 Part 2 Chapter 21 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. Recording by Nancy Cochran-Gurkin, Gilbert, Arizona. The Daisy Chain by Charlotte Mary Young. Oh, word well ye, my ain't sweet barons, I'm woe and weary groan. Oh, lady, we live where woe never is, in a land to flesh unknown, Alan Cunningham. It had been with a gentle sorrow that a feldred had expected to go and lay in a resting place, the little niece, who had been kept from the evil of the world, in a manner of which she had little dreamt. Poor Flora, she must be ennobled, she thought, by having a child where hers is, when she is able to feel anything but the first grief, and Ethel's heart yearned to be trying, at least, to comfort her and to be with her father, who had loved his grandchild so fondly. It was not to be. Margaret had borne so many shocks, with such calmness, that Ethel had no special fears for her. But there are some persons who have less fortitude for others than for themselves, and she was one of these. Ethel had been her own companion sister, and the baby had been the sunbeam of her life, during the sad winter and spring. In the middle of the night Ethel knocked at Richard's door. Margaret had been seized with faintness, from which they could not bring her back, and, even when Richard had summoned Dr. Spencer, it was long air his remedies took effect. But, at last, she revived enough to thank them and say she was glad that Papa was not there. Dr. Spencer sent them all to bed, and the rest of the night was quiet, but Margaret could not deny, in the morning, that she felt terribly shattered, and she was depressed in spirits to agree such as they had never seen in her before. Her whole heart was with Flora. She was unhappy at being at a distance from her, almost fretfully impatient for letters, and insisting vehemently on Ethel's going to London. Ethel had never felt so helpless and desolate, as with Margaret thus changed and broken, and her father absent. My dear, said Dr. Spencer, nothing can be better for both parties than that he should be away. If you were here, he ought to leave all attendance to me, and she would suffer from the sight of his distress. I cannot think what he will do or feel, sighed Ethel. Leave it to me. I will write to him, and we shall see her better before post-time. You will tell him exactly how it was, or I shall, said Ethel abruptly, not to say fiercely. Oh, you don't trust me, said Dr. Spencer, smiling, so that she was ashamed of her speech. You shall speak for yourself, and I for myself, and I shall say that nothing would so much hurt her as to have other sacrifice to her. That is true, said Ethel, but she misses Papa. Of course she does, but depend on it. She would not have him leave your sister, and she is under less restraint without him. I never saw her like this. The drop has made it overflow. She has repressed more than was good for her, and now that her guard is broken down, she gives way under the whole weight. Poor Margaret, I am pertinacious, but if she is not better by post-time, Papa will not bear to be away. I'll tell you what I think of her by that time. Send up your brother, Richard, if you wish to do her good. Richard would be a much better person to write than yourself. I perceive that he is the reasonable member of the family. Did not you know that before? All I knew of him, till last night, was that no one could, by any possibility, call him Dick. Dr. Spencer was glad to have dismissed Ethel, smiling, and she was a better able to bear with poor Margaret's condition of petulance. She had never before experienced the effects of bodily ailments on the temper, and she was slow to understand the change in when usually so patient and submissive. She was, by terms, displeased with her sister and with her own abruptness. But, though she knew it not, her bluntness had a bracing effect. She thought she had been crossed in declaring it was nonsense to harp on her going to London, but it made Margaret feel that she had been unreasonable and keep silence. Richard managed her much better, being gentle and firm, and less ready to speak than Ethel, and he succeeded in composing her into a sleep, which restored her balance, and so relieved Ethel that she not only allowed Dr. Spencer to say what he pleased, but herself made light of the whole attack, little knowing how perilous was any shock to that delicate frame. Margaret's whole purpose was to wind herself up for the first interview with Flora, and though she had returned to her usual state, she would not go downstairs on the evening the party were expected, believing it would be more grateful to her sister's feelings to meet her without witnesses. The travelers arrived, and Dr. May hurried up to her. She barely replied to his caresses and inquiries and her eagerness to hear of Flora, and to convince him that he must not forbid the meeting, nor had he any mind to do so. Shirley, said he, when he had seen the spiritualized look of her glistened blue eyes, the flash on her transparent cheeks, and her hands clasped over her breast. Surely, poor Flora must feel as though an angel were waiting to comfort her. Flora came, but there was sore disappointment. Fawn and tender she was as ever, but neither by word or gesture would she admit the most remote illusion to her grief. She withdrew her hand when Margaret's pressure became expressive. She avoided her eye and spoke incessantly of different subjects. All the time her voice was low and hollow. Her face had a settled expression of wretchedness, and her glances wandered drearily and restlessly anywhere but to Margaret's face. But her steadiness of manner was beyond her sister's power to break, and her visit was shortened on account of her husband. Poor George had quite given way at the sight of Gertrude, whom his little girl had been thought to resemble, and, though Dr. May had soothed him almost like a child, no one put any trust in his self-control, and all sat round, fearing each word or look, till Flora came downstairs and they departed. Richard and Ethel each offered to go with them. They could not bear to think of their spending that first evening in their childless home. But Flora gently, but decidedly, refused, and Dr. May said that, much as he wished to be with them, he believed that Flora preferred having no one but made up. I hope I have done Margaret no harm, if Flora slaps words to him, and they seemed to explain her guarded manner, but he found Margaret weeping as she had never wept for herself, and palpitation and faintness were the consequence. Ethel looked on at Flora as a sad and perplexing mystery during the week set in suit. There were few opportunities of being alone together, and Flora shrank from such as they were. Nay, she checked all expression of solicitude, and made her very kisses rapid and formal. The sorrow that had fallen on the grain seemed to have changed none of the usual habits there. Visiting, riding, driving, dinners, and music went on with little check. Flora was sure to be found the animated attentive lady of the house, or else sharing her husband's pursuits, helping him with his business, or assisting him in seeking pleasure, spending whole afternoons at the coach-makers over a carriage that they were building, and, it was reported, playing a cart in the evening. Had grief come of you forgotten and cast aside without affecting any mission? Yet Ethel could not believe that the presence of the awful messenger was unfelt when she heard poor George's heavy sigh, or when she looked at Flora's countenance and heard the peculiar low, subdued tone of her voice, which, when her words were most cheerful, always seemed to Ethel the resigned accent of despair. Ethel could not talk her over with Margaret, for all seemed to make it a point that Margaret should believe the best. Dr. May turned from the subject with a sort of shuddering grieve, and said, Don't talk of her, poor child. Only pray for her. Ethel, though shocked by the unwanted manner of his answer, was somewhat consoled by perceiving that a double measure of tenderness had sprung up between her father and his poor daughter. If Flora had seemed, in her girlhood, to rate him almost cheaply, this was at an end now. She met him as if his embrace were peace, the gloom was lightened, the attention less drained when he was beside her, and she could not part with him without pressing for a speedy meeting. Yet she treated him with the same reserve, since that one gaps the revelation of the secrets of her heart, the veil had been closely drawn, and he could not guess whether it had been a horrible thought or were still an abiding impression. Ethel could gather no more than that her father was very unhappy about Flora, and that Richard understood why, for Richard had told her that he had written to Flora to try to persuade her to cease from this reserve, but that he had no reply. Norma was not at home. He had undertaken the tutorship of two schoolboys for the holidays, and his father owned, with a sigh, that he was doing wisely. As to Meta, she was Ethel's chief consolation. By the redoubled assurances directed to Ethel's unexpressed dread, thus Flora should be rejecting a chastening hand. Meta had the most absolute certainty that Flora's apparent cheerfulness was all for George's sake, and that it was a most painful exertion. If Ethel could only see how she let herself sink together, as it were, and her whole countenance relaxed, as soon as he was out of sight, Meta said, she could not doubt what misery these efforts were to her. Why does she go on with them? said Ethel. George, said Meta, what would become of him without her? If he misses her for ten minutes he roams about lost, and he cannot enjoy anything without her. I cannot think how he can help seeing what hard work it is, and how he can be contented with those dreadful sham smiles. But as long as she can give him pleasure, poor Flora will toil for him. It is very selfish, Ethel caught herself saying. No, no, it is not, cried Meta. It is not that he will not see, but that he cannot see. Good honest fellow, he really thinks it is her good and pleases her. I was so sorry one evening when I tried to take her place at that perpetual egg cart, and told him it teased her. He went so wistfully to her, and asked whether it did, and she exerted herself into such painful enjoyment to persuade him to the contrary. And afterwards she said to me, let me alone, dearest, it is the only thing left me. There is something in being husband and wife that one cannot understand, slowly said Ethel, so much in her quaint way that Meta left. Not been for Norman's absence, Ethel would, in the warm sympathy and accustomed manner of Meta rivers, have forgotten all about the hopes and fears that, in brighter days, had centered on that small personage. Until one day, as she came home from Coxmore, she found Sir Henry Walkingham's card on the drawing room table. I should like to bite you. Coming here, are you? was her amiable reflection. Meta, in her writing habit, heaped out of Margaret's room. Oh, Ethel, there you are. It is such a boon that you did not come home sooner, or we should have had to ride home with him. I heard him asking for the Miss Maze, and now I am in hope that