It seems to set us to work so happily." "I only wish we could begin," said Ethel, "but Richard is so slow! Of course we can't act without papa's consent and Mr.Wilmot's help, and he says papa must not be worried about it, he must watch for his own time to speak about it." "Yes" said Margaret.
"I know--I would not have it otherwise; but what is tiresome is this.
Richard is very good, but he is so dreadfully hard to stir up, and what's worse, so very much afraid of papa, that while he is thinking about opportunities, they will all go by, and then it will be Easter, and nothing done!" "He is not so much afraid of papa as he was," said Margaret.

"He has felt himself useful and a comfort, and papa is gentler; and that has cheered him out of the desponding way that kept him back from proposing anything." "Perhaps," said Ethel; "but I wish it was you.

Can't you?
you always know how to manage." "No; it is Richard's affair, and he must do as he thinks fit.

Don't sigh, dear Ethel--perhaps he may soon speak, and, if not, you can be preparing in a quiet way all the time.

Don't you remember how dear mamma used to tell us that things, hastily begun, never turn out well ?" "But this is not hasty.