"I dare say he will," said Margaret. "It will be very pleasant if he
can go with you. How he would enjoy the British Museum, if there was
time for him to see it! Have you said anything to him yet?"

"No; I waited to see how you were, as it all depends on that."

"I think it depends still more on something else; whether Norman is
as fit to take care of you as Richard is."

"That's another point. There's nothing but what he could manage now,
but I don't like saying anything to him. I know he would undertake
anything I wished, without a word, and then, perhaps, dwell on it in
fancy, and force himself, till it would turn to a perfect misery, and
upset his nerves again. I'm sorry for it. I meant him to have
followed my trade, but he'll never do for that. However, he has wits
enough to make himself what he pleases, and I dare say he will keep
at the head of the school after all."

"How very good he has been in refraining from restlessness!"

"It's beautiful!" said Dr. May, with strong emotion. "Poor boy! I
trust he'll not be disappointed, and I don't think he will; but I've
promised him I won't be annoyed if he should lose his place--so we
must take especial care not to show any anxiety. However, for this
matter, Margaret, I wish you would sound him, and see whether it
would be more pleasure or pain. Only mind you don't let him think
that I shall be vexed, if he feels that he can't make up his mind; I
would not have him fancy that, for more than I can tell."

This consultation revived the spirits of both; and the others