he will go home without falling in with Laura and George. I did not know he was in these parts. He came to Drydale last week, but the place is forlorn, and George gave him a general invitation to the Grange. Do you like him? said Ethel, while Margaret looked on, amazed at her audacity. I like him very much in London, said Meta. He is pleasant enough to talk to, but somehow he is not congoous here, if you understand me. And I think his coming oppressors, Flora, she turned quite pale when he was announced, and her voice was lower than ever when she spoke to him. Does he come often? said Ethel. I don't think he has anything else to do, returned Meta, for our house cannot be as pleasant as it was, but he is very kind to George, and for that we must be grateful. One thing I am afraid of, that he will persuade us off to the yachting after all. Oh, was the general exclamation. Yes, said Meta. George seemed to like the plan, and I very much fear that he is taking a dislike to the dear old Grange. I heard him say, anything to get away. Poor George, I know he is restless, said Margaret. At least, said Ethel, you can't go to laugh to your birthday, Miss Eris. No, Uncle Kosham is coming, said Meta. Margaret, you must have your stone laid before we go. Dr. Spencer promises it before Hector's holidays are over, said Margaret, blushing, as she always did, with pleasure, when they talked of the church. Hector Ernst Cliff had revived Margaret wonderfully. She was seldom downstairs before the evening, and Ethel thought his habit of making her apartment in his sitting-room must be as inconvenient to her as it was to herself, but Hector could not be deterred from Margaret. She exerted herself to fulfill for him all the little sisterly offices that, with her brothers, had been transferred to Ethel and Mary. She threw herself into all his schemes, tried to make him a dear Captain Gordon, and she even read his favorite book of wild sports, though her feelings were constantly lacerated by the miseries of the slaughtered animals. Her couch was to him as a home, and he had awakened her bright, soft liveliness which had been only dim for a time. The church was her other great interest, and Dr. Spencer humored her by showing her all his drawings, consulting her on every ornament, and making many a perspective elevation, merely that she might see the effect. Richard and Tom made it their recreation to construct a model of the church as a present for her, and Tom developed a genius for carbon, which proved a beneficial interest to keep him from surliness. He had voluntarily propounded his intended profession to his father, who had been so much pleased by his choice that he could not but be gratified, though known in ambitious fancies and disconsent with stone borough, combined to bring on his ordinary moody fits, the more because his habitual reserve prevented anyone from knowing what was working in his mind. Finally, the Rivers Party announced their intention of going to the Isle of White as soon as Meta had come of age, and the Council of Coxmore, meeting at T. at Dr. May's house, decided that the foundation stone of the church should be laid on the day after her birthday, when there would be a gathering of the whole family, as Margaret wished. Dr. Spencer had worked incredibly hard to bring it forward, and Margaret's sweet smiles and liquid eyes expressed how personally thankful she felt. What a blessing this church has been to that poor girl, said Dr. Spencer, as he left the house with Mr. Wilmot. How it beguiled her out of her grief. I am glad she has the pleasure of a foundation. I doubt if she will see the consecration. Indeed, said Mr. Wilmot, shocked. Was that attack so serious? That recumbent position and want of exercise were certain to produce organic disease, and suspense and sorrow have hastened it. The death of Mrs. Rivers' poor child was the blow that called it into activity, and, if it lasts more than a year, I shall be surprised. For such as she is one cannot presume to wish, but her father. Is he aware of this? He knows there is extensive damage. I think he does not open his eyes to the result, but he will bear it. Never was there a man to whom it came so naturally to live like the fowls of the air, or the lilies of the field, as it does to dear Dick May, said Dr. Spencer, his voice faltering. There is a strength of faith and love in him that carries him through all, said Mr. Wilmot. His childlike nature seems to have the trustfulness that is, in itself, consolation. You said how Coxbore had been blessed to Margaret. I think it is the same with them all, not only Ethel and Richard, who have been immediately concerned, but that one object has been a center and aim to elevate the whole family and give force and unity to their efforts. Even the good doctor, much as I always looked up to him, much good as he did me in my young days, I must confess that he was sometimes very provoking. If you had tried to be his keeper at Cambridge, you might say so, rejoined Dr. Spencer. He is so much less impetuous, more consistent, less desultory. I dare say you understand me, said Mr. Wilmot. His good qualities do not entangle one another as they used to do. Exactly so. He was far more than I looked for when I came home, though I might have guessed that such a disposition, backed by such principles and such, could not but shake off all the dross. One thing was, said Mr. Wilmot, smiling, that a man must take himself in hand at some time in his life, and Dr. May only began to think himself responsible for himself when he lost his wife, who was wise for both. She was an admirable person, but not easy to know well. I think you knew her at. I say, interrupted Dr. Spencer. It strikes me that we could not do better than get up our SPG demonstration on the day of the stone. Hitherto the stone-bearer subscribers to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel had been few and far between. But, under the new dynasty, there was a talk of forming an association and having a meeting to bring the subject forward. Dr. Spencer's proposal, however, took the vigor by surprise. Never could there be a better time, he argued. You have, naturally, a gathering of clergy. People ought to be liberal on such an occasion. And, as Copsmore is provided for, why not give the benefit to the missions in their crying need? True, but there is no time to sin for anyone to make a speech. Husband, your resources, what could you have better than young Harry and his islanders? Harry would never make a speech. Let him cram Norman. Young Leg tells me Norman made a great sensation at the Union at Oxford, and if his heart is in the work, he must not shrink from the face of his townsman. No doubt he had rather they were savages, said the Vicar, and yourself. You will tell them of the Indian missions. With all my heart, said Dr. Spencer. When my brahmin he got, son, the deacon I told you of, comes to pay me his promised visit what doings we shall have. Seriously, I have just had letters from him and from others that speak of such need that I could feel every moment wasted that is not spent on their behalf. Mr. Wilmot was drawn into Dr. Spencer's house and heard the letters till his heart burned within him. The meeting was at once decided upon, though Athel could not see why people could not give without speechifying, and her two younger brothers declared it was humbug. Tom saying, he wish all Black Mores were out of creation, and Harry, that he could not stand paliver about his friend David. Dr. May threatened him with being displayed on the platform as a living instance of the effects of missions, at which he took alarm and so seriously declared that he should join the Busephalis at once, that they pacified him by promising that he should do as he pleased. The Archdeacon promised a sermon, and the active Dr. Spencer worked the nine muses and all the rest of the town and neighborhood into a state of great enthusiasm and expectation. He went to the Grange, as he said, to collect his artillery. Prime Flora, that she might prime the MP, made the willing maid a promise to entrap the uncle, who was noted for philanthropical speeches, and himself captured Sir Henry Walkingham, who looked somewhat rueful at what he found incumbent on him as a country gentleman, though there might be some compensation in the eagerness of Miss Rivers. Norman had hardly set foot in stone borough before he was told what was in store for him, and, to the general surprise, submitted as if it were a very simple matter. As Dr. Spencer told him, it was only a foretaste of the penalty which every missionary has to pay for coming to England. Norman was altogether looking much better than when he had been last at home, and his spirits were more even. He had turned his whole soul to the career he had chosen, cast his disappointment behind him, or, more truly, made it his offering, and gathered strength and calmness with which to set out on tasks of working for others, with thoughts too much absorbed on them, to give way to the propensity of making himself the primary object of study and contemplation. The praise of God and love of man were the best cures for tendencies like his, and he had found it out. His calm, though grave cheerfulness, came as a refreshment to those who had been uneasy about him, and warmfully watching poor Flora. Yes, said Dr. Spencer, you have taken the best course for your own happiness. Norman colored, as if he understood more than met the ear. Mary and Blanche were very busy preparing presents for Meadow Rivers, and everyone was anxious to soften to her the thought of this first birthday without her father. Each of the family contributed some pretty little trifle, choice in workmanship or kind in device, and each was sealed and marked with the initials of the giver and packed up by Mary to be committed to Flora's charge. Blanche had, however, much trouble in extracting a gift from Norman, and he only yielded at last on finding that all his brothers had said something so that his admission would be marked. Then he dived into the recesses of his desk, and himself sealed up a little parcel of which he would not allow his sisters to inspect the contents. Ethel had a shrewd guess. She remembered his having, in the flush of joy at Margaret's engagement, rather prematurely caused a seal to be cut with a daisy and pearl of the meadow as the motto, and his having said that he should keep it as a wedding present, she could understand that he was willing to part with it without remark. Flora met Meta in her sitting-room on the morning of the day, which rose somewhat sadly upon the young girl, as she thought of past affection and new responsibilities. If the fondness of a sister could have compensated for what she had lost, Meta received it in no scanty measure from Flora, who begged to call George, because he would be pleased to see the display of gifts. His own was the only costly one. Almost all the rest were homemade treasures of the greater price, because the skill and fondness of the maker were evident in their construction, and Meta took home the kindness as it was meant, and felt the affection that would not let her feel herself lonely. She only wished to go and thank them