returning, found Margaret quite disposed for companionship. If to
her the evening was sad and strange, like a visit in a dream to some
old familiar haunt, finding all unnatural, to the rest it was
delightful. The room was no longer dreary, now that there was a
centre for care and attentions, and the party was no longer broken
up--the sense of comfort, cheerfulness, and home-gathering had
returned, and the pleasant evening household gossip went round the
table almost as it used to do. Dr. May resumed his old habit of
skimming a club book, and imparting the cream to the listeners; and
Flora gave them some music, a great treat to Margaret, who had long
only heard its distant sounds.

Margaret found an opportunity of talking to Norman, and judged
favourably. He was much pleased at the prospect of the journey, and
of seeing a ship, so as to have a clearer notion of the scene where
Harry's life was to be spent, and though the charge of the arm was a
drawback, he did not treat it as insurmountable.

A few days' attendance in his father's room gave him confidence in
taking Richard's place, and, accordingly, the third important measure
was decided on, namely, that he and his father should accompany Harry
to the naval school, and be absent three nights. Some relations
would be glad to receive them in London, and Alan Ernescliffe, who
was studying steam navigation at Woolwich, volunteered to meet them,
and go with them to Portsmouth.

It was a wonderful event; Norman and Harry had never been beyond
Whitford in their lives, and none of the young ones could recollect
their papa's ever going from home for more than one night. Dr. May
laughed at Margaret for her anxiety and excitement on the subject,