CHAPTER XVII.



Gently supported by the ready aid
Of loving hands, whose little work of toil
Her grateful prodigality repaid
With all the benediction of her smile,
She turned her failing feet
To the softly cushioned seat,
Dispensing kindly greetings all the time.
R. M. MILNES.


Three great events signalised the month of January. The first was,
the opening of the school at Cocksmoor, whither a cart transported
half a dozen forms, various books, and three dozen plum-buns,
Margaret's contribution, in order that the school might begin with
eclat. There walked Mr. Wilmot, Richard, and Flora, with Mary, in a
jumping, capering state of delight, and Ethel, not knowing whether
she rejoiced. She kept apart from the rest, and hardly spoke, for
this long probation had impressed her with a sense of responsibility,
and she knew that it was a great work to which she had set her hand--
a work in which she must persevere, and in which she could not
succeed in her own strength.

She took hold of Flora's hand, and squeezed it hard, in a fit of
shyness, when they came upon the hamlet, and saw the children
watching for them; and when they reached the house, she would fain
have shrank into nothing; there was a swelling of heart that seemed