But you see how it is, Norman--I have trusted to her, till I have grown neglectful, and it is well if it is not the ruin of him!" "Perhaps he will take a turn, as Ethel says," answered Norman cheerfully.

"Good-night, papa." "I have a blessing to be thankful for in you, at least," murmured the doctor to himself.

"What other young fellow of that age and spirit would have borne so patiently with my injustice?
Not I, I am sure! a fine father I show myself to these poor children--neglect, helplessness, temper--Oh, Maggie!" Margaret had so bad a headache the next day that she could not come downstairs.

The punishment was, they heard, a flogging at the time, and an imposition so long, that it was likely to occupy a large portion of the play-hours till the end of the half-year.

His father said, and Norman silently agreed, "a very good thing, it will keep him out of mischief;" but Margaret only wished she could learn it for him, and took upon herself all the blame from beginning to end.