It is all Mrs.Ledwich's doing.

How I did hate it when every one came up and shook hands with me, and asked after Margaret and papa, only just out of curiosity!" "Hush, hush, Ethel, what's the use of thinking such things ?" A silence,--then she exclaimed, "But, indeed, Richard, you don't fancy that I want to teach at Cocksmoor, because it is disagreeable at Stoneborough ?" "No, indeed." The rendering of full justice conveyed in his tone so opened Ethel's heart that she went on eagerly:--"The history of it is this.

Last time we walked here, that day, I said, and I meant it, that I would never put it out of my head; I would go on doing and striving, and trying, till this place was properly cared for, and has a church and a clergyman.

I believe it was a vow, Richard, I do believe it was,--and if one makes one, one must keep it.

There it is.