 CHAPTER XXVI. The whole village seemed relieved by the departure of the Rawlins. Mrs. Gray, who had always been refused admission to her old friend on one pretense or another, was joyfully welcomed by Phoebe, and was plunged into all the delights of neighborly chat before the clock struck twelve. On the very first morning, Fanny and Mary Gray voluntarily offered to go to Miss Young, now that they were her only pupils, to save her the trouble of the walk to the schoolroom. This was a great relief to Maria, and her little parlor held the three very nicely, and when the girls had sufficiently admired the screen over again, their father's profile, the planets, and the Dargol, they settled quite as well as at home. There was still a corner left for Cousin Margaret, when she chose to come with her German books or her work, and her useful remarks on what they were doing. No immediate consequences had happened to Maria from her plain dealing with Mr. Rawlins, and she was quite ready to enjoy the three months of freedom without looking to anxiously towards the end of them. The very gardener at the Rawlins seemed to besture himself with unusual alacrity to put the garden into spring trim, and the cook and housemaid might be seen over the hedge, walking in arm in arm on the gravel walks, smelling at the meseron, and admiring Miss Anna's border of yellow crocuses, as the gardener said, as much as if they had been fine plants out of a conservatory. The birds themselves seemed to begin their twittering in the trees, and the cows there lowering in the meadow. From the hour that Mrs. Rawlin went away, in other words, there were many whom that event left free and at ease to observe the harmonies of nature, who were usually compelled to observe only the lady and the discords of her household. It was only the second day after the departure of the family that Margaret took her seat in the offered corner of Maria's parlor. She laid down her book and took up her work when the question arose, which was probably interested all intelligent schoolgirls for many a year. What made so many Athenians, so many, that there must have been some wise and good men among them, treat such a person as Socrates in the way they did? Margaret was quite occupied in admiring the sort of Socratic method with which Maria drew out from the minds of her pupils. Some of the difficult philosophy of opinion and the liberality with which she allowed for the distress of heathen moralists and having the sanction of custom broken up. Margaret was thus quite occupied with the delight of seeing a great subject skillfully let down into young minds, and the others were no less busy with the subject itself. When Mary started and said it made her jump to see Sidney bring Ferry close up to the window, Fanny imperiously bade her mind what she was about and let Sidney alone. But yet in a minute or two Fanny's old eyes were detected wandering into the yard where Sidney still remained. He is getting Ferry shod. She sat in a soloquisting tone, everyone laughed, the idea of shooing a Ferry was so ridiculous, and some witticisms about Bottom the Weaver, and his ass's head were sported. It was evident that Socrates had no more chance this day, and Maria changed the subject. Sidney looks very much as if he wanted to come in, observed Mary. Sidney did particularly wish to come in, but he saw that cousin Margaret was there, and he had felt an unconquerable awe of cousin Margaret ever since the day of his saying her over the ice. So he stood erasotely watching. As nail after nail was driven into Ferry's hoof, casting glances every minute at the window. Shall I see what he wants, asked Margaret, perceiving that lessons would not go on till Sidney had got out what he wished to say. May I open the window for a moment, Maria, to speak to him? What do you think, cried Sidney, taking incident advantage of the movement, and carrying off his awkwardness by whipping the window sill while he spoke? What do you think, Mr. Enderby has come by the coach this morning. I saw him myself, and you might have met Arben carrying his portmanteau home from where he was put down half an hour ago. We'll have rare sport if he stays as long as he did last summer. I do believe, he continued, leaning into the room and speaking with the torch of his mother's mystery. He would have come long since if Mrs. Rowland had not been here. I wish she had taken herself off two months ago, and then I might have had a run with the Harriers with him, as he promised I should. Now you have said just a little too much, Sidney. So you may go, said Maria. Put down the window, will you? It was well for Margaret that there was the recess of the window to lean in. There she stood, not speaking a word. It was not in nature for Maria to refrain from casting a glance at