole air and expression denoting a serene unruffled affectionate happiness yet with much authority in her mildness warm and open in her own family but reserved beyond it and shrinking from general society the doctor on the contrary had a lank bony figure and looking more so from his slightness a face shallow thin and strongly marked an aquiline nose highly developed forehead and peculiar temples over which the hair strayed in thin curling flakes his eyes were light colored and were seldom seen without his nearsighted spectacles but the expressions of the mouth were everything so varying so bright and so sweet were his smiles that showed beautiful white teeth moreover his hand was particularly well made small and delicate and it always turned out that no one ever recollected that doctor may was plain who had heard his kindly greeting the sons and daughters were divided in likeness to father and mother ethyl was almost an exaggeration of the doctor's peculiarities especially at the formed but unsophoned age of fifteen norman had his long nose shallow complexion and tall figure but was much improved by his mother's fine blue eyes and was a very pleasant looking boy though not handsome little tom was a thin white delicate addition of his father and blanche contrived to combine great likeness to him with a great deal of prettiness of those that as nurse said favored their mama margaret was tall and blooming with the same calm eyes but with the brilliance of her father's smile flora had greater regularity of feature and was fast becoming a very pretty girl while mary and harry could not boast of much beauty but were stout sturdy pictures of health harry's locks in masses of small tight yellow curls given much detangling and matting unfit to be seen all the week till nurse put him to torture every saturday by combing them out so as at least to make him for once like she said a gentleman instead of a young lion little ovary was said by his papa to be like nothing but the full moon and there he shown on them by his mama's side announcing in language few could understand where he had been with papa he has been a small doctor said his father beginning to cut the boiled beef as fast as if his hands had been moved by machinery he has been with me to see old mrs robbins and she made so much of him that if i take him again he'll be regularly spoiled poor old woman it must have been a pleasure to her said mrs may it is so seldom she has any change who is she asked mr urnscliffe the butcher's old mother said margaret who is next to him she is one of papa's pet patients because he thinks her desolate and ill-used her son's bully her said the doctor too intent on carving to perceive certain deprecatory glances of caution cast at him by his wife to remind him of the presence of men and made and that smart daughter is worse still she never comes to see the old lady but she throws her into an agitated state fit to bring on another attack a meek old soul not fit to contend with them why do they do it said ethyl for the cause of all evil that daughter marries a grazier and wants to set up for gentility she comes and squeezes presence out of her mother and the whole family are distrusting each other and squabbling over the spoil before the poor old creature is dead it makes one sick i gave that mrs thorn a good bit of my mind at last i could not stand the sight any longer madam said i you'll have to answer for your mother's death as sure as my name is dick may a heartbeat dressed up in feathers and lace there was a great laugh and an entreaty to know whether this was really his address ethyl telling him she knew he had muttered it to himself quite audibly for which she was rewarded by a pretended box on the ear it certainly was vain to expect order at dinner on saturday for the doctor was as bad as the boys and mrs may took it with complete composure hardly appearing sensible of the babble which would sometimes almost definite promoter papa and yet her interference was all powerful as now when harry and mary were sparring over the salt with one gentle mary and one reproving glance they were reduced to quiescence meanwhile doctor may in a voice above the tumult was telling maggy as he always called his wife some piece of news about mr rivers who had bought abbots took range and alan earns cliff in much lower tones saying to margaret how he delighted in the sight of these home scenes and this free household mirth it is the first time you have seen us in perfection said margaret with mama at the head of the table no not quite perfection either without richard i'm very glad you have seen it repeated alan what a blessing it must be to your brothers to have such a home yes indeed said margaret earnestly i cannot fancy any advantage in life equal to it your father and mother so entirely one with you all margaret smiled too much pleased to speak and glanced at her mother's sweet face you can't think how often i shall remember it or how rejoiced i he broke off for the noise subsided and his speech was not intended for the public ear so he dashed into the general conversation and catching his own name exclaimed what's that base proposal ethyl to put you on the donkey said norman they want to see a sailor riding interpose the doctor doctor may cried the indignant voice of hector earns cliff as his honest scottish face flushed like a turkey cock i assure you that alan rides like like a horse marine said norman hector and harry both looked furious but june was too great a man in their world for them to attempt any revenge and it was left for mary to call out why norman nonsense mr. earns cliff wrote the new black kicking horse till he made it quite steady made it steady no mary that is saying too much for it said mr. earns cliff it has no harm in it capital horse splendid said the doctor i shall take you out with it this afternoon maggie you have driven it several times said alan yes i drove him to abbot stuck yesterday never started except at a fool of a woman with an umbrella and at the train and will take care not to meet that it is only to avoid the viaduct at half past four said mrs. may and that is easily done so you are bound for coxmore said the doctor i told the poor fellow you were going to see his wife and he was so thankful that it did one's heart good is he better i should like to tell his wife said flora the doctor screwed up his face a bad business he said he is a shade better today he may get through yet but he is not my patient i only saw him because i happened to be there when he was brought in and ward was not in the way and what's his name i can't tell don't think i ever heard we ought to know said miss winter it would be awkward to go without to go roaming about coxmore asking where the man in the hospital lives said flora we can't wait till monday i've done said norman i'll run down to the hospital and find out may i mama without your pudding old fellow i don't want pudding said norman slipping back his chair may i mama to be sure you may and norman with a hand on the back of ethal's chair took a flying leap over his own that set all the glasses ringing stop stop know what you are going after sir cried his father what will they know there of coxmore or the man whose wife has twins you must ask for the accident in number five and oh norman come back in time said ethal i'll be bound i'm back before ethal did the unready wants me he answered bounding up with an elasticity that caused his mother to say the boy was made of india rubber and then putting his head in by the window to say by the buy if there's any pudding owing to me that little chorister fellow of ours bill blake has got a lot of voracious brothers that want anything that's going tom and blanche might take it down to him i'm off hooray and he scampered headlong up the garden prolonging his voice into a tremendous shout as he got farther off leaving everyone laughing and his mother tenderly observing that he was going to run a quarter of a mile and back and lose his only chance of putting for the week old bishop witchcotts rules contemplating no fair but daily mutton to be bought at a shilling per sheep a little private discussion ensued between harry and hector on the merits of the cakes at ball hatchet's gate and old nelly's pies which led the doctor to mourn over the loss of the tarts of the cranberries that used to grow on coxmore before it was inhabited and to be the delight of the scholars of stoneboro when he was one of them