either, without Richard."

"I am very glad to have seen it," repeated Alan. "What a blessing it
must be to your brothers to have such a home!"

"Yes, indeed," said Margaret earnestly.

"I cannot fancy any advantage in life equal to it. Your father and
mother so entirely one with you all."

Margaret smiled, too much pleased to speak, and glanced at her
mother's sweet face.

"You can't think how often I shall remember it, or how rejoiced I--"
He broke off, for the noise subsided, and his speech was not intended
for the public ear, so he dashed into the general conversation, and
catching his own name, exclaimed, "What's that base proposal, Ethel?"

"To put you on the donkey," said Norman.

"They want to see a sailor riding," interposed the doctor.

"Dr. May!" cried the indignant voice of Hector Ernescliffe, as his
honest Scottish face flushed like a turkey cock, "I assure you that
Alan rides like--"

"Like a horse marine," said Norman.

Hector and Harry both looked furious, but "June" was too great a man
in their world for them to attempt any revenge, and it was left for