When he had brought the tray, he stood leaning against the bed-post, musing.

Suddenly, there was a considerable clatter of fire-irons, and his violent start surprised Margaret.
"Ethel has been poking the fire," she said, as if no more was needed to account for their insecurity.

Norman put them up again, but a ringing sound betrayed that it was not with a firm touch, and when, a minute after, he came to take her plate, she saw that he was trying with effort to steady his hand.
"Norman, dear, are you sure you are well ?" "Yes, very well," said he, as if vexed that she had taken any notice.
"You had better not come racing home.

I'm not worth inquiries now, I am so much better," said she, smiling.
He made no reply, but this was not consenting silence.
"I don't like you to lose your football," she proceeded.
"I could not--" and he stopped short.
"It would be much better for you," said she, looking up in his face with anxious affectionate eyes, but he shunned her glance and walked away with her plate.
Flora had been in such close attendance upon Margaret, that she needed some cheerful walks, and though she had some doubts how affairs at home would go on without her, she was overruled, and sent on a long expedition with Miss Winter and Mary, while Ethel remained with Margaret.
The only delay before setting out, was that nurse came in, saying, "If you please, Miss Margaret, there is a girl come to see about the place." The sisters looked at each other and smiled, while Margaret asked whence she came, and who she was.
"Her name is Taylor, and she comes from Cocksmoor, but she is a nice, tidy, strong-looking girl, and she says she has been used to children." Nurse had fallen into the trap most comfortably, and seemed bent upon taking this girl as a choice of her own.

She wished to know if Miss Margaret would like to see her.
"If you please, nurse, but if you think she will do, that is enough." "Yes, Miss, but you should look to them things yourself.