him. Besides these poor children--are not they of more importance?"

"And, then, what is to become of Stoneborough school?"

"I hate it," exclaimed Ethel; then seeing Richard shocked, and
finding she had spoken more vehemently than she intended--"It is not
as bad for you among the boys, but, while that committee goes on it
is not the least use to try to teach the girls right. Oh! the fusses
about the books, and one's way of teaching! And fancy how Mrs
Ledwich used us. You know I went again last Sunday, for the first
time, and there I found that class of Margaret's, that she had just
managed to get into some degree of nice order, taken so much pains
with, taught so well. She had been telling me what to hear them--
there it is given away to Fanny Anderson, who is no more fit to teach
than that stick, and all Margaret's work will be undone. No notice
to us--not even the civility to wait and see when she gets better."

"If we left them now for Cocksmoor, would it not look as it we were
affronted?"

Ethel was slightly taken aback, but only said, "Papa would be very
angry if he knew it."

"I am glad you did not tell him," said Richard.

"I thought it would only tease him," said Ethel, "and that he might
call it a petty female squabble; and when Margaret is well, it will
come right, if Fanny Anderson has not spoiled the girls in the
meantime. It is all Mrs. Ledwich's doing. How I did hate it when
every one came up and shook hands with me, and asked after Margaret