her, which glance grew into a look of intelligence. You do not quite wink, as Mama does, observe Fanny. But I know very well what you mean, Miss Young. So people always fancy when they observe upon nothing, or upon what they know nothing about, Fanny. But I thought you were convinced, some time ago, that you should not watch people's contidences to find out what they are thinking any more than. I should read a letter they are writing, interrupted Fanny. While I beg your pardon, Miss Young, but I really thought I saw you looking at Cousin Margaret's face. However, I daresay everybody supposes the same that Mr. Enderby would not have been here now if Mrs. Rowland had not gone away. You need not my and Mary and me, Miss Young. You know we hear all about Mrs. Rowland at home. I know you are apt to fancy that you understand all about Mrs. Rowland, my dear, but perhaps Mrs. Rowland herself might happen to differ from you. If she could look into your mind, it is for you to settle with yourself, whether you think she would be satisfied that you have done by her as you would have her do by you. This is your own affair, Fanny. So now, without anyone trying to see in your face what you think of yourself, we will go to our business. The scratching of pens in the exercise books and the turning over of the dictionary now proceeded for some time in profound silence in the midst of which Margaret stole back to her corner. There goes twelve, softly exclaimed Mary. Mama said we might go with her to call at Cousin Hester's. If we were home and ready by half past twelve we shall not have nearly done, Miss Young. Miss Young did not take the hint, she only said, is your mama going to call on Mrs. Hope? Then Margaret, do not let us detain you here. You will wish to be at home, I am sure. Never as Maria supposed, had Margaret more impatiently desired to be at home. Though accustomed to go in and out of Maria's abode, with or without reason assigned, she had not now ventured to move, though the little room felt like a prison. An awkward consciousness had fixed her to her seat. Now, however, she made haste to depart, promising to visit her friend again very soon. The little girls wanted her to arrange to come every morning, and stay all the time of lessons, but Margaret declined, making any such engagement. As she went home, she scarcely raced her eyes for fear of seeing him, and yet she lingered for an instant at her brother's door. From a feeling of disappointment at having met no one, she knew she had fully and undoubtedly intended to tell Hester of Philip's arrival. But when she had taken off her bonnet, and settled herself beside her sister in the drawing room, she found that it was quite impossible to open the subject. While she was meditating upon this, the entrance of the greys seemed to settle the matter. She supposed they would make the disclosure for her, but she soon perceived that they had not heard the news. Mrs. Gray went on quoting Mrs. Enderby on Phoebe, and Sophia remarked on the forsaken condition of the old lady, in a way which was quite incompatible with any knowledge of the new aspect which affairs had assumed this morning. It was a great relief to Margaret to be spared the discussion of a fact on which so much was to be said, but lo, in the midst of a flow of talk about fomentations, end the best kind of night-wait for a sick room. There was a knock at the door, every stroke of which was recognized to a certainty by Margaret, while the other ladies were pushing back their chairs to break up the appearance of a gossip and make room for another party of visitors. Margaret was wholly occupied with contriving to sit upright, notwithstanding the dimness that came over her sight. It was he who entered the room quickly, looked taller than ever, as Sophia thought to herself, and more than ever, like a polish count, now that his blue great coat was buttoned up to the chim. He stopped for half a moment on seeing ladies in cloaks and bonnets, and then came forward and shook hands with everybody. Hester observed that he looked full at Margaret as she held out his hand to her. But Margaret did not see this, for though she commanded herself wonderfully, she could not meet his eye, of course. He was asked when he arrived. He had to answer the question, and also the remarks which were made on the length of his absence, and on the expectations of everybody in Dearbrook, that he would have visited the old place at Christmas, or New Year. He was then pitted on account of the state of his mother's health. To this he made no reply whatever, but when Mrs. Gray inquired how he found Mrs. Underby, he briefly somewhat abruptly answered that he thought her very ill. It was equally impossible for Margaret to sit totally silent while all this was going on, and to address herself to him. She