MR. A. Ah! my dear, you know only too well by your own experience,
but if any one could, it would be you. And at least you will let
nothing drop in the parish work. You and Cicely together will be
able to take that up when Euphrasia is gone too.
MRS. M. It will be delightful to me to come back to it! You know I
was to the manner born. Nothing seems to be so natural!
MR. A. I am only afraid you are giving up a great deal. I don't
know that I could accept it--except for the parish and these poor
children.
MRS. M. Now, dear father, you are not to talk so! Is not this my
home, my first home, and though it has lost its very dearest centre,
what can be so dear to me when my own has long been broken?
MR. A. But the young folks--young Londoners are apt to feel such a
change a great sacrifice.
MRS. M. Lucius always longs to be here whenever he is on shore, and
Cicely. Oh! it will be so good for Cicely to be with you, dear
father. I know some day you will be able to enjoy her. And I do
look forward to having her to myself, as I have never had before
since she was a little creature in the nursery. It is so fortunate
that I had not closed the treaty for the house at Brompton, so that
I can come whenever Phrasie decides on leaving you.
MR. A. And she must not be long delayed. She and Holland have
waited for each other quite long enough. Your dear mother begged
that there should be no delay; and neither you nor I, Mary, could
bear to shorten the time of happiness together that may be granted
them. She will have no scruple about leaving George's children now
you and Cicely will see to them--poor little things!
MRS. M. Cicely has always longed for a sphere, and between the
children and the parish she will be quite happy. You need have no
fears for her, father!