and then to enchant the boys by relations of ancient exploits especially his friend spencer climbing up and engraving a name on the top of the market cross now no more swept away by the town council and a fit of improvement which had for the last 20 years enraged the doctor at every remembrance of it perhaps at this moment his wife could hardly sympathize when she thought of her boys emulating such deeds papa said ethyl will you lend me a pair of spectacles for the walk and make yourself one ethyl said flora i don't care i want to see the view it is very bad for you ethyl further added her mother you will make your site much shorter if you'll custom your eyes to them well mama i never do wear them about the house for a very good reason said margaret because you haven't got them no i believe harry stole them in the holidays stole them said the doctor as if they weren't my property unjustifiably appropriated by her they were that pair that you never could keep on papa said ethyl no use at all to you come do lend me them i'm sure i shan't let you wear them said harry i shan't go if you choose to make yourself such an object ah said the father the boys thought it time to put a stop to it when it came to a caricature of the little doctor in petticoats yes in norman's lexicon said ethyl a capital likeness of you papa but i never could get him to tell me who drew it nor did ethyl know that that caricature had been the cause of the black eye that harry had brought home last summer harry returned to protest that he would not join the walk if she chose to be seen in the spectacles while she undoubtedly continued her petition though answered that she would attract the attacks of the quarrymen who would take her for an attenuated owl i wish you were obliged to go without them yourself papa cried ethyl and then you would know how tiresome it is not to see twice the length of your own nose not such a very short allowance either said the doctor quaintly and there with the dinner concluded there was apt to be a race between the two eldest girls for the honor of bringing down the baby but this time their father strode up three steps at once turned at the top of the first flight made his bow to them and presently came down with his little daughter in his arms not a triumphantly at the sisters and set her down on her mother's lap there magie you are complete you old hen and chicken daisy can't you take her portrait in the character margaret with her pink cap and blanche and ovary as they are now on each side said flora margaret ought to be in the picture herself said ethyl fetch the artist in norman's lexicon harry since he has hit off one of us so well said the doctor well i'm off i must see the old southern you'll be ready by three goodbye hen and chicken and may i have the spectacles said ethyl running after him you know i'm an injured individual for mama won't let me carry baby about the house because i am so blind you are welcome to embellish yourself as far as i'm concerned at general dispersion ensued and only mrs. may margaret and the baby remained oh no side margaret you can't be the hen and chicken daisy properly without all your chickens it is the first christening we ever had without our all being there it was best not to press it my dear said her mother your papa would have had his thoughts turned to the disappointment again and it makes richard himself so unhappy to see his vexation that i believe it is better not to renew it but to miss him for so long said margaret perhaps it is best for it is very miserable when papa is sarcastic and sharp and he cannot understand it and takes it as meaning so much more than it really does and grows all the more frightened and diffident i cannot think what he would do without you to encourage him or you you good sister said her mother smiling if we could only teach him not to mind being laughed at and to have some confidence in himself he and papa would get on together it is very hard cried margaret almost indignantly that papa won't believe it when he does his best i don't think papa can bear to bring himself to believe that it is his best he is too clever himself to see how other people can be slow said margaret and yet the tears came to her eyes i cannot bear to think of his telling richard it was no use to think of being a clergyman and he had better turn a carpenter at once just because he failed in his examination my dear i wish you would forget that said mrs may you know papa sometimes says more than he means and he was excessively vexed and disappointed i know he was pleased with richie's resolve not to come home again till he had passed and it is best that it should not be broken the whole vacation studying so hard and this christening said margaret it is treating him as if he had done wrong i do believe mr urnskliff thinks he has for papa always turns away the conversation if his name is mentioned i wish you would explain it mama i can't bear that if i can said mrs may rather pleased that margaret had taken on herself this vindication of her favorite brother at her father's expense but after all margaret i never feel quite sure that poor richie does exert himself to the utmost he is too desponding to make the most of himself and the more vexed papa is the worse it grows said margaret it is provoking though how i do wish sometimes to give richie a jog when there is some stumbling block that he sticks fast at don't you remember those sums and those declensions when he is so clear and sensible about practical matters too anything but learning i cannot think why and it is very mortifying i dare say it is very good for us not to have our ambition gratified said her mother there are so many troubles worse than these failures that it only shows how happy we are that we should take them so much to heart they are a very real trouble said margaret don't smile mama only remember how wretched his school days were when papa could not see any difficulty in what to him was so hard and how all papa's eagerness only stupefied him the more they are a comfort not to have that over again yet said the mother i often think there is more fear for norman i dread his talent and success being snares there is no self-sufficiency about him said margaret i hope not and he is so transparent that it would be laughed down at the first bud but the universal good report uncertainty of success and being so often put in comparison with richard is hardly safe i was very glad he heard what ethyl said today ethyl spoke very deeply said margaret i was a good deal struck by it she often comes out with such solid thoughts she is an excellent companion for norman the desire of being first said margaret i suppose that is a form of caring for oneself it set me thinking a good deal mama how many forms of ambition there are the craving for rank or wealth or beauty are so clearly wrong that one does not question about them but i suppose as ethyl said the caring to be first in attainments is as bad or in affection said mrs. may in affection oh mama there's always some one person with whom one is first said margaret eagerly and then her color deepening as she saw her mother looking at her she said hastily richie i never considered it but i know it is my great pleasure oh mama well my dear i do not say but that you are the first with richard that you well deserve to be so but is this seeking to be the first even in that way safe is it not self-seeking again well perhaps it is i know it is what makes jealousy the only plan is not to think about ourselves at all said mrs. may affection is round us like sunshine and there is no use in measuring and comparing we must give it out freely ourselves hoping for nothing again oh mama you don't mean that perhaps i should have said bargaining for nothing again it will come of itself if we don't exact it but rivalry is the sure means of driving it away because that is trying to get oneself worshipped i suppose then you have never thought of it said margaret smiling why it would have been rather absurd said mrs. may laughing to begin to torment myself whether you are all fond of me you all have just as much affection for me from beginning to end as is natural and what's the use of thinking about it no no margaret don't go and protest that you love me more than is natural as margaret looked inclined to say something very eager that would be in the style of reagan and gonerl it will be natural by and by that you should some of you love someone else