should do more but for prejudice. There, this globule is the very
thing for your case; I made it out last night in my book. That is
right, and I wanted to ask you some questions about little Wilfred."

Fanny had obediently swallowed her own globule, but little Wilfred
was a different matter, and she retreated from the large eyes and
open book, saying that he was better, and that Mr. Frampton should
look at him; but Rachel was not to be eluded, and was in full career
of elucidation to the meanest capacity, when a sharp skirmish between
the boys ended the conversation, and it appeared that Conrade had
caught Francis just commencing an onslaught on the globules, taking
them for English sweetmeats of a minute description.

The afternoon passed with the strange heaviness well known to those
who find it hard to resume broken threads after long parting. There
was much affection, but not full certainty what to talk about, and the
presence of the boys would have hindered confidence, even had they not
incessantly occupied their mother. Conrade, indeed, betook himself to
a book, but Francis was only kept out of mischief by his constantly
turning over pictures with him; however, at dark, Coombe came to
convey them home, and the ladies of the Homestead experienced a sense
of relief. Rachel immediately began to talk of an excellent
preparatory school.

"I was thinking of asking you," said Fanny, "if there is any one here
who would come as a daily governess."

"Oh!" cried Rachel, "these two would be much better at school, and I
would form the little ones, who are still manageable."