When Miss Winter said Ethel would grow up odd, eccentric, and blue, Margaret was ready to answer that she would be superior to every one; and when the governess urged her to insist on Cocksmoor being given up, she felt impatient of that utter want of sympathy for the good work.
All that evening Margaret longed for a quiet time to reflect, but it never came till she was in bed; and when she had made up her mind how to speak to Ethel, it was five times harder to secure her alone.

Even when Margaret had her in the room by herself, she looked wild and eager, and said she could not stay, she had some Thucydides to do.
"Won't you stay with me a little while, quietly ?" said Margaret; "we hardly ever have one of our talks." "I didn't mean to vex you, dear Margaret; I like nothing so well, only we are never alone, and I've no time." "Pray do spare me a minute, Ethel, for I have something that I must say to you, and I am afraid you won't like it--so do listen kindly." "Oh!" said Ethel, "Miss Winter has been talking to you.

I know she said she would tell you that she wants me to give up Cocksmoor.

You aren't dreaming of it, Margaret ?" "Indeed, dear Ethel, I should be very sorry, but one thing I am sure of, that there is something amiss in your way of going on." "Did she show you that horrid exercise ?" "Yes." "Well, I know it was baddish writing, but just listen, Margaret.

We promised six of the children to print them each a verse of a hymn on a card to learn.