all at once. Do then, said Flora, if Lord Kasha will spare you, and your business should be over in time, you could drive in and try to bring Papa home with you. Oh, thank you Flora, that is a kind treat in case the morning should be very awful. Margaret Agatha Rivers signed her documents, listened to explanations, and was complimented by her uncle on not thinking it necessary to be senseless on money matters like her cousin, Agatha Longdale. Still she looked a little oppressed as she locked up the tokens of her wealth, and the sunshine of her face did not beam out again till she arrived at Stoneboro, and was dispensing her pretty thanks to the fuse she found at home. Ethel out, and Norman, his seal is only too pretty. They are all helping Dr. Spencer at Coxmore. What a pity, but it is so very kind of him to treat me as a daisy. In some ways I like his present for that, the best of all, said Meta. I will tell him so, said Mary. Yes, no, said Meta, I am not pretending to be anything half so nice. Mary and Blanche fell upon her for calling herself anything but the nicest flower in the world, and she contended that she was nothing better than a parrot tulip, stuck up in a parterre, and just as the discussion was becoming a game at Roms, Dr. May came in, and the children shouted to him to say whether his hummingbird were a daisy or a tulip. That is as she comports herself, he said playfully. Which means that you don't think her quite done for, said Meta. Not quite, said the doctor, with a droll intonation, but I have not seen what this morning may have done to her. Come and see then, said Meta. Flora told me to bring you home, and it is my birthday, you know. Never mind waiting to tell Ethel. Margaret will let her know that I'll keep you out of mischief. As usual, Dr. May could not withstand her, and she carried him off in triumph in her pony carriage. Then you don't give me up yet? Was the first thing she said as they were off the stones. What have you been doing to make me, said he. Doing you're not doing, one or the other, she said, but indeed I wanted to have you to myself. I am in a great puzzle. Sir Henry? I hope she won't consult me, thought Dr. May, as he answered. Well, my dear. I feared it is the lasting puzzle, she said. What shall I do with all this money? Keep it in the bank or buy railway shares, said Dr. May, looking arch. Thank you. That's a question for my cousins in the city. I want you to answer me as no one else can do. I want to know what is my duty now that I have my means in my own hands. There's need enough around. I do not mean only giving a little here and there, but I want you to hear a few of my thoughts. Flora and George are kindness itself, but you see, I have no duties. They are obliged to live a gay sort of life. It is their position, but I cannot make out whether it is mine. I don't see that I am like those girls who have to go out as a matter of obedience. Dr. May considered, but can only say, you are very young. Too young to be independent, said Mehta. I must grow old enough to be trusted alone. And in the meantime, probably an answer will be found, said the doctor. You and your means will find their vocation. Marriage, said Mehta, calmly speaking the word that he had avoided. I think not. Why, he began. I do not think good men like heiresses. He became strongly interested in a cornfield, and she resumed. Perhaps I should only do harm. It may be my duty to wait. All I wish to know is whether it is. I see you are not like girls who know their duty and are restless because it is not the duty they like. Oh, I like everything. It is my liking it so much that makes me afraid. Even going to ride. Don't I like the sailing and seeing Harry too? I don't feel as if that were waste because I can sometimes spare poor Flora a little. We could not let her go alone. You need never fear to be without a mission of comfort, said Dr. May. Your spirit full of glee was given you for something. Your presence is far more to my poor Flora than you or she guess. I never meant to leave her now, said made earnestly. I only wish to be clear whether I had to seek for my work. It will seek you when the time comes. In meantime, I must do what comes to hand and take it as humiliation that it is not in the more obviously blessed tasks. A call might come, as Coxmore did to Ethel. But oh, my mummy, ought it to be laid up for myself? For your call, when it comes, said Dr. May, smiling. Then gravely, there are but too many calls for the interest. The principal is your trust till the time comes. Made a smiled and was pleased to think that her first fruits would be offered tomorrow. End of Part 2 Chapter 21 Recording by Nancy Cochran-Gergen Gilbert, Arizona Part 2 Chapter 22 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. Recording by Brooke Favourite, www.alongsidemom.com The Daisy Chain by Charlotte Mary Young Part 2 Chapter 22 Oh dear, said Etheldred, as she fastened her white muslin. I'm afraid it is my nature to hate my neighbour. My dear Ethel, what is coming next? said Margaret. I like my neighbour at home, and whom I have to work for very much, said Ethel. But oh, my neighbour that I have to be civil to. Poor old King, I'm afraid your day will be spoiled with all your toils as lady of the house. I wish I could help you. Let me have my grumble out, and you will, said Ethel. Indeed, I am sorry you have this bustle, and so many to entertain, when I know you would rather have the peaceful feelings belonging to the day undisturbed. I should like to shelter you up here. It is very ungrateful of me, said Ethel, when Dr. Spencer works so hard for us, not to be willing to grant anything to him. And, but then I have none of the trouble of it, I can't help liking the notion of sending out the church to the island once the church came home to us. Yes, said Ethel, if we could do it without holding forth. Come, Ethel, it is much better than the bizarre. It is no field for vanity. Certainly not, said Ethel, what a mess everyone will make. Oh, if I could but stay away like Harry. There will be Dr. Hoxton being sonorous and prosy, and Mr. Lake will stammer, and that will be nothing to the misery of our own people's work. George will flounder and look at Flora, and she will sit with her eyes on the ground. And Dr. Spencer will come out of his proper self and be complimentary to people who deserve it no more. And Norman, I wish I could run away. Richard says we do not guess how well Norman speaks. Richard thinks Norman can do anything he can't do himself. It is all chance. He may do very well if he gets into his funny state, but he always suffers for that, and he will certainly put one into an agony at the outset. I wish Dr. Spencer would have let him alone, and then there will be that Sir Henry whom I can't abide. Oh, I wish I were more charitable like Miss Bracey and Mary, who will think all so beautiful. So will you when you come home, said Margaret. If I could only be talking to Cherry and Dame Hall, I think the school children enter into it very nicely, Margaret. Did I tell you how nicely Ellen Reed answered about the hymn from Greenland's icy mountains? She did not seem to have made it a mere geographical lesson, like Fanny Grig Ethel's misanthropy was happily conducted off via the Coxmore children, and any lingering remains were dissipated by her amusement at Dr. Spencer's ecstasy on seeing Dr. May assume his red robe of office to go to the Minster in State and the Town Council. He walked round and round his friend, called him Nicholas Randall Redivivus, quoted Dogbury, and affronted Gertrude who had a dim idea that he was making game of Papa. Ethel was one of those to whom representation was such a penance that a festival, necessitating hospitality to guests of her own rank, was burden enough seriously to disturb the repose of thankfulness for the attainment of her object, and to render difficult the recoulement which she needed for the praise and prayer that she felt due from her, and which seemed to oppress her heart by a sense of inadequacy of her partial expression. It was well for her that the day began with the calm service in the Minster, where it was her own fault if Cares haunted her, and she could confess the sin of her irritated sensations and wishes to have all her own way, and then as ever be led a right into thanksgiving for the unlooked-for crowning of her labours. The Archdeacon's sermon amplified what Margaret had that morning expressed so as to carry on her sense of appropriateness in the offerings of the day being bestowed on distant lands. But the ordeal was yet to come, and though blaming herself she was anything but comfortable, as the world repaired to the town hall, the room were the same faces so often met for such diverse purposes, now an orary displayed by a conceited lecturer, now a ball, now a magistrate's meeting, a concert or a poultry show where rival Hamburg and Dorking uplifted their voices in the places of Mario and Grissi, all beneath the benignant portrait of Nicholas Randall, roughed, robed, square-toed, his endowment of the scholarship in his hand, and a checkered pavement at his feet. Who knows not an SPG meeting, the gaiety of the serious, and the first public spectacle to the young, who, like Blanche and Aubrey, gazed with admiration at the rows of bonnets and with awe at the black coats on the platform, while the relations of the said black coats suffer, like Ethel, from nervous dread of the public speaking of their best friends. Her expectations were realised by the Archdeacon's speech, which went round in a circle as if he could not find his way out of it. Lord Kaushum was fluent, but a great many words went to very small substance, and no wonder thought Ethel when all they had to propose and second was the obvious fact that missions were very good things. Dr. Hoxton pompously, Sir Henry Walkingham, creditably, assisted the ladies and gentlemen to resolve that the SPG wanted help. Mr. Lake made a stammering and Mr. Rivers, with his good-natured face, hardy manner and good voice, came in well after him with a straightforward speech, so brief that Ethel gave Flora credit for the best she had yet heard. Mr. Wilmot said something which the sharpest ears in the front row might perhaps have heard and which resulted in Dr. Spencer standing up. Ethel hardly would have known who was speaking had her eyes been shut. His voice was so different when raised and pitched, so as to show its power and sweetness, the fine polish of his manner was redoubled and every sentence had the most graceful turn. It was like listening to a well-written book, so smooth and so fluent and yet so earnest. His pictures of Indian life so beautiful and his strong affection for the converts he described now and then making his eyes fill and his voice falter as if losing the thread of his studied composition. A true and dignified work of art that made Dr. May whisper to Flora, you see what he can do. They would have given anything to have had him for a lecturer. With half a sigh Ethel saw Norman rise and step forward. He began with eyes fixed on the ground and in a low modest tone to speak of the islands that Harry had visited. But gradually the poetic nature inherent in him gained the mastery