I know he was pleased with Ritchie's resolve not to come home again till he had passed, and it is best that it should not be broken." "The whole vacation, studying so hard, and this christening!" said Margaret; "it is treating him as if he had done wrong.

I do believe Mr.
Ernescliffe thinks he has--for papa always turns away the conversation if his name is mentioned! I wish you would explain it, mamma; I can't bear that." "If I can," said Mrs.May, rather pleased that Margaret had taken on herself this vindication of her favourite brother her father's expense.
"But, after all, Margaret, I never feel quite sure that poor Ritchie does exert himself to the utmost, he is too desponding to make the most of himself." "And the more vexed papa is, the worse it grows!" said Margaret.

"It is provoking, though.

How I do wish sometimes to give Ritchie a jog, when there is some stumbling-block that he sticks fast at.

Don't you remember those sums, and those declensions?
When he is so clear and sensible about practical matters too--anything but learning--I cannot think why--and it is very mortifying!" "I dare say it is very good for us not to have our ambition gratified," said her mother.