better and if i cared for being first what should i do then oh mama but said margaret suddenly you are always sure of papa in one way yes said mrs. may but how do i know how long calm as she was she could not finish that sentence no margaret depend upon it the only security is not to think about ourselves at all and not to fix our mind on any affection on earth the least share of the love above is the fullness of all blessing and if we seek that first all these things will be added unto us and are she whispered more to herself than to margaret end of part one chapter two recording by hannah mary part one chapter three of the daisy chain this is a livery box recording all livery box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liverybox.org recording by gail gosselin the daisy chain by charlotte mary young part one chapter three we modest crimson tipped flower thou smet me in an evil hour for a mon crush among the star thy slender stem to spare thee now is past my power thou bonny gem burns is this all the walking party exclaimed mr. urn's cliff as miss winter flora and norman gathered in the hall harry won't go because of ethyl's spectacles answered flora and mary and he are inseparable so they're gone with hector to have a shipwreck in the field and your other sisters margaret has rattled she is going to drive out with mama said norman as to ethyl dread the unready i'll run up and hurry her in a moment he was at her door oh norman come in is it time i should think so you're keeping everyone waiting oh dear go on only just tell me the past participle of our pharaoh and i'll catch you up oblatus oh yes how stupid the a long or short then that's right i had such a line in my head i was forced to write it down is not it a capital subject this time the devotion of decious capital let me see said norman taking up a paper scribbled in pencil with latin verses oh you have taken up quite a different line from mine i began with mount visuvius spouting lava like anything but mount visuvius didn't spout till it overthrew pompei murder cried norman i forgot it's lucky you put me in mind i must make a fresh beginning there go my six best lines however it was an uncanny place fit for hobgoblins and shades and funny customers which will do as well for my purpose ha that's grand about it's being so much better than the vana gloria triumphalis only take care of the scanning there it was but english something like this for what is equal to the fame of forgetting self in the aim that's not right but ethyl norman what are you about cried flora do you mean to go to coxmoid today oh yes cried ethyl flying into vehement activity only i've lost my blue edged handkerchief flora have you seen it no but here's your red scarf thank you there's a good flora and oh i finished a frock all but two stitches where's it gone go on all of you i'll overtake you pure than breath of earthly fame is losing self in a glorious aim is that better norman you'll drive us out of patience said flora tying the handkerchief around ethyl's throat and pulling out the fingers of her gloves which of course were inside out are you ready oh my frock my frock there it is three stitches go on and i'll come said ethyl seizing a needle and sewing vehemently at a little pink frock go on miss winter goes slowly up the hill and i'll overtake you come norman then it is the only way to make her come at all i shall wait for her said norman go on flora we shall catch you up in no time and as flora went he continued never mind your aims and fame's and trumpery english rhymes your verses will be much the best ethyl i only went on a little about mount visuvius and the landscape as allan described it the other day and desius taking a last look knowing he was to die i made him beg his horses pardon and say how they will both be remembered and their self-devotion would inspire romans to all posterity and shout with a noble voice said norman repeating some of his lines correcting them as he proceeded oh yes but oh dear i've done come along said ethyl crumpling her work into a bundle and snatching up her gloves then as they ran downstairs and emerged into the street it is a famous subject yes you have made a capital beginning if you won't break down somewhere as you always do with some frightful false quantity that you would get an imposition for if you were a boy i wish you were i should like to see old hoxton's face if you were to show him up some of these verses i'll tell you what norman if i was you i would not make desius flatter himself with the fame he was to get it is too like the stuff everyone talks in stupid books i want him to say roam my country the eagles must win if they do never mind what becomes of me but why should he not like to get the credit of it as he did fame and glory they are the spirit of life the reward of such a death oh no no no said ethyl fame is coarse and vulgar blinder than ever they draw love or fortune she's only a personified newspaper trumpeting out all that is extraordinary without minding whether it is good or bad she misses the delicate and lovely i wished they would give us a theme to write about her i should like to abuse her well it would make a very good theme in a new line said norman but i don't give into it all together it is the hope and the thought of fame that has made men great from first to last it is in every one that is not good for nothing and always will be the moving spirit of man's greatness i'm not sure said ethyl i think looking for fame is like wanting a reward at once i had rather people forgot themselves do you think arnold from vinkel reed thought about fame when he threw himself on the spears he got it said norman yes he got it for the good of other people not to please himself fame does those that admire it good not those that win it but said norman and both were silent for some short interval as they left the last buildings of the town and began to mount a steep hill presently norman slackened his pace and driving his stick vehemently against a stone exclaimed it is no use talking ethyl it is all a fight and a race one is always to try to be foremost that's the spirit of the thing that's what the great from first to last have struggled and fought and lived and died for i know it is a battle i know it is a race the bible says so replied ethyl but is not there the difference that here all may win not only one one may do one's best not care whether one is first or last that's what our reading today said that was against trumpery vanity false elevation not what one has earned for oneself but getting into other people's places that one never deserved that's everyone despises of course that they do i say norman didn't you mean harvey anderson instead of answering norman exclaimed it is pretension that is hateful true excelling is what one's life is for no no i'll never be beat ethyl i never have been beat by anyone except by you when you take pains he added looking exultingly at his sister and i never will be oh norman i mean of course while i have senses i would not be like richard for all the world oh no no poor richard he is an excellent fellow in everything else said norman i could sometimes wish i was more like him but how he can be so amazingly slow i can't imagine that examination paper he broke down in i could have done it as easily as possible i did it all but one question said ethyl but so did he you know and we can't tell whether we should have it done well enough i know i must do something respectable when first i go to oxford if i don't wish to be known as the man whose brother was plucked said norman yes said ethyl if papa will but let you try for the randall scholarship next year but he says it is not good to go to oxford so young and i believe i had better not be there with richard i did norman i don't like coming into contrast with him and i don't think he can like it poor fellow and it isn't his fault i'd rather stay another year here get one of the open scholarships and leave the stonebrow ones for those who can do no better in justice to norman we must observe that this was by no means said as a boast he would scarcely have thus spoken to any one but ethyl dread to whom as well as to himself it seemed mere matter of fact the others had in the meantime halted at the top of the hill and were looking back at the town the great old minster raising its twin towers and long roof close to the river where rich green meadows spread over the valley and the town rising irregularly on the slope above plentifully interspersed with trees and gardens and one green space on the banks of the river speckled over with a flock of little black dots in rapid motion here you are exclaimed flora i told them it was of no use to wait when you and norman had begun a dissertation now mr. urn's cliff i should like you to say cried ethyl which do you think is the best the name of it or the thing her eloquence always broke down with any auditor but her brother or perhaps margaret ethyl said norman how is anyone to understand you the argument is this ethyl wants people to do great deeds and be utterly careless of the fame of them i say that love of glory is a mighty spring a mighty one said allen but i think as far as i understand the question that ethyl has the best of it i don't mean that people should not serve the cause first of all said norman but let them have their right place and you honor they had better make up their minds to do without it said allen remember the world knows nothing of its greatest men then it is a great shame said norman but do you think it's right said ethyl to care for distinction it is a great thing to earn it but i don't think one should care for the outer glory i believe it is a great temptation said allen the being over elated or over depressed by success or failure in the eyes of the world independently of the exertion we have used you call it a temptation said ethyl decidedly so but one can't live or get on without it said norman there they were cut short there was a plantation to be crossed with a gate that would not open and that seemed an effectual barrier against both miss winter and the donkey until by persuasive eloquence and great calentry mr. urnscliffe performed the wonderful feat of getting the former over the tall fence while norman conducted the donkey a long way around undertaking to meet them at the other side of the plantation the torque became desultery as they proceeded for at least a mile along a cart track through soft tufted grass and heath and young fir trees it ended in a broad open moor stony and full of damp boggy hollows forlorn and desolate under the autumn sky here they met norman again and walked on along a very rough and dirty road the ground growing more decidedly into hills and valleys as they advanced till they found themselves before a small but very steep hillock one side of which was cut away into a slate quarry round this stood a colony of roughly built huts of mud turf or large blocks of the slate many workmen were engaged in splitting up the slates or loading wagons with them rude wild-looking men at the sight of whom the ladies shrank up to their protectors but who seemed too busy even to spare time for staring at them they were directed to john taylor's house a low mud cottage very wretched looking and apparently so smoky that mr. urnscliffe and norman were glad to remain outside and survey the quarry while the ladies entered inside they found more cleanliness and neatness than they had expected but there was a sad appearance of poverty insufficient furniture and the cups and broken teapot on the table holding nothing but toast and water as a substitute for their proper contents the poor woman was sitting by the fire with one twin on her lap and the other on a chair by her side and a larger child was in the corner by the fire looking heavy and ill while others of different ages lounged about listlessly she was not untidy but very pale and she spoke in a meek subdued way as if the ills of life was so heavy on her that she had no spirit even to complain she thanked them for their gifts but languidly and did not visibly brighten when told that her husband was better flora asked when the babes would be christened i can't hardly tell miss to so far to go i suppose none of the children can go to school i don't know their faces there said flora looking at a nice tall smooth-haired girl of 13 or 14 no miss to so far i am sorry they should not for they always was used to it where we lived before and my oldest girl she can work very nicely i wish i could get a little place for her you would hardly know what to do without her said miss winter no ma'am but she wants better food than i can give her and it is a bad wild place for a girl to grow up it is not like what i was used to ma'am i was always used to keep to my school and to my church but it is a bad place to live in here no one could deny it and the party left the cottage gravely ellen and norman joined them having heard a grievous history of the lawlessness of the people from a foreman with whom they had met there seemed to be no visible means of improvement the parish church was stone borough and there the living was very poor the tides having been appropriated to the old monastery and since its dissolution having fallen into possession of a body that never did anything for the town the incumbent mr. ramsden had small means and was not a high stamp of clergyman seldom exerting himself and leaving most of his parish work to the two undermasters of the school mr. wilmot and mr. harrison who did all they had time and strength for and more too within the town itself there was no hope for coxmore there would be a worthy ambition sedethal dread as they turned their steps homeward let us propose that aim to ourselves to build a church on coxmore how many years do you give us to do it in said norman few or many i don't care i'll never leave off thinking about it till it is done it need not be long said flora if one could get up a subscription a penny subscription said norman i'd rather have it my own doing you agree then said ethyl do you mr. urnscliffe i may safely do so he answered smiling miss winter looked at ethyl dread reprovingly and she shrank into herself drew apart and indulged in a reverie she had heard in books of girls writing poetry romance history gaining 50s and hundreds could not some of the myriads of fancies floating in her mind thus be made available she would compose publish earn money someday call papa show him her horde beg him to take it and never owning whence it came raise the building spire and chancel pinnacle and buttress rose before her eyes and she and norman were standing in the porch with an orderly religious population blessing the unknown benefactor who had caused the news of salvation to be heard among them they were almost at home when the sight of a crowd in the main street checked them norman and mr. urnscliffe went forward to discover the cause and spoke to someone on the old skirts then mr. urnscliffe hurried back to the ladies there's been an accident he said hastily you had better go down the lane and in by the garden he was gone in an instant and they obeyed in silence whence came ethyl's certainty that the accent concerned themselves in an agony of apprehension though without one outward sign of it she walked home they were in the garden all was apparently as usual but no one was in sight ethyl had been first but she held back and let miss winter go forward into the house the front door was open servants were standing about in confusion and one of the maids looking dreadfully frightened gave a cry oh miss miss have you heard no what what's happened not mrs. may exclaimed miss winter oh ma'am it is all of them the carriage is overturned and who's hurt mama papa oh tell me cried flora there's nurse and ethyl flew up to her what is it oh nurse my poor poor children said old nurse passionately kissing ethyl harry and mary were on the stairs behind her clinging together a stranger looked into the house followed by adams the stablemen they are going to bring miss may in someone said ethyl could bear it no longer as if she could escape she fled upstairs into her room and falling on her knees hid her face on her bed there were heavy steps in the house then a sound of hasty feet coming up to her norman dashed into the room and threw himself on a chair he was ghastly pale and shuddered all over oh norman norman speak what is it he groaned but could not speak he rested his head against her and gasped she was terribly frightened i'll call and she would have gone but he held her no no they can't he was prevented from saying more by chattering teeth and deadly faintness she tried to support him but could only guide him as he sank till he layered full length on the floor where she put a pillow under his head and gave him some water is it oh tell me are they much hurt oh try to say they say margaret is alive said norman in ghast but and papa he stood up sat walked was better is he hurt much hurt his arm and the tremor and fainting stopped him again mama whispered ethyl but norman only pressed his face into the pillow she was so bewildered as to be more alive to the present distress of his condition and to the vague horrors downstairs some minutes passed in silence norman lying still accepting a nervous trembling that agitated his whole frame again was heard the strange tread doors opening and shutting and suppressed voices and he turned his face upwards and listened with his hand pressed to his forehead as if to keep himself still enough to listen oh what is the matter what is it cried ethyl startled and recalled to the sense of what was passing oh norman then springing up with a sudden thought mr ward oh is he there yes said norman in a low hopeless tone he was at the place he said it what again norman's face was out of sight mama ethyl's understanding perceived but her mind refused to grasp the extent of the calamity there was no answer save a convulsive squeezing of her hand fresh sounds below recalled her to speech in action where is she what are they doing for her what there's nothing to be done she when they lifted her up she was dead dead the boy lay with his face hidden the girl sat by him on the floor too much crushed for even the sensations belonging to grief neither moving nor looking after an interval norman spoke again the carriage turned right over her head struck on the curb stone did you see said ethyl presently i saw them lift her up he spoke at intervals as he could get breath and bear to utter the words and papa he was stunned but soon he sat up said he would go to her he looked at her felt her pulse and then sank down over her and did you say i can't remember was he hurt the shuddering came again his arm all twisted broken and his voice sank into a faint whisper ethyl was obliged to sprinkle him again with water but he won't die said she in a tone calm from its bewilderment oh no no no no no and margaret they were bringing her home i'll go and see oh what's the meaning of this exclaimed he scolding himself as sitting up he was forced to raise his head on his shaking hand you are still faint dear norman you had better lie still and i'll go and see faint stuff how horribly stupid but he was obliged to lay his head down again and ethyl scarcely less trembling corrupt carefully towards the stairs but a dread of what she might meet came over her and she turned towards the nursery the younger one sat there in a frightened huddle mary was on a low chair by the infant's cot blanche in her lap tom and harry leaning against her and orbury almost asleep mary held up her finger as ethyl entered and whispered hush don't wake baby for anything the first true pang of grief shot through ethyl like a dart stabbing and taking away her breath where are they she said house papa who's with him him mr warden allen urnscliffe said harry nurse came up just now and said they were setting his arm where is he on the bed in his dressing room said harry has he come to himself is he better they did not seem to know and ethyl asked where to find flora with margaret she was told and she was thinking whether she could venture to seek her when she herself came fast up the stairs ethyl and harry both darted out don't stop me said flora they want some handkerchiefs what is not she in her own room no said harry in mamas and then his face quivered all over and he turned away ethyl ran after her sister and pulling out drawers without knowing what she sought begged to hear how papa and margaret were we can't judge of margaret she has moved and made a little moaning there are no limbs broken but we are afraid for her head oh if papa could but and papa mr warden's with him now his arm is terribly hurt but oh flora one moment is he sensible hardly he does not take any notice but don't keep me can i do anything following her to the head of the stairs no i don't see what you can do miss winter and i are with margaret there's nothing to do for her it was a relief ethyl dread shrank from what she might have to behold and flora hastened down too busy and too useful to have time to think harry had gone back to his refuge in the nursery and ethyl returned to norman there they remained for a long time both unwilling to speak or stir or even to observe to each other on the noises that came into them as their door was left ajar though in those sounds they were so absorbed that they did not notice the cold of a frosty october evening or the darkness that closed in on them they heard the poor babe crying one of the children going down to call nurse and nurse coming up then harry at the door of the room where the boy slept calling norman in a low voice norman now nearly recovered went and brought him into his sister's room and his tidings were that their father's arm had been broken in two places and the elbow frightfully injured having been crushed and twisted by the wheel he was also a good deal bruised and though mr. ward trusted there was no positive harm to the head he was in an unconscious state from which the severe pain of the operation had only roused him so far as to evince a few signs of suffering margaret were still insensible the piteous sound of the baby's wailing almost broke their hearts norman walked about the room in the dark and said he should go down he could not bear it but he could not make up his mind to go and after about a quarter of an hour to their great relief it ceased next mary opened the door saying norman here's mr. wilmot come to ask if he can do anything miss winter sent a word that you had better go to him how is baby asked harry noses fed her and is putting her to bed she's quite now said mary will you go down norman where is he in the drawing room norman paused to ask what he was to say nothing said mary nobody can do anything make haste don't you want a candle no thank you i'd rather be in the dark come up as soon as you've seen him said ethyl dread norman went slowly down with failing knees hardly able to conquer the shutter that came over him as he passed those rooms there were voices in the drawing room and he found a sort of council there allen urns cliff the surgeon and mr. wilmot they turned as he came in and mr. wilmot held out his hand with a look of affection and kindness that went to his heart making room for him on the sofa while going on with what he was saying then you think it would be better for me not to sit him up i should decidedly say so replied mr. ward he has recognized mr. urns cliff and any change might excite him and lead him to ask questions the moment of his full consciousness is especially to be dreaded but you do not call him insensible no but he seems stunned stupefied by the shock and by pain he spoke to miss flora when she brought him some tea and admirably she managed said allen urns cliff i was much afraid of some answer that would rouse him but she kept her self-possession beautifully and seemed to compose him in a moment she is valuable indeed so much judgment and activity said mr. ward i don't know what we should have done without her but we ought to have mr. richard has no one sent to him allen urns cliff and norman looked at each other is he at oxford or at his tutors asked mr. wilmot at oxford he was to be there today was he not norman what a clock is it is the post gone seven no it is all safe said mr. ward poor norman he knew he was the one who ought to write but his icy trembling hand seemed to shake more helplessly than ever and a piteous glance fell upon mr. wilmot the best plan would be said mr. wilmot for me to go to him at once and bring him home if i go by the mail train i shall get to him sooner than a letter could and it will be better for him said mr. ward he will feel it dreadfully poor boy but we shall all do better when we have him you can get back tomorrow evening sunday said mr. wilmot i believe there is a train at four oh thank you sir said norman since that is settled perhaps i had better go up to the doctor said allen i don't like leaving flora alone with him and he was gone how fortunate that that youth is here said mr. wilmot he seems to be quite taking richards place and to feel it as much said mr. ward he has been invaluable with his sailors resources and handiness well what shall i tell poor richard asked mr. wilmot tell him there is no reason his father should not do very well if we can keep him from agitation but