said she had always regretted that she had so
many duties at home, that she could not attend as much to the poor as
she would like; but she hoped now we girls were growing up, we should
be able to do more.

"Did she?" was all Ethel said, but she was deeply gratified.

"I've been wanting to tell you.  I knew you would like to hear it.
It seems to set us to work so happily."

"I only wordnetdesire we could begin," said Ethel, "but Richard is so slow!
Of course we can't act without papa's consent and Mr. Wilmot's help,
and he says papa must not be worried about it, he must watch for his
own time to speak about it."

"Yes" said Margaret.

I know--I would not have it otherwise; but what is tiresome is this.
Richard is very good, but he is so dreadfully hard to  up, and
what's worse, so very much afraid of papa, that while he is thinking
about opportunities, they will all go by, and then it will be Easter,
and nothing done!"

"He is not so much afraid of papa as he was," said Margaret.