therefore kept some conversation with Sophia on the greenhouse, and the fate of the evergreens in the shrubbery, in consequence of the severity of the frost in January, which lourestiness had been lost, and how the abrudus had suffered, and how long it would be before the lourers on the grass would grow up to their former size and beauty, while Sophia was telling that the greenhouse occupied a great deal of time, and that she had therefore turned over her interest in it to Sydney, and begged the little girls to divide her garden between them. Mr. Underby had seen to take Hester into the window, and after remarking upon the snowdrops beneath to speak privately to her, Margaret was afraid Mrs. Gray would take the hint and go away. Her presence now appeared a sort of protection which Margaret exerted herself to retain by not allowing the conversation aflague. She need not have feared Mrs. Gray was turning over in the mind how she might best introduce her congratulations on Mr. Underby's engagement, and her inquiries after Miss Bruce's welfare, topics on which she conceived that good manners required her to enter. Meantime, Mr. Underby had been saying to Hester, you will excuse the offer of my good wishes on your settlement here being briefly and hastily made, but I am at this moment in great anxiety, is hope at home? No, he is some miles off in the country. Then I must charge you with a message to him. I think my mother very ill. And I find it is some time since hope has seen her. Will you beg him to come to her without loss of time when he returns? Certainly. He will be home within two or three hours. I have no doubt. Ask him whether he will not prescribe a visit from you to my mother. It will do her good. I am confident. You know she is all alone now with her maid. I am aware of that. It is not from negligence or disinclination. I assure you that we have seen so little of Mrs. Underby for some time past. I know it. I know it. Said he, shaking his head. Then, after a pause, shall you be at home this evening? Yes. And alone? Yes. Will you come? Thank you. I will come in for an hour. I shall hear Hope's report of my mother, and between ourselves I want a few words with your sister. Can you manage this for me? No doubt. He was gone in another moment, with a bow to the whole party. Gone, cried Mrs. Gray, and I have not said a word to him about his engagement and Miss Bruce. How very odd he must think us, Sophia. There will be plenty of time for all we have to say. Observe, Hester. He is so uneasy about his mother, I see, that he will not leave her yet a while. Margaret was sure she perceived in her sister's beautiful eye and lit up, subtle expression of amusement that they bore when a gay thought was in her mind, or when her neighbors were setting off in speculation on a wrong scent. But half the grace of one's good wishes is in there being offered readily, said Mrs. Gray. As I was saying to Sophia the other day, when we were considering whether Mr. Gray should not write to Mr. Enderby with our congratulations, we should not like to appear backward on such an occasion. For many reasons. Well, now, my dears, one thing more. You must come to tea with us this evening. It will be a mild evening, I have no doubt, and I have sent to Miss Young to say that my sedan will bring her at six o'clock. We have quite set our hearts upon having you for a sociable evening. Thank you, said Hester. We would come with great pleasure. But that we are engaged. Engaged, my dear. Margaret has just told us that you have no engagement. So Margaret thought. But we are engaged. A friend of Mr. Hopes is coming to spend the evening, and I promise that we would be at home. Dear, said Sophia, and we had quite set our hearts upon your coming. Cannot you bring the gentleman with you, my dear? I am sure Mr. Gray will be happy to see any friend of Mr. Hopes. Thank you, but he is coming on business. Oh well, but Margaret can be spared, surely. I suppose you must stay and make tea, my dear. It would not so. I know for you to appear to neglect your husband's country patience, particularly in the present state of affairs. But Margaret can come, surely. Sidney shall step for her, a little before six. Oh yes, said Sophia. Margaret can come. The gentlemen have no business with her, I suppose. Margaret was again puzzled with the fun that lurked in the eye and lip. She had been passive till now, but seeing Hester's determination that she should not go, she said very decidedly that she should much prefer coming some evening when her brother and sister need not be left behind. Mrs. Gray is not very well pleased, observed Margaret, when their visitors were gone. Cannot you have been a little more explicit as to this gentleman, whoever he may be? I thought it better not to say more, said Hester. How unