'Richard, have you these five years been the safety-valve for my
murmurs without knowing what they amount to?'

'I thought no one complained unless to get a thing remedied.'

'Exactly so. That is man! And experience never shows man that
woman's growls relieve her soul, and that she dreads nothing more
than their being acted on! All I wish is, that this scheme may die a
natural death; but I should be miserable, and deserved to be so, if I
raised a finger to hinder it. What, must you go? Rule Daisy's lines
if she writes to Meta, please.'

'I did so. I have been trying to make her write straighter.'

'Of course you have. I expect I shall find her organ of order grown
to a huge bump when she comes home. Oh! when will our poor remnants
be once more a united family? and when shall I get into Cocksmoor
school again?'

When Dr. May came home, his plan was in full bloom. Henry had
gratefully accepted it, and answered for his brother being able to
travel by the next Monday; and Dr. May wanted Ethel to walk with him
to Bankside, and propose it there--talking it over with the sister,
and making it her own invitation. Ethel saw her fate, and complied,
her father talking eagerly all the way.

'You see, Ethel, it is quite as much for his spirits as his health
that I wish it. He is just the age that our Norman was.'

That was the key to a great deal. Ethel knew that her father had