Edward was called, examined as to his reasons for wishing to go to
the Consecration, made to promise to behave well, and sent back in
high glee to play with Winifred. Elizabeth and Dorothea then
followed the others up-stairs to prepare for the walk.

'It is very strange,' remarked Mrs. Woodbourne, as they left the
room, 'that Elizabeth can manage the children so much better than
anyone else can; they always like best to be with her, though she
always makes them mind her, and Kate is much more what people would
call good-natured.'

'Do you not think Lizzie good-natured?' said Lady Merton, rather
surprised.

'Oh yes, indeed I do,' said Mrs. Woodbourne, 'she is a most kind-
hearted creature. I really believe there is nothing she would not do
for the children or me, I do not know what would become of me without
her: but you know her way of speaking, she does not mean any harm;
but still when people are not used to her, it vexes them; indeed I
did not mean to say anything against her, she is a most excellent
creature, quite her Papa's right hand.'

'Horace grew almost too much for her to manage before he went to
school, did not he?' said Lady Merton.

'Poor little boy!' said Mrs. Woodbourne, 'we miss him sadly, with his
merry face and droll ways. You know, he was always a very high-
spirited child, but Lizzie could always make him mind her in the end,
and he was very obedient to his papa and me. Edward is a quiet meek