Oh! if it could have been visited in any way but by poor Tom's faults!" "Well," said Richard, "if you felt so, it was a pity, though I never should have guessed it.

But you see you will never feel so again, and as Tom is only one, and there are nine to govern, it is all for the best." His deliberate common-sense made her laugh a little, and she owned he might be right.

"It is a good lesson against my love of being first.

But indeed it is difficult--papa can so little bear to be harassed." "He could not at first, but now he is strong and well, it is different." "He looks terribly thin and worn still," sighed Margaret, "so much older!" "Ay, I think he will never get back his young looks; but except his weak arm, he is quite well." "And then his--his quick way of speaking may do harm." "Yes, that was what I feared for Tom," said Richard, "and there was the mistake.

I see it now.