then Henrietta exclaimed--

"No, no, mamma, it will be too much for you; you must not think of it."

"Yes," said Fred; "indeed we agreed this morning that it would be
better not. Put it out of your head, mamma, and go on here in peace
and comfort. I am sure it suits you best."

"Thank you, thank you, my dear ones," said she, drawing them towards
her, and fondly kissing them, "but it is all settled, and I am sure it
is better for you. It is but a dull life for you here."

"O no, no, no, dearest mamma: nothing can be dull with you," cried
Henrietta, wishing most sincerely to undo her own work. "We are,
indeed we are, as happy as the day is long. Do not fancy we are
discontented; do not think we want a change."

Mrs. Langford replied by an arch though subdued smile.

"But we would not have you to do it on our account," said Fred. "Pray
put it out of your head, for we do very well here, and it was only a
passing fancy."

"You will not talk me out of it, my dears," said Mrs. Langford. "I
know it is right, and it shall be done. It is only the making up my
mind that was the struggle, and I shall look forward to it as much as
either of you, when I know it is to be done. Now walk off, my dears,
and do not let that letter be too late for the post."

"I do not half like it," said Fred, pausing at the door.