there's the point he is of so excitable a constitution that his faculty is being so far confused is the best thing perhaps that could be mr. urnscliffe manages him very well used to illness on that african coast and the doctors very fond of him as to miss may one can't tell what to say about her yet there's no fracture at least it must be a work of time to judge flora at that moment half opened the door and called mr. ward stopping for a moment to say it was for nothing of any consequence mr. wilmot and norman were left together norman put his hands over his face and groaned his master looked at him with a kind anxiety but did not feel as if it were yet time to speak of consolation god bless and support you and turn this to your good my dear boy said he affectionately as he pressed his hand i hope to bring your brother tomorrow thank you sir was all norman could say and as mr. wilmot went out by the front door he slowly went up again and lingering on the landing place was met by mr. ward who told him to his relief for the mere thinking of it renewed the faint sensation that he had better not go to his father's room there was nothing to be done but to return to ethyl and harry and tell them all with some humiliation at being helpless where flora was doing so much and to leave their father to be watched by a stranger if he had been wanted norman might have made the effort but being told that he would be worse than useless there was nothing for him but to give way they sat together in ethyl's room till somewhere between eight and nine o'clock when good old nurse having put her younger ones to bed came in search of them dear dear put darlings said she as she found them sitting in the dark she felt their cold hands and made them all come into the nursery where mary was already and fondling them one by one as they passively obeyed her she set them down on their little old stools around the fire took away the high fender and gave them each a cup of tea harry and mary ate enough to satisfy her from a wary craving feeling and for want of employment norman sat with his elbow on his knees and a very aching head resting on his hand glad of drink but unable to eat ethyl could be persuaded to do neither till she found all nurse would let her have no peace the nurse sent them all to bed taking the two girls to their own room undressing them and never leaving them until mary was in a fair way of crying herself to sleep for saying her prayers had brought the tears while ethyl lay so wide awake that it was of no use to wait for her and then she went to the boys tucked them each in as when they were little children and saying bless your dear hearts bestowed on each of them a kiss which came gratefully to norman's burning brow and which even harry's boyish manliness could not resist flora was in margaret's room too useful to be spared so ended that dreadful saturday end of part one chapter three recording by gail gosselin part one chapter four of the daisy chain this is a libra box recording all libra box recordings are in the public domain for more information auto volunteer please visit libra box.org the daisy chain by charlotte mary young part one chapter four they may not mar the deep repose of that immortal flower the only broken hearts are found to watch her cradle by no blight is on her slumbers found no touch of harmful eye lyra in osentium such a strange sad someday no going to church but all the poor children moving in awe and oppression about the house speaking under their breath as they gathered in the drawing room into the study they might not go and when blanche would have asked why tom pressed her hand and shuttered et al dread was allowed to come and look at margaret and even to sit in the room for a little while to take the place of miss winter but she was not sensible of sufficient usefulness to relieve the burden of fear and bevel demand in the presence of that still pale form and what was almost worse the sight of the familiar objects the chair by the fire the sofa the books the work basket the lettercase the dressing things all these were too oppressive she sat crouched up with her face hidden in her hands and the instant she was released has been back to norman she was to tell him that he might go into the room but he did not move and mary alone went in and out with messages doctor mayer was not to be visited for he was in the same half conscious state apparently sensible only of bodily suffering though he answered when addressed and no one trusted to speak to him but flora and anus cliff the rest wore through the day as best they might harry slept a good deal et al read to herself and tried to get norman to look at passages which he liked mary kept the little ones from being troublesome and at last took them to beat behind the school room blinds for richards coming there was a simultaneous shout when at four o'clock they caught sight of him and though as et al's exclamation of wonder mary and tom hung their heads at having forgotten themselves the association of gladness and seeing richard was refreshing the sense of being desolate and forsaken was relieved and he knew that now they had one to rely on and to comfort them harry hasten to open the front door and richard with a small trim figure and fresh fear young face flushed though not otherwise agitated was among them almost devoured by the younger ones and dealing out quite caresses to them as he caught from the words and looks of the others that at least his father and sister were no worse mr wilmot had come with him but only stayed to hear the tidings can i see papa where richards first audible words all the rest had been almost dumb show et al thought not but took him to margaret's room where he stood for many minutes without speaking then whispered to flora that he must go to the others she should call him if and went down followed by et al tom and blanche had fallen into teasing tricks a sort of melancholy play to relieve the tedium they grew cross norman was rouse to reprove sharply and blanche was beginning to cry but richards entrance set all at peace he sat down among them and with soft voice and arm around blanche as she leaned against him made her good in a moment and she listened while he talked over with norman and et al all they could bear to speak of late in the day flora came into her father's room and stood gazing at him as he lay with eyes closed breathing heavily and his brows contracted by pain she watched him with piteous looks as if imploring him to return to his children poor girl today's quiet after the last evening's bustle was hard to bear she had then been distracted from thought by the necessity of exertion but he now repaid itself and she knew not how to submit to do nothing but wait and watch no change inquired alan anise cliff looking kindly in her face no replied she in a low mindful tone a voice which did not expect asked inquiringly margaret and her heart beat as if it would take away her breath as she saw her father's eyes intently fixed on her did you speak of her he repeated yes dear papa said flora not losing presence of mind though an extreme fear of what the next question might be she's quite uncomfortable so don't be uneasy pray let me hear he said and his whole voice and air showed him to be entirely aroused there is injury what is it he continued his inquiry still flora was obliged fully to explain her sister's condition and then he dismayed her by saying he would get up and go to see her much distressed she begged him not to think of it and appeal to alan who added his entreaties that he would at least wait for mr ward but the doctor would not relinquish his purpose and sent her to give notice that he was coming mr anise cliff followed her out of the room and tried to console her as she looked at him in despair you see he's quite himself quite collected he said you heard how clear and coherent his questions were can't it be helped do try to stop him till i can send to mr ward i will try but i think he's in a state to judge for himself i do upon my word and i believe trying to prevent him would be more likely to do him harm than letting him satisfy himself i really think you need not be alarmed but you know said flora coming near her and almost gasping as she whispered a sign towards the door she's there it is mama's room that will tell all i believe he knows said alan it was that which made him faint after the accident for he had his perceptions fully at first i have suspected