You were so happy, that perhaps you were thrown off your guard." "I should not wonder if that was it," said Ethel thoughtfully.

"You know it was a sort of probation that Richard put me on.

I was to learn to be steady before he spoke to papa, and now it seemed to be all settled and right, and perhaps I forgot I was to be careful still." "I think it was something of the kind.

I was a little afraid before, and I wish I had tried to caution you, but I did not like to seem unkind." "I wish you had," said Ethel.

"Dear little Aubrey! Oh, if papa had not been there! And I cannot think how, as it was, he could contrive to put the fire out, with his one hand, and not hurt himself.