"But Ellen says the things are all put on the plates in the morning; and if there should be money on mine I don't know what I should do, I should feel so badly. I couldn't keep it, Alice! I couldn't!"
"Very well, you need not; but remain quiet in the mean while; and if it should be so, then say what you please, only take care that you say it in the right spirit and in a right manner. Nobody can hurt you much, my child, while you keep the even path of duty; poor Margaret is her own worst enemy."
"Then, if there should be money in the morning, I may tell Mr.
Marshman the truth about it?"
"Certainly only do not be in haste; speak gently."
"Oh, I wish everybody would be kind and pleasant always!" said poor Ellen, but half comforted.
"What a sigh was there!" said John, coming in. "What is the matter with my little sister?"
"Some of the minor trials of life, John," said Alice, with a smile.
"What is the matter, Ellie?"
"Oh, something you can't help," said Ellen.
"And something I mustn't know. Well, to change the scene suppose you go with me to visit the greenhouse and hothouses. Have you seen them yet?"