I was very glad he heard what Ethel said to-day." "Ethel spoke very deeply," said Margaret; "I was a good deal struck by it--she often comes out with such solid thoughts." "She is an excellent companion for Norman." "The desire of being first!" said Margaret, "I suppose that is a form of caring for oneself! It set me thinking a good deal, mamma, how many forms of ambition there are.

The craving for rank, or wealth, or beauty, are so clearly wrong, that one does not question about them; but I suppose, as Ethel said, the caring to be first in attainments is as bad." "Or in affection," said Mrs.May.
"In affection--oh, mamma, there is always some one person with whom one is first!" said Margaret eagerly; and then, her colour deepening, as she saw her mother looking at her, she said hastily, "Ritchie--I never considered it--but I know--it is my great pleasure--oh, mamma!" "Well, my dear, I do not say but that you are the first with Richard, and that you well deserve to be so; but is the seeking to be the first even in that way safe?
Is it not self-seeking again ?" "Well, perhaps it is.

I know it is what makes jealousy." "The only plan is not to think about ourselves at all," said Mrs.May.
"Affection is round us like sunshine, and there is no use in measuring and comparing.

We must give it out freely ourselves, hoping for nothing again." "Oh, mamma, you don't mean that!" "Perhaps I should have said, bargaining for nothing again.

It will come of itself, if we don't exact it; but rivalry is the sure means of driving it away, because that is trying to get oneself worshipped." "I suppose, then, you have never thought of it," said Margaret, smiling.
"Why, it would have been rather absurd," said Mrs.May, laughing, "to begin to torment myself whether you were all fond of me! You all have just as much affection for me, from beginning to end, as is natural, and what's the use of thinking about it?
No, no, Margaret, don't go and protest that you love me, more than is natural," as Margaret looked inclined to say something very eager, "that would be in the style of Regan and Goneril.