and though his language was strikingly simple in contrast with Dr. Spencer's ornate periods and free from all trace of the lamp, it rose in beauty and fervor at every sentence. The feelings that had decided his lot gave energy to his discourse and repressed as they had been by reserve and diffidence now flowed forth and gave earnestness to natural gifts of eloquence of the highest order. After his quiet unobtrusive beginning there was the more wonder to find how he seemed to raise up the audience with him in breathless attention and great music carrying them without thought of the scene or of the speaker to the lovely aisles and the inhabitants of noble promise but withering for lack of knowledge and finally closing his speech when they were wrought up to the highest pitch by an appeal that touched them all home for well did he know, said he that the universal brotherhood was drawn closest in circles nearer home that beneath the shadow he was being floated alike for all and that all those who had shared in the welcome to one given back as it were from the grave would own the same debt of gratitude to the hospitable islanders he ceased his father wiped his spectacles and almost audibly murmured bless him Ethel, who had sat like one enchanted forgetting who spoke forgetting all save the islanders half turned and met Richard's smiling eyes and his whisper the impress of a man of true genius and power had been made throughout the whole assembly the Archdeacon put Norman out of countenance by the thanks of the meeting for his admirable speech and all the world except the Oxford men were in a state of as much surprise as pleasure splendid speaker Norman May if he would often or put himself out Harvey Anderson commented pity he has so many of the good doctors prejudices well to be sure Quoth Miss Ledwick I knew Mr. Norman was very clever but I declare I never thought of such as this I will try my poor utmost for those interesting natives that youth has first rate talents said Lord Cosham do you know what he is designed for I should like to bring him forward ah said Dr. Hoxton the year I sent off May and Anderson was the proudest year of my life upon my word declared Mrs. Elwood Spencer is as good as a book but Mr. Norman I say father we will go without the new clock but we'll send some what to the men that built up the church and has no minister a good move that said Dr. Spencer worth at least twenty pounds that boy has the temperament of an orator if the morbid were but a green less oh Margaret exclaimed Blanche Dr. Spencer made the finest speech you ever heard only it was rather tiresome and Norman made everybody cry the most than all there's no speaking of it one should live such things not talk over them said Meta Rivers Margaret received the reports of the select few who visited her upstairs where she was kept quiet and only heard the hum of the swarm whom Dr. May in vehement hospitality had brought home to luncheon to Ethel's great dread lest there should not be enough for them to eat Margaret pitied her sisters and Harry and Mary were making the younger fry very merry at the table on the lawn Dr. May had to start early to see a sick gardener at Drydale before coming on to Coxmore and came up to give his daughter a few minutes we get on famously he said Ethel does well when she is in for it like Norman I had no notion what was in the lad they are perfectly amazed with his speech it seems hard to give such as he is up to those outlandish places but there his speech should have taught me better one's best and now and then he seems my best one comfort is said Margaret smiling you would miss Ethel more gallant old king I am glad she's had her wish goodbye my Margaret we will think of you I wish I am very happy was Margaret's gentle reassurance the dear little Daisy looks just as her godfather imagined her the first visitor was Metta who came to reclaim her bonnet and with a merry smile to leave word that she was walking on to Coxmore Margaret remonstrated on the heat let me alone said she making her pretty willful gesture Ethel and Mary ought to have a lift and I have had no walking today my dear you don't know how far it is you can't go alone I'm lying in wait for Miss Bracey or something innocent said Metta in good time here comes Tom to escape from the clack downstairs I'll promise not to clack if you will be so kind as to take care of me to Coxmore said Metta do you intend to walk if you will let me be your companion I shall be most happy said Tom coloring with gratification such as he might not have felt had he known that he was chosen for his innocence he took a passing glimpse at his necktie screwed up the nap of his glossy hat to the perfection of its central point off with a knowing little stick and hurried his fair companion out by the back door as much afraid of losing the glory of being her sole protector as she was of falling in with an escort of as much consequence in other eyes as was Mr. Thomas in his own she knew him less than any of the rest and her first amusement was keeping silence to punish him for complaining of clack but he explained that he did not mean quiet sensible conversation he only referred to those foolish men hearing at the town hall she exclaimed whereupon he began to criticize the speakers with a good deal of acuteness exposing the weak points but magnanimously owning that it was tolerable for the style of thing and might go down at Stoneboro I wonder you did not stay away as Harry did I thought it would be marked observed the thread paper Tom as if he had been at least county member you did quite right said Metta really thinking so I wished to hear Dr. Spencer too said Tom there is a man who does know how to speak he has seen something of the world and knows what he is talking of but he did not come near Norman I hated listening to Norman said Tom why should he go and set his heart on those black savages they are not savages in New Zealand they are all niggers together said Tom vehemently I cannot think why Norman should care for them more than for his own brothers and sisters all I know is that if I were my father I would never give my consent it is lucky you are not said Metta smiling defiance though a tear shone in her eye Dr. May makes the sacrifice with a free heart and willing mind everybody goes and sacrifices somebody else grumbled Tom who are the victims now all of us what are we to do without Norman he is worth all of us put together and I as she had never been before as he broke off short his face full of emotion that made him remind her of his father you might go out and follow in his steps said she as the most consoling hope she could suggest not I don't you know what is to happen to me ah Flora has not told you I thought she would not think it grand enough she talked about diplomacy but what asked Metta anxiously only that I am to stick to the old shop I would not have the fellows know it do you mean your father's profession I oh Tom you don't talk of that as if you despised it if it is good enough for him it is good enough for me I suppose said Tom I hate everything when I think of my brothers going over the world while I do what I will must be tied down to this slow place all the rest of my days if you were away you would be longing after it yes but I can't get away if it wasn't to you Dr. May would never insist it is my free choice and that's the worst of it I don't understand don't you see Norman told me it would be a great relief to him if I would turn my mind that way and I can't go against Norman I found he thought he must if I did not and you know he is fit for all sorts of things that besides he has a squeamishness about him that makes him turn white if one does but cut one's finger I'm sure he knows META suspected that Tom was inclined to launch into horrors so you wanted to spare him she said I and Papa was so pleased by my offering that I can't say a word of the board is if I were to back out it would come upon Aubrey and he is weakly and so young that he could not help my father for many years META was struck at the motives that actuated the self-sacrifice veiled by the soul and manner which she almost began to respect what is done for such reasons must make you happy she said though there may be much that is disagreeable not the study said Tom the science is famous work I like what I see of it in my father's books and there is a splendid skeleton at the hospital that I long to be at if it were not for Stoneborough it would be all very well but if I should get on ever so well at the examinations it all ends there and go racing about this miserable circuit just like your gold pheasant rampaging in his cage seeing the same stupid people all my days I think said META in a low heartfelt voice it is a noble, beautiful thing to curb down your ambition for such causes Tom, I like you for it the glance of those beautiful eyes was worth having Tom colored a little but assumed his usual gruffness I can't bear sick people it has always seemed to me said META that few lives could come up to Dr. May's think of going about always watched for with hope often bringing gladness and relief if nothing else comfort and kindness his whole business doing good one has paid for it said Tom nothing could ever repay Dr. May said META can anyone feel the fee anything but a mere form and oh to how many he has brought the most real good when they would have shut their doors against it in any other form oh Tom, I think none of you guess how everyone feels about your father I recollect one poor woman saying after he had attended her brother he could not save his body but surely ma'am I think he was the saving of his soul it is of no use to talk of my being like my father said Tom thought perhaps not but she was full of admiration of his generosity and said you will make it the same work of love and charity is the true glory any in-road on Tom's reserved and depressed nature was a benefit and he was of an age to be susceptible of the sympathy of one so pretty and so engaging he had never been so much gratified or encouraged and wishing to prolong the tetetet he chose to take the short cut of the vindicular spiked railings that divided it from the lane Meadow was hummingbird enough to be undismayed she put hand and foot wherever he desired flattered him by letting him handily help her up and bounded light as a feather down on the other side congratulating herself on the change from the dusty lane to the whispering pine woods between which wound the dark path bestrew with brown slippery needle leaves and edged with the delicate calculated the chances of interruption Meadow was lingering to track the royal highway of some giant ants to their fur leaf hillock when they were hailed from behind and her squire felt ferocious at the sight of Norman and Harry closing the perspective of fur trunks hello Tom what a guide you are exclaimed Norman that fence which even Ethel and Mary avoid Mary climbs like a cow and Ethel like a father long legs said Tom and Tom helped me so cleverly said Meadow it was an excellent move to get into the shade and this delicious pine tree fragrance halt said Norman this is too fast for Meadow I cannot said Harry I must get there in time to set Dr. Spencil's tackle to rights he is tolerably knowing about knots but there's a dodge beyond him come on Tom he drew on the reluctant Etonian who looked repiningly back and turned in the path cut off his view I'm afraid you do not know what you've undertaken said Norman I'm a capital walker and I know or do not know how often Ethel takes the same walk Ethel is no rule she ought to be said Meadow to be like her has always been my ambition circumstances have formed Ethel circumstances what an ambiguous word either Providence pointing to duty or it's from it stepping stones or stumbling blocks and oh the difficult question when to bend them or to bend to them there must be always some guiding said Norman I believe there is said Meadow but when trumpet peels are ringing round it is hard to know whether one is really waiting beside the tent or only dawdling it is great self denial in the immovable square not to join the charge or not deceiving themselves I suppose self deception on those points is very common especially among young ladies said Meadow I hear so much of what girls would do if they might or could that I long to see them like Ethel do what they can and then it strikes me that I'm doing the same living willfully in indulgence and putting my trust in my own misgivings and discontent do with you as with any living creature you don't know how I could growl said Meadow laughing though less from having anything to complain of than from having nothing to complain of you mean he said pausing with a seriousness and hesitation that startled her do you mean that this is not the course of life that you would choose a sort of bashfulness made her put her answer playfully all play and no work toys have a kindly mission and I may be good for nothing else but I would have rather been a coffee pot than a china shepherdess the gaiety disconcerted him and he seemed to try to be silent or to reply in the same tone but he could not help returning to the subject then you find no charm in the refinements to which you've been brought up only too much said Meadow he was silent and fearing to have added to his fine lady impression she resumed I mean that I never could dislike anything and kindness gives these things a soul but of course I should be better satisfied if I lived harder and had work to do Meadow he exclaimed you tempt me very much would you notice too unreasonable would you share the work that I've undertaken he turned aside and leaned against a tree as if not daring to watch the effect of the agitated words that had broken from him she had little imagined whether his last sayings had been tending and stood still breathless with the surprise forgive me he said hastily it was very wrong I never meant to have vexed you by the betrayal of my vain affection he seemed to be going and this roused her stay Norman exclaimed she why should it vex me I should like it very much indeed he faced suddenly towards her Meadow Meadow is it possible do you know what you're saying I think I do you must understand me said Norman striving to speak calmly you have been words will not express what you have been to me for years past but I thought you too far beyond my hopes I knew I ought to be removed from you I believe that those who are debarred from earthly happiness are marked for special tasks I never intended you to know I cannot turn back he added quickly as if fearing himself no indeed was her steady reply then I may believe it cried Norman you do, you will you deliberately choose to share it with me I will try not to be a weight on you answered the young girl with a sweet mixture of resolution and humility it would be the greatest possible privilege I really do not think I am a fine lady in grain and you will teach me not to be too unworthy you know META you know not what I am yet with you with you to inspire to strengthen to cheer META META life is so much changed before me that I cannot understand it yet after the long dreary hopelessness I can't think why META had half said when feminine dignity checked the words consciousness and confusion suddenly assailed her died her cheeks crimson and stifled her voice she went under its dominion in a condition partaking equally of discomfort and felicity dreading the sound of their own voices afraid of each other's faces feeling they were treating each other very strangely and ungratefully yet without an idea what to say next or the power of speaking first and therefore pacing onward looking gravely straight along the path as if to prevent the rabbits and fox-gloves from guessing that anything had been passing between them Dr. May had made his call at Drydale and was driving up a rough lane between fursy banks leading to Coxmore when he was aware of a tall gentleman on one side of the road and a little lady on the other with the whole space of the cart-track between them advancing soberly towards him hello I met a Norman what brings you here where are you going Norman perceived that he had turned to the left instead of to the right and was covered with shame that is all your wits are good for you would have led poor Metta a pretty dance you will know better than to trust yourself to the mercies of a scholar another time let me give you a lift the courteous doctor sprang out to hand Metta in but something made him suddenly desire Adams to drive on and then turning round to the two young people he said oh yes said Norman taking her hand and drawing her towards him what Metta my pretty one is it really so is he to be happy after all is it easy of my own if you let me murmured Metta clinging to her kind old friend no flower on earth could come so naturally to us said doctor May and dear child at last I may venture to tell you that you have a sanction that you will value more than mine yes my dear on the last day of your dear father's life when some foreboding hung upon him he spoke to me of your prospects and singled out this very Norman as such as he would prefer to vent it all save the two little words thank you but she put out her hand to Norman as she still rested on the doctor's arm more as if he had been her mother than Norman's father did he from Norman was equally inexpressive of the almost incredulous gratitude and tenderness of his feeling it would not bear talking over at that moment and doctor May presently broke the silence in a playful tone so Metta it was quite true said Metta it was very much against me or it may be the other way said Norman hey good men don't like heiresses here's a man who likes an heiress therefore here's a man that is not good aha Metta you can see that is false logic though I've forgotten mine and pray miss what are we to say to your uncle he cannot help it said Metta quickly ha said the doctor laughing we remember our 21 years do we mean I hope I said nothing wrong said Metta in blushing distress only after what you said I can care for nothing else if I could only thank him said Norman fervently I believe you know how to do that my boy said doctor May looking tenderly at the very figure between them and ending with a sigh remembering perhaps the sense of protection with which he had felt another margaret lean on his arm the clatter of horses hooves he would draw her hand and Norman to retreat to his own side of the lane as Sir Henry walking him and his servant overtook them we will be in good time for the proceedings caught out the doctor tell them we're coming I did not know you were walking said Sir Henry to Metta it is pleasant in the plantations doctor May answered for her but I'm afraid we're late and our punctual friends will be in despair will you kindly say we are at hand Sir Henry wrote on and that Miss Rivers had never looked up poor Sir Henry said doctor May he has no right to be surprised said Metta very low and so you were marching right upon Drydale continued doctor May not able to help laughing it was a happy dispensation that I met you oh I'm so glad of it said Metta though to be sure you were disarming suspicion by so cautiously keeping the road between you I should never have guessed what you had been at a little pause then Metta said rather tremulously please I think it should be known at once our idle deeds confessed without loss of time Miss Norman came across the path saying Metta is right it should be known I don't think Uncle Caution would object especially hearing it while he's here said Metta and if he knew what you told us he goes tomorrow does he not said doctor May a silence of perplexity ensued he was hardly knew her uncle enough to volunteer and Norman was privately devising a beginning by the way of George when doctor May said well since it is not a case for putting Ethel in the forefront I must Ian get it over for you I suppose oh thank you they cried both at once feeling that he was the proper person in every way and Norman added the sooner the better if Metta for dear Flora she's always so kind a testimony that was welcomed to doctor May who had once at least been under the impression that Flora courted Sir Henry's attentions to her sister-in-law further consultation was hindered by Tom and Blanche bursting upon them from the common both echoing Norman's former reproach of a pretty guide and while Blanche explained the sufferings of all the assembly at their tardiness Tom without knowing it had been a mystery to the doctor namely how they ever met by his indignation at Norman's having assumed the guidance for which he was so unfit a shocking leader Metta will never trust him again said doctor May still Blanche thought them not nearly sufficiently sensible of their enormities and preached eagerly about their danger of losing standing room when they emerged on the moor and beheld a crowd by three poles sustaining a rope and huge stone here comes doctor Spencer she said I hope he will scold you whatever doctor Spencer might have suffered he was far too polite to scold and a glance between the two physicians ended in a merry twinkle of his bright eyes this way he said we're all ready but where's my little Daisy said doctor May you'll see her in a minute she's as good as gold still he had stationed them among the others of their own party beside the deep trench that traced the foundation around a space that seemed far too small nearly at the same moment began a soft clear sound of chanting wafted upon the wind then dying away carried off by some eddying breeze then clear and coming nearer and nearer I will not suffer my eyes to sleep nor my eyelids to slumber neither the temples of my head until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord an abotation for the mighty God of Jacob few who knew the history of Coxmore could help glancing towards the slight girl who stood with bent head her hand clasped over little Aubrey's while all that was not prayer and thanksgiving in her mind was applying the words to him whose head rested in the Pacific Isle while in the place which he had chosen was laid the foundation of the temple that he had given unto the Lord there came forth the procession the Minster Choristers Dr. Spencer as architect and in her white dress little Gertrude led between Harry and Hector Margaret's special choice for the occasion and followed by the stone borough clergy let thy priests be clothed with righteousness it came in well with the gentle meek steadfast face of the young curate of Coxmore as he moved on in his white robe the sunlight shone upon his fair hair and calm brow thankful for the past and hoping more than fearing for the future the prayers were said and there was a pause while Dr. Spencer and the foreman advanced to the machine and adjusted it the two youths then led forward the little girl her innocent face and large blue eyes wearing a look of childish obedient solemnity only half understanding what she did yet knowing it was something great it was very pretty to see her in the midst of the little gathering round the foundation the sturdy workman smiling over his hot of mortar Dr. Spencer's silver locks touching her flaxen curls as he held the shining trowel to her and Harry's bright head and hardy face as he knelt on one knee to guide the little soft hand while Hector stood by still and upright his eyes fixed far away as if his thoughts were roaming to the real founder the Victoria coins were placed Gertrude scooped up the mass of mortar and spread it about with increasing satisfaction as it went so smoothly and easily prolonging the operation till Harry drew her back while slowly down creaked the ponderous corner stone into the bed that she had prepared for it and with a good will she gave three taps on it with her trowel Harry had taken her hand when at the sight of Dr. May she broke from him and as if taking sudden fright at her own unwanted part ran at full speed straight up to her father and clung to him hiding her face as he raised her in his arms and kissed her meanwhile the strain arose thou heavenly new Jerusalem vision of peace in prophet's dream with living stones built up on high and rising to the starry sky the blessing of peace as she knelt beside her sister's sofa on her return home Margaret pressed something into her hand if you please, dearest give this to Dr. Spencer and ask him to let it be set round the stem of the shallows she whispered Ethel did not hear the sound of her voice she thought she thought she thought she thought she thought she whispered Ethel recognized Alan Ernest Cliff's pearl hoop the betrothal ring and looked at her sister without a word I wish it said Margaret gently I shall like best to know it there so Margaret joined in Alan's offering and Ethel dared say no more as she thought how the relic of a frail love lost was becoming the token of endless love begun there was more true union in this than in clinging to the mere tangible emblem for broken and weak is all affection that is not knit together above in the one infinite love End of Part 2, Chapter 22 Recording by Brooke Favorite www.alongsidemom.com Part 2, Chapter 23 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 Recording by Brooke Favorite www.alongsidemom.com The Daisy Chain by Charlotte Mary Young Part 2, Chapter 23 Of lowly fields you think no scorn yet gayest gardens would adorn and grace wherever set home seated in your lowly bower or wedded a transplanted flower I bless you, Margaret Charles Lamb George Rivers had an antipathy to lady's last words keeping the horses standing and his wife and sister dutifully seated themselves in the carriage at once without an attempt to linger Four of the young gentlemen were to walk across to Abbot Stoke and dine at the Grange and Tom, who reasoning from analogy had sent on his black tie was so dismally disconcerted on finding that Norman treated his own going as a matter of course that Richard, whose chief use of his right of primogeniture was to set himself aside discovered that he was wanted at home and that Tom would be much better at the Grange offering at the same time to send Norman's dressing things by Dr. Spencer which observed Thomas he would never have recollected for himself Tom would have had to lend him the precious studs he would not have had them I say Tom, what did you give for them? better ask what the Jew gave for them that bought them at Windsor Fair not a bad imitation either pity they weren't malachite but no doubt the Jew thought Green would be personal as if they had any business to talk who didn't know a respectable stud when they sought Harry especially with his hat set on the back of his head like a sailor on the stage a leap to set it to rights fine experience of the stage all came from Windsor Fair I, Hector might talk but didn't he pay a shilling to see the Irish giant he wouldn't confess but it was a famous take-in giant had potatoes in his shoes not he, he was seven feet ten high I, when he stood upon a stool Hector would swallow anything even the lady of a million postage stamps had not stuck in his throat he had made Margaret collect for her and had not Tom himself got a bottle of ointment to get the red out of his hair great fury his hair wasn't red didn't want to change the colour not half as so red as Hector's own what was it then, lively Auburn but for fear of Normans losing his bearings Harry would fetch a carrot to compare better colour than theirs could ever be then what was the ointment for to produce whiskers that was the reason Tom oiled himself like a loyalty islander handed a topknot like theirs, etc Norman was like the others in such towering glee and took so full a share of the witticisms that were the more noisily applauded the worse they were that Harry suggested that old June had lost his way and found his spirits in Drydale he must have met with a private grog shop in the plantations would not Tom confess not he, it was all in private he thought it was laughing gas all night all the morning holding forth in that town hall he had longed to make a speech himself no end of the good it would have done the old Stagers to come out with something to the purpose what would old Hoxton have thought of it they shall dive for alligators catch the wild goats by the beard whistle to the cockatoos and mock the hairy-faced baboon worship mighty mumbo-jumbo in the mountains of the moon I myself in far Timbuktu Leopard's blood shall daily quaff a thoroughbred giraffe not you Tom, cried Hector you the swell the eaten fellow you to seek such horrid places you to haunt with squalid negroes blubber lips and monkey faces fool again the dream the fancy don't I know the words are mad for you count the grey barbarian lower than the brocus cad nay it is the consequence of misanthropy at the detection of the frauds of unsophisticated society said Norman the life is rusted the agate studs and whisker ointment left him very much disgusted perhaps it was Miss Rivers forsaking him was not that rather spider-hearted Tom come Harry, it is time to have done we are getting into civilized society here's Abbott Stoke poor Norman he is very far gone he takes that scarecrow for civilized society much better clothed than the society you have been accustomed to, July what a prize his wardrobe don't insult your betters which the scarecrow or the black prince Norman tried to call his companions to order for they were close upon the village and he began to tax himself with unbecoming levity the effects of spirits pitched rather low which did not easily find their balance under unwanted exhilaration but Harry's antics were less easily repressed than excited and if Tom had not heard the Grange clock strike half past six having time to array himself and watch over Harry's neck cloth they would hardly have arrived in reasonable time Dr. May had gone home and there was no one in the drawing-room but as Norman was following the boys upstairs Flora opened her sitting-room door and attracted his attention by silently putting her cold fingers into his hand and drawing him into the room Dear Norman, this is pleasant she said affectionately but in a voice so sunken to be dead within and the effect was far more mournful than if she had not attempted to smile congratulation I will give you till Dr. Spencer comes she said then Norman can dress and you must be a good child and come down to me the playfulness ill-suited the wan worn face that seemed to have caught a grey tint from her rich poplin her full toilet making the contrast almost more painful and as she closed the door her brother could only exclaim so kind said the voice of the white figure that moved towards him oh if we could comfort her I trust to her own kindness working comfort to her at last said Norman but is she often thus whenever she's not bearing up for George's sake said Metta she never says anything when she is alone with me only she does not struggle with her looks it must be very trying for you nay, I feel grateful to her for even so far relaxing the restraint you cannot help doing her good said Norman Metta sighed and shook her head slightly as she said she's so gentle and considerate I think this has been no fresh pain to her today but I cannot tell the whole day has been a strange intermixture the two strands of joy and grief have been very closely twisted said Norman that rose is shedding its fragrant leaves and its glory and there is much that should have chastened her today as I was thinking whispered Metta venturing nearer to him and looking into his face with the sweet reliance of union and thought she meant him to proceed but he paused saying you were thinking I'd rather hear it from you was it not that we were taught today what is enduring and gives true permanence and blessedness to such to what there was between Ernst Cliff and Margaret her dewy eyes and face of deep emotion and her thought there's would indeed be a disheartening example he said if it did not show the strength and peace that distance, sickness, death cannot destroy yes to see that church making Margaret happy as she lies smiling on her couch is a lesson of lessons that what is hallowed must be blessed said Norman whatever the sundry and manifold changes each was far too humble to deny aloud any inequality with the goodness of Alan and Margaret knowing that it would be at once disputed trusting to time to prevent the overestimate and each believing the other was the one to bring the blessing but Metta said Norman have you heard nothing of the elders oh yes said Metta smiling have not you I have seen no one I have said Metta merrily Uncle Cosham is delighted that speech of yours has captivated him he calls me a wise little woman with the first rate abilities there's for you sir I don't understand it surely he must be aware of my intentions he said nothing about them but of course Doctor May must have mentioned them I should have thought so but I cannot suppose that he would be willing to let me go said Metta but then you know he cannot help it added she with a roguish look at finding herself making one of her saucy independent speeches I believe you are taking a would be answered with a sort of teasing sweetness all would be missionaries did not make dear papa so fond of them said Metta very low and you would not be Norman May without such purposes the purpose was not inspired at first by the highest motive said Norman but it brought me peace and after the kind of dedication that I inwardly made of myself and my time of trouble it would take some weighty reason that I ought to turn back I believe the tears rose to his eyes and he brought out the words with difficulty that if this greatest of all joys were likely to hinder me from my calling I ought to seek strength to regard it as a temptation and to forego it you ought if it were so said Metta nevertheless holding him tighter I could not bear to keep back a soldier if this were last year it would be very hard but no one needs me and if the health I have always had be continued to me I don't think I shall be much in the way there drawing back a little and trying to laugh off her feeling only tell me at once if you think me still too much of a fine lady I you a fine lady did anything ever give you the impression that I did I shall not get poor Harry into a scrape after a few exclamations of utter surprise it flashed on Norman I know I know Harry interpreted my words in his own blunt fashion then you did say something like it no but but in short Metta these sailors imaginations go to great lengths Harry had guessed more than I knew myself before he had sailed and taxed me with it it was a subject I could not bear then and I answered that you were too far beyond my hopes six years ago said Metta slowly blushing deeper and deeper some eyes saw it all that time and you and she added laughing though rather tearfully I should never have known it if Tom had not taken me through the plantations not if I had not discovered that your preferences did not lie among boudoirs and balls said Metta Harry was right you thought me a fine lady after all the gay taunt was cut short by a tap at the door and Flora looked in Dr. Spencer has brought your things Norman I'm sorry to disturb you but come down Metta I ran away very uncivially to fetch you I hope it is not too cruel as she drew Metta's arm into her own and added I have not been able to speak to George Metta suspected that in the wish to spare her Flora had abstained from seeking him the evening went off like any other evening until eight and talked thought Mrs. Rivers looking very ill and Mrs. Rivers very pretty Flora forced herself into being very friendly to Sir Henry commiserating the disappointment to which she had led him and she hoped that he suspected the state of affairs though Tom no longer supplanted by his elder brother pursued Metta into the sheltered nook where Flora had favoured her seclusion to apologise for having left her to the guidance of poor Norman whose head was with the black amours since Tom said Harry don't you think Norman is better company than you any day then why did you not walk him off instead of me said Tom turning round sharply out of consideration for Metta she will tell you that she was very much obliged to me Harry checked himself for Metta was colouring so painfully that his own sunburned face caught the glow he pushed Tom's slight figure aside with a commanding move of his broad hand and said I beg your pardon nor I said Metta rallying herself and smiling you have no pardon to beg you will know it all tomorrow then I know it now said Harry sheltering his face by leaning over the back of a chair and taming the hearty gaiety of his voice well done Metta there's nothing like old June in all the world you may take my word for it and I knew you would have the sense to find it out they were well out of sight and Metta only answered by a good tight squeeze of his kind hand Tom suddenly recovering from his displeasure at being thrust aside whisked round dropped on a footstool before Metta looked up in her face and said in such utter amazement that there was nothing for it but to laugh more uncontrollably than was convenient come along Tom said Harry pulling him up by force she does not want any of your nonsense we will not plague her now thank you Harry said Metta I cannot talk rationally just yet trance all the rest of the evening Lord Kaushum talked to Norman who felt as if he were being patronized on false pretenses drew into his shell and displayed none of his first straight abilities Dr. Spencer discussed his architecture with the Archdeacon but his black eyes roamed heedfully after the young gentleman and lady in the opposite corners of the room and as he drove home afterwards with the youth he hummed scraps of Scottish songs and indulged in silent smiles those at home had been very appreciative Dr. May had arrived declaring himself the proudest doctor in her majesty's dominions and Ethel needed nothing but his face to explain why and to tell her that dear old June's troubles were over and their pretty little Metta was their own a joy little looked for to attend their foundation stone the dreaded conference with Lord Kaushum had proved highly gratifying there might be something in the fact that he could not help it but a young man who thought that the largeness of Metta's fortune was no reason that it should be doubled considered that in the matter of connection the May family had the advantage and saw in Norman a young man whom anyone might have pleasure in bringing forward Oxford had established confidence both in his character and talents and his speech had been such as to impress an experienced man like Lord Kaushum with an opinion of his powers that prepared a welcome for him his lordship thought his niece not only likely to be happier but to occupy a more distinguished position with such a man as Norman May than with most persons of ready-made rank and fortune the blushing and delighted doctor May had thought himself bound to speak of his son's designs but he allowed that the project had been formed under great distress of mind and when he saw it treated by so good a man as a mere form of disappointed love he felt himself reprieved and called on to make loved little meta the better for restoring his son and once more gave a free course to the aspirations that Norman's brilliant boyhood had inspired Richard took the same view and the evening passed away in an argument as if anyone had been disputing with them the father reasoning loud the son enforcing it low that it had become Norman's duty to stay at home to take care of meta whose father would have been horrified at his taking her to the antipodes and the effect in England they enhanced each other's anticipations of Norman's career overthrew abuses before him heaped distinctions upon him and made him prime minister and settled his policy before ten o'clock brought their schemes to a close Mary gazed and believed Margaret lay still and gently assented Ethel was silent at first and only when the fabric became extremely airy and magnificent and whether vulnerable or not Norman was to dispose of like so many giants before Mr. Greatheart she went upstairs unable to analyze her sentiments to be spared the separation would be infinite relief all this prosperity made her exult the fair girl at the Grange was the delight of her heart and yet there was a sense of falling off she disliked herself for being either glad or sorry and could have quarreled with the lovers for perplexing her feelings though she sat up till the party returned she was inclined to be supposed in bed so as to put off the moment of meeting but Margaret who she hoped was asleep said from her pillow ask dear Norman to let me give him one kiss she ran down headlong clutched Norman as he was taking off his Greatcoat told him that Margaret wanted him and dragged him up without letting him go till she reached the first landing where she stood still saying breathlessly if I wished to fail she would keep me to it I beg your pardon said Ethel claiming heartily his caress I was wrong to doubt either of you now I know how to feel but Margaret must not wait the happy youth in the flush of love and joy bent gently almost tearfully down in silence to the white form half seen in the twilight whose hopes had fleeted away from earth and who was calmly softly gliding after them with thoughts that had passed while the face was pressed into Margaret's pillow and her sympathizing arms round the neck surely none was ever deeper than was his prayer and vow that his affection should be like hers unearthly and therefore enduring the embrace was all Margaret must not be agitated and indeed the events of the day had been too much for her and the ensuing morning brought the fluttering of heart and prostration of strength no longer a novelty till she was better her father had no thoughts for ought else but as with many another invalid the relief from present distress was as cheering as if it had been recovery and ere night her placid look of her pose had returned and she was devising pretty greetings for her newest daisy perhaps the sobering effect of these hours of anxiety was in Norman's favour on entering into conversation with his father those visions which had had their swing the night before belonged to the earlier wife and had melted away in the dim room made sacred by lingering momentos of his wife and in the sound of that panting breath and throbbing heart his vehemence had been after all chiefly against his own misgivings and when he heard of his son's resolution and met us more than acquiescence he was greatly touched and recurred to his kind sorrowful promise but he would never be a stumbling block in the path of his children still he owned himself greatly allured by the career proposed and thought Norman should consider the opportunities of doing good in perhaps a still more important and extensive field than that which he had chosen time was that I should have grasped such a prospect said Norman but I am not the man for it I have too much ambition and too little humility you know father how often you have had to come to my rescue when I was running after success as my prime object vanity fair is a dangerous place but you who have sound principles your motives how long would my motives be pure said Norman rivalry and party spirit make me distrust my motives and then my principles feel the shock other men are marked by station for such trials and may be carried through them but I am not yet some of these men are far from your equals not perhaps in speechifying said Norman smiling but in steadiness of aim in patience and callousness in seeing one side of the question at once you will be ready for your own peace you will be the happier I always doubted whether you had nerve to make your wits available it may be cowardice said Norman but I think not I could burn for the combat and if I had no scruples I could enjoy bearing down such as of course doctor may burst in with a political name and I wish you were at him whether I could is another matter said Norman laughing but the fact is that I stand pledged that I should be running into temptation and could not expect to be shielded from it your old rule said doctor may seek to be less rather than more but there is another choice why not a parsonage at home pleasant parishes are not in the same need said Norman I wonder what poor old rivers would say to you if he knew what you want to do with his daughter brought up as she has been to expose her to the roughness of a colonial life such as I should hesitate about for your sisters a ardent desire true but our girlish enthusiasm to be trusted take care Norman take care of her she is a bit of the choicest porcelain of humankind and not to be rudely dealt with no indeed but she has the brave enterprising temper to which I fully believe that actual work in a good