But home they must go, and, before going upstairs, as Flora and
Etheldred stood a moment or two with Norman, Ethel said in a tone of
resolution, and of some cheerfulness, "Well, we have to begin
afresh."

"Yes," said Flora, "it is a great responsibility. I do trust we may
be enabled to do as we ought."

"And now Margaret is getting better, she will be our stay," said
Ethel.

"I must go to her," and Flora went upstairs.

"I wish I could be as useful as Flora," said Ethel; but I mean to
try, and if I can but keep out of mischief, it will be something.

"There is an object for all one does, in trying to be a comfort to
papa."

"That's no use," said Norman, listlessly. "We never can."

"Oh, but, Norman, he won't be always as he is now--I am sure he cares
for us enough to be pleased, if we do right and get on."

"We used to be so happy!" said Norman.

Ethel hesitated a little, and presently answered, "I don't think it
can be right to lament for our own sakes so much, is it?"

"I don't want to do so," said Norman, in the same dejected way.