talked of visiting them.

In the meantime, Margaret sent for her eldest brother, begging him to
tell her the whole, and it was heard as calmly and firmly as it was
told. Her bodily state lulled her mind; and besides it was not new;
she had observed much while her faculties were still too much
benumbed for her to understand all, or to express her feelings. Her
thoughts seemed chiefly occupied with her father. She made Richard
explain to her the injury he had suffered, and begged to know whether
his constant attendance on her could do him harm. She was much
rejoiced when her brother assured her that nothing could be better
for him, and she began to say, with a smile, that very likely her
being hurt had been fortunate. She asked who had taken care of him
before Richard's arrival, and was pleased to hear that it was Mr.
Ernescliffe. A visit from the little Gertrude Margaret was happily
accomplished, and, on the whole, the day was most satisfactory--she
herself declaring that she could not see that there was anything the
matter with her, except that she felt lazy, and did not seem able to
move.

Thus the next Sunday morning dawned with more cheerfulness. Dr. May
came downstairs for the first time, in order to go to church with his
whole flock, except the two Margarets. He looked very wan and
shattered, but they clustered gladly round him, when he once more
stood among them, little Blanche securing his hand, and nodding
triumphantly to Mr. Ernescliffe, as much as to say, "Now I have him,
I don't want you."

Norman alone was missing; but he was in his place at church among the
boys. Again, in returning, he slipped out of the party, and was at