all day that he was more himself than he seemed but i think he could not bear to awaken his mind to understand it and that he was afraid to hear about her your sister so that our mention of her was a great relief and did him good i am convinced he knows the rest only go on be calm as you have been and we shall do very well flora went to prepare et al eagerly undertook to send to mr ward and hastened from the room as if in a sort of terror shrinking perhaps from what might lead to an outburst of grief she longed to have seen her father but was frightened at the chance of meeting him when she had sent a message and told her brother's what was passing she went lingered on the stairs and in the passage for tidings after what seemed a long time flora came out and hastened to the nursery giving her intelligence on the way better than could be hoped he walked alone into the room and was quite calm and composed oh if this will not hurt him if the seeing baby was but over does he want her yes he would have come up here himself but i would not let him nurse do here baba wants baby let me have her bless me miss flora you can't hold her while you're all of a tremble and has he been to miss margaret yes nurse and he was only rather stiff and lame did margaret seem to know him said et al she just answered in that dreamy way when he spoke to her he says he thinks it is as mr ward believes and that she will soon come to herself he's quite able to consider and he knows all i'm sure he does he desire to see baby and he wants you nurse only mind you command yourself don't say a word you can help do nothing to agitate him nurse promised but the tears came so fast and sobs with them as she approached her master's room that flora so no composure could be expected from her and taking the infant from her carried it in leaving the door open for her to follow and wanted et al stood by listening there was silence at first then some sounds from the baby and his father's voice suing it in his wanted caressing phrases and tones so familiar that they seem to break the spell drive away her wake terrors and restore her father her heart bounded and a sudden impulse carried her to the bedside at once forgetting all dread is seeing him and chance of doing him harm he lay holding the babe close to him and his face was not altered so that there was nothing in the side to impress her with need of caution and to the consternation of the anxious flora she explained abruptly and vehemently papa should she not be christened dr may looked up at et al and then at the infant yes he said at once then added feebly and languidly someone must see to it there was a pause while flora looked reproachfully at her sister and et al became conscious of her imprudence but in a few moments dr may spoke again fast to the baby and then asking is richard here yes papa said him up presently where's nurse et al retreated much alarmed at her rash measure and when she related it she saw that richard and mr and spliff both thought it had been a great hazard papa wants you was a welcome sound to the years of richard and brought a pink glow into his face he was never one who readily showed his feelings and there was no danger of his failing in self command though grievously downcast not only at the loss of the tender mother who had always stood between him and his father's impatience but by the dread that he was too dull and insignificant to afford any help or comfort in his father's dire affliction yet there was something in the gentle sad look that met him and in the low tone of the how'd you do richie that drove off the thought of not being loved and when dr may further added you'll see about it all i am glad you're come he knew he was of use and was encouraged and cheered that his father had full confidence and reliance in him and that his presence was a satisfaction and relief he could no longer doubt and this was a drop of balm beyond all his hopes for loving and admiring his father intensely and with depressed spirits and a low estimate of himself he had begun to fancy himself incapable of being anything but a waxation and burden he sat with his father nearly all evening and was to remain with him at night the rest were converted by the assurance that dr may was still calm and did not seem to have been endured by what had passed indeed it seemed as if the violence and suddenness of the shock together with his state of suffering had deadened his sensations for there was far less agitation about him than could have been thought possible in a man of such strong warm affections and sensitive temperament et al and norman went up arm in arm at bedtime i'm going to ask if i may wish papa good night said et al shall i say anything about your coming norman hesitated but his cheeks blanched he shuddered shook his head without speaking ran up after harry and waved her back when she would have followed richie told her that she might come in and as she slowly at once she thought she had never seen anything so ineffably mournful as the affectionate look on her father's face she held his hand and ventured for it was with difficulty she spoke to hope he was not in pain better than it was thank you my dear he said in a soft weak tone then as she bent down to kiss his brow you must take care of the little ones yes papa she could hardly answer and a large drop gathered slowly in each eye long in coming as if the hot egg too much for them to flow freely are they all well yes papa and good he held her hand as if lengthening the interview yes very good all day along deep sigh et al's two tears stood on her cheeks my love to them all i hope i shall see them tomorrow god bless you my dear good night etal went upstairs saddened and yet soothed the calm silent sorrow too deep for outward tokens was so unlike her father's usually demonstrative habits as to impress her all the more yet those two tears were followed by no more there was much straightness and confusion in her mind in the newness of grief she found four floras bent with exertion under the reaction of all she had undone lying on her bed sobbing as if her heart would break calling in gasps of irrepressible agony on mama mama yet with her face pressed down on the pillow that she might not be heard etal terrified and distressed timidly implored her to be comforted but it seemed as if she were not even heard she would have fed someone but whom alas alas it brought back the sense that no mother would ever suit them margaret papa both so ill nurse engaged with margaret et al stood helpless and despairing and floras sobbed on so that maria vacant to burst out in a loud frightened fit of crying but in a few moments a step was at the door and nope and richard asked is anything the matter he was in the room in a moment caressing and saying affectionate things with gentleness and fondling care like his mother and which recall the days when he had been proud to be left for a little while the small nurse and guardian of the lesser ones mary was hushed in a moment and floras exhausted weeping was gradually soothed when she was able to recollect that she was keeping him from her father with kind good nights he left etal to read her till she could sleep long did etal read after both her sisters were slumbering soundly she went on in a sort of dreamy grief almost devoid of pain as if all this was too terrible to be true and she had imagined herself into a story which would give place at dawn to her ordinary life as last she went to bed and slept till awakened by the return of flora who had crapped down in her dressing gown to see how matters were going margaret was in the same state papa was asleep after a restless distressing night with much pain and some fever and whenever richard had begun to hope from his tranquility that he was falling asleep he was undeceived by hearing an almost unconsciously uttered sigh of maggie my maggie and then the head turned verily on the pillow as a worn out with the misery from which there was no escape towards morning the pain had lessened and as he slept he seemed much less feverish than they could have ventured to expect normal looked van and bratched and could taste no breakfast indeed harry reported that he had been starting and talking in his sleep half the night and had proceeded to groaning and crying out till when it could be bored no longer harry waked him and finished his nights rest in peace the children were kept in the drawing room that morning and there were strange