You would not know there was anything the matter." But he rested his head on his hand, and looked as if he could not stir.

"I see it won't do," said Ethel--"don't try--you will be better by-and-by, and he has not asked for you in particular." "I won't be beat by such stuff," said Norman, stepping hastily forwards, and opening the door suddenly.

He got through the greeting pretty well, there was no need for him to speak, he only gave his hand and looked away, unable to bring himself to turn his eyes on his father, and afraid of letting his own face be seen.

Almost at the same moment, nurse came to say something about Margaret, and he seized the opportunity of withdrawing his hand, and hurrying away, in good time, for he was pale as death, and was obliged to sit down on the head of the stairs, and lean his head against Etheldred.
"What does make me so ridiculous ?" he exclaimed faintly, but very indignantly.
The first cure was the being forced to clear out of Mr.Ward's way, which he could not effect without being seen; and Ethel though she knew that he would be annoyed, was not sorry to be obliged to remain, and tell what was the matter with him.

"Oh," said Mr.Ward, turning and proceeding to the dining-room, "I'll set that to rights in a minute, if you will ask for a tumbler of hot water Miss Ethel." And armed with the cordial he had prepared, Ethel hunted up her brother, and persuaded him, after scolding her a little, to swallow it, and take a turn in the garden; after which he made a more successful attempt at visiting his father.
There was another room whither both Norman and Etheldred wished to go, though they dared not hint at their desire.