Dowsabel if they did not agree, and Mrs. May advised all the parties
concerned to write their choice on a slip of paper, and little Aubrey
should draw two out of her bag, trusting that Atalantis Dowsabel
would not come out, as Harry confidently predicted.

However, it was even worse, Aubrey's two lots were Gertrude and
Margaret. Ethel and Mary made a vehement uproar to discover who
could have written Margaret, and at last traced it home to Mr.
Ernescliffe, who replied that Flora, without saying why, had desired
him to set down his favourite name. He was much disconcerted, and
did not materially mend the matter by saying it was the first name
that came into his head.




CHAPTER II.



Meadows trim with daisies pied.--MILTON.


Ethel's navigation lesson was interrupted by the dinner-bell. That
long table was a goodly sight. Few ever looked happier than Dr. and
Mrs. May, as they sat opposite to each other, presenting a
considerable contrast in appearance as in disposition. She was a
little woman, with that smooth pleasant plumpness that seems to
belong to perfect content and serenity, her complexion fair and
youthful, her face and figure very pretty, and full of quiet grace