steps in the house but only richard and mr. urdes cleft knew the reason happily there had been witnesses enough of the overture to spare any reference to dr. may the while and start of the horses had been seen and adams and mr. aunts clip agreed under their breath that the new black one was not fit to drive while the whole town was so used to dr. may's headlong driving that everyone was recollecting their own predictions of accidents they needed little to account for the disaster the only wonder was that it had not happened sooner i say announced harry soon after they were released again i've been into papa his door was open and he heard me and called me he says he should like any of us to come in and see him hands you better go norman norman started up and walked hastily out of the room but his hands shook so that he could hardly open the door and etel seeing how it was with him followed him quickly as he dashed at full speed up the stairs at the top however he was forced to cling to the rail gasping for breath while the moisture started on its forehead to you norman she said there's nothing to mind he looks just as usual you would not know there was anything the matter but he rested his head on his hand and looked as if he could not stare i see it won't do said etel don't try you will be better by and by and he has not asked for you in particular i won't be beat by such stuff said norman stepping hastily forwards and opening the door suddenly he got through the greeting pretty well there was no need for him to speak he only gave his hand and looked away unable to bring himself to turn his eyes on his father and afraid of letting his own face be seen almost at the same moment nurse came to say something about margaret and he sees the opportunity of the drawing his hand and hurrying away in good time for he was pale as death and was obliged to sit down on the head of the stairs and lean his head against etel read what doesn't make me so ridiculous he exclaimed faintly but very indignantly the first cure was the being forced to clear out of mr wardsway which he could not affect without being seen and etel though she knew that he would be annoyed was not sorry to be obliged to remain until what was the matter with him oh said mr ward turning and proceeding to the dining room i'll set that to rights in a minute if you will ask for a tumbler of hot water miss etel an arm with the cardio he had prepared etel hunted up her brother and persuaded him after scolding her a little to swallow it and take a turn in the garden after which he made a more successful attempt at visiting his father there was another room with their both norman and etel read wish to go though they dare not hinted their desire at last rigid came to them as they were wandering in the garden and with his usual stillness of manner shaded with additional seriousness said would you like to come into the study etel read put one hand into his norman took the other and soon they stood in that calm presence fair cold white and intensely still that face brought home to them the full certainty that the warm brightening look would never beam on them the soft blue eyes never guide check and watch them the smile never approve or welcome them to see her unconscious at their presence was too strange and sad and all were silent till as they left the room etel looked out at blashe and obry in the garden they will never remember her oh why should it be richard would fail have moralized and converted but she felt as if she knew it all before and heard with language attention she had rather read than talk and he sat down to write letters there were no near relations to be sent for dr. may was an only son and his wife's sister mrs. are not was in new zealand her brother had long been dead and his widow who lived in etenborough was scarcely known to the may family of friends there were many fast bound by affection and gratitude and notes inquiries condolences and offers as service came in thickly and gave much occupation to flora richard and allen unscliff in turn no one from without could do anything for them they had all the help they wanted in miss winter and an allen who was invaluable in sharing with richard the care of the doctor as well as in giving him the benefit of his few additional years experience and relieving him of some of his tasks he was indeed like one of themselves and a most valuable help and comforter mr. wilmot gave them all the time he could and on this day saw the doctor who seemed to find some solace in his visit though saying very little on this day the baby was to be baptized the usual stone borough fashion was to collect all the christenings for the month into one sunday except those for such persons as start themselves to refine to see their children christian before the congregation and who preferred an empty church in a weekday the little one had waited till she was nearly six weeks old for a christening sunday and since that had been missed she could not be kept unbaptized for another month so late in the day she was carried to church richard had extremely gratified old nurse by asking her to represent poor margaret mrs. hoxton stood for the other godmother and allen erne's cliff was desired to consider himself absolutely has sponsored not merely a proxy the younger children alone were to go with him it was too far off and the way laid too much through the town for it to be thought proper for the others to go et al wished it very much and thought it nonsense to care whether people looked at her and in spite of miss winter seeming shocked at her proposing it had a great mind to persist she would even have appealed to her papa if flora had not stopped her exclaiming really et al i think there never was a person so entirely without consideration as you are much abashed et al humbly promised that if she might go into papa's room she would not say one word about the christening unless he should begin and to her great satisfaction he presently asked her to read the service to him flora came to the doorway of margaret's room and listened when she had finished all the silent how shall we how can we virtuously bring up our motherless little sister was a thought with each of the girls the answers were in one mind i trust we shall do well by her dear little thing i see on an emergency that i know how to err i never thought i was capable of being of so much use thanks to dear dear mama's training i shall manage i am sure so they will all depend on me and look up to me how nice it was to hear dear papa say what he did about the comfort of my being able to look after margaret in the other poor darling it is the saddest of all for her because she knows nothing and will never remember her mama but if margaret is but better she will take care of her and oh how we ought to try in i such a naughty wild thing if i should hurt the dear little ones by carelessness or by my bad example oh what shall i do for one to someone to keep me in order if i should wax papa by any of my wrong ways they heard the return of the others and the sisters felt sprang up maybe bring her to you said flora yes do my dears the sisters all came down together with the little one and flora put her down within the arm her father stretched out for her he gazed into the baby face which in its expressionless placidity almost recalled her mother's tranquil sweetness gertrude margaret said flora and with a look that had more of tenderness than grief he murmured my daisy blossom my little mackey might we set her tail when flora took her again might we take her to her godmother to see if she would notice her he looked as if he wished it but said no i think not better not rouse her inside heavily then as they stood around his bed unwilling to go he added girls we must learn carefulness and thoughtfulness we have no one to take thought for us now flora pressed the babe in her arms etel's two reluctant tears stood on her cheeks marix claimed i'll try not to be naughty and blanche climbed up to kiss him saying i will be always good papa daisy papa's daisy your wows are made whispered etel gaining soul possession of the babe for a minute you have promised to be good and holy we have the keeping of you mama's precious flower her pearl of truth oh may god guard you to be an unstained jewel till you come back to her again and blooming flower till you are gathered into the rest that never bathe my own sweet poor little motherless daisy end of part one chapter four