cause is far preferable to what she calls idleness I do not believe that we are likely to meet with more hardship than she would gladly encounter but you do not know what your aunt has had to go through a few years make a great difference in a colony still it may be right for me to go out alone and judge for her but we shall know more if my aunt comes home yes I could trust a good deal to her she has much of your mother's sense well you must settle it as you can with met as people I do not think they love the pretty creature better than I have done from the first minute we saw her don't you remember it Norman frosted cedar downwards it was the first gem of spring in that dreary winter what a fairy land the grange was to me you may nearly say the same of me confessed Dr. May smiling the sight of that happy little sunny spirit full of sympathy and sweetness always sent me brighter on my way wherever you may be Norman I am glad you have her being one apt to need a pocket sunbeam I hope my tendencies are in no danger of depressing her said Norman startled no such thing she will make a different man of you you have been depressed by that early shock and the gap at our own fireside all that we have shared together Norman to see you begin on a new score with a bright home of your own is the best in this world that I could wish for you though I shall live over my own 22 years in thinking of you and that sweet little fairy but now go Norman she will be watching for you and news of Margaret when he had expected Lord Kausham as a philanthropist could not with any consistency set his face against missions even when the cost came so near home and he knew that opposition made the like intentions assume a heroic aspect that maintained them in greater force he therefore went over the subject in a calm, dispassionate manner which exacted full and grateful consideration from the young man the final compromise was that nothing should be settled for a year and Norman would complete his course of study and the matter might be more fully weighed Mrs. Arnett would probably return and bring experience and judgment which would or ought to decide the question though Metta had a secret fear that it might render it more complicated than ever however the engagement and the mission views had both been treated so much more favourably than could have been hoped that they felt themselves bound to be patient and forbearing as Metta said she would not deserve to be trusted anywhere Lord Kausham made his niece listen to a kind exhortation not to press her influence towards a decision that might be repented when too late to be repaired without a degrading sense of failure putting her in mind of the privations that would lose romance by their pettiness and which money could not remedy and very sensibly representing that the effect of these on temper and health was to be duly considered as a serious impediment to usefulness for him alone said Metta that is not certain said her uncle a broken down wife is a terrible drag I know it is so said Metta firmly but risks must be run and he is willing to take the chance I do not think it can be presumption for you know I am strong and Doctor May would say if he could not warrant me I fancy household work would be more satisfactory and less tiring than doing a season thoroughly I hope you know what you are doing said her uncle you see it all calura de rose I think not it is because it is not calura de rose that I am so much bent upon it I have had plenty of that all my life I expect much that will be very disagreeable and not at all heroic but if I can only make Norman think it fun that will be one purpose answered I do believe he will do his work better for having me I want to get a message her uncle shook his head but did not try to say any more George had begun by loud exclamations against the project in which he was vehemently abetted by Tom who primed him with all sorts of outrageous abuse of the niggers and cannibals who would make Norman's coats out of all shape and devour little Metta at a mouthful predictions which Metta accepted most merrily talking of herself so resinedly as bound upon a spit be roasted slower and faster that she safely conducted off their opposition by way of a standing joke. As to Norman's coats, she threatened to make them herself, and silenced Tom forever by supposing, in malicious simplicity, that he must be able to teach her the most unexceptional cut. Flora kept her opinions to herself. Only once, when urged to remonstrate, she said, I could not, I would not. She was gently and touchingly considerate towards the lovers, silently but unobtrusively obviating all that could jar on their feelings, and employing her exquisite tact in the kindest manner. She released Metta from the expedition to ride, silencing scruples on the one hand by a suggestion of poor Sir Henry, and on the other by offering to exchange her for Mary. The first proposal made Mary take such a spring in her chair, with eyes so round, and cheeks so red, and such a shriek about Harry and the Bucephalus, that no one could have borne to say one word in opposition, even if it had not been the opinion of the council that sea air would best repair Mary's strength. Ethel had some private fears of a scene, since it was one of Miss Bracey's idiosyncrasies to be hurt whenever Mary was taken out of her hands. As she went to announce the design, in dread lest this shock should destroy the harmony that had prevailed for many months. Nay, she almost believed, since the loss of the Alsestus had been known. She was agreeably surprised. Miss Bracey thought Mary in need of the change, and discussed both her and Blanche in so pleasant and sensible a manner that Ethel was quite relieved. She partook in Mary's anticipations of pleasure, forwarded her preparations, and was delighted with her promise of letters, promises that Mary bestowed so largely, in the fullness of her heart, that there were fears, lest her whole time should be spent in writing. Her soft heart indulged in a shower of tears when she wished them all good-bye, and Ethel and Blanche found the house was very empty without her. But that was only till Metta came in from a walk with Norman, and under the plea of trying to supply Mary's place did the work of five Mary's end a great deal besides. Nothing could be happier than Metta's visit, brightening the house so that the maize thought they had never known half her charms, helping whatever was going on, yet ready to play with Daisy, tell stories to Aubrey, tell Tom's confidences, talk to Margaret, read with Norman, and teach Richard singing for his school-children. The only vexation was that everyone could not always engross her entirely, and Dr. May used to threaten that they should never spare her to that long-legged fellow Norman. She had persuaded Belheirs to go and take care of Flora and Mary instead of the Frenchmaid, a plan which greatly satisfied Margaret, who had never liked the looks of Coralie, and which Metta held to be a great emancipation. She persuaded Old Nurse to teach her to be useful, and Margaret used to declare that she witnessed scenes as good as a play in her room, where the little dexterous scholar, apparently in jest, but really in sober, earnest, wild instruction from the old woman, and made her experiments between smiles and blushes, and merrily glorying in results that promised that she would be a notable housewife. Whether it were a novelty or not, she certainly had an aptitude and delight in domestic details, such as Ethel could never attain, and as Dr. May said, the one performed by little finger what the other labored at with a great mind. In the school-room Metta was as highly appreciated. She found an hour for helping Blanche in her music, and for giving what was still more useful and interest and spirit to studies, where it must be owned poor good Mary had been a deadweight. She enlivened Miss Bracey so much, and so often contrived a walk or a talk with her, that the saucy Blanche told Hector that she thought Ethel would be quite second fiddle with Miss Bracey. No such thing. Miss Bracey's great delight was in having a listener for her enthusiasm about Miss Ethel. She had been lately having a correspondence with a former school fellow, who was governess in a family less considerate than the maize, and who poured out in her letters feelings much like those with which Miss Bracey had begun. Nothing could be more salutary than to find herself repeating all Ethel's pieces of advice, and one day when her friend had been more distressed than usual, she called Ethel herself to consult on her answer, owning how much she was reminded of herself. Indeed, she added, I am afraid it would only tease you to hear how much I am indebted to your decision and kindness. Nay, said Ethel, laughing her awkward laugh, you have often had to forget my savage ways. Pray don't say that. I think, said Ethel, breaking in, the philosophy is this. I believe that it is a trying life. I know teaching takes a great deal out of one, and loneliness may cause tendencies to dwell on fancied slights and trifles that might otherwise be hurried over. But I think the thing is to pass them over and make a conscience of turning one's mind to something fresh. As you made me do, when you brought me amusing books and taught me botany, and still more, when you took to working for the infant school. Yes, I think the way to be happy and useful is to get up many interests, so as to be fresh and vigorous and think not at all of personalities. There's a truism. Very true, though, said Miss Bracey. Indeed, all your kindness and consideration would never have done me half the good they have, dear Miss Ethel, if you had not taught me that referring all to one's own feelings and self is the way to be unhappy. Just so, said Ethel, it is the surest way for any one to be miserable. If I could only persuade poor dear Ellen to think that, even if a slight were real, it ought to be born forgivingly and not brooded over. Ah, you are laughing. Perhaps you have said the same about me. You would forgive it now, I think, said Ethel. I never thought I did not forgive. I did not see that brooding over vexations was not pardoning them. I have told her so now, and—oh, if she could but have seen how true sorrows are born here, she would be cured, like me, of making imaginary ones. None could help being better for living with Papa, said Ethel. Ethel made Miss Bracey happy by a kiss before she left her. It was a cheering belief that whatever the future trials of her life might be, the gentle little lady would meet them with a healthier mind, more vigorous and overlooking troubles and without punctilious sensitiveness on the lookout for affronts. Believing all things, bearing all things, enduring all things, would be to her the true secret of serenity of spirits. Ethel might not have been blameless or consistent in her dealings in this difficult intercourse, but her kind heart, upright intention and force of character, had influenced far beyond her own perception. Indeed, she knew not that she had personal influence at all, but went on in her own straightforward humility. End of Part 2, Chapter 23, Recording by Brooke Favorite, www.alongsidemom.com