"It was a lucky chance," he said, "that they brought Norman in.

It was exactly what I wanted to rouse and interest him, and he took it all in so well, that I am sure they were pleased with him.

I thought he looked a very lanky specimen of too much leg and arm when I called him in, but he has such good manners, and is so ready and understanding, that they could not help liking him.

It was fortunate I had him instead of Richard--Ritchie is a very good fellow, certainly, but he had rather look at a steam-engine, any day, than at Raphael himself." Norman had his turn by-and-by.

He came up after tea, reporting that papa was fast asleep in his chair, and the others would go on about Cocksmoor till midnight, if they were let alone; and made up for his previous yielding to Ethel, by giving, with much animation, and some excitement, a glowing description of the Grange, so graphic, that Margaret said she could almost fancy she had been there.
"Oh, Margaret, I wonder if you ever will! I would give something for you to see the beautiful conservatory.