“Silly work,” said Flora, “but it makes a fair show.”
“The essence of Vanity Fair,” said Ethel.
“It won’t do to be satirical over much,” said Flora. “You won’t get on without humouring your neighbours’ follies.”
“I don’t want to get on.”
“But you want—or, at least, I want—Cocksmoor to get on.”
Ethel saw Margaret looking distressed, and, recalling her resolution she said, “Well, Flora, I don’t mean to say any more about it. I see it can’t be helped, and you all think you intend it for good; so there’s an end of the matter, and I’ll do anything for you in reason.”
“Poor old King Ethel!” said Flora, smiling in an elder-sisterly manner. “You will see, my dear, your views are very pretty, but very impracticable, and it is a work-a-day world after all—even papa would tell you so. When Cocksmoor school is built, then you may thank me. I do not look for it before.”
CHAPTER II.
Knowledge is second, not the first;
A higher Hand must make her mild,
If all be not in vain, and guide
Her footsteps, moving side by side,
With wisdom; like the younger child,
For she is earthly of the mind,
But knowledge heavenly of the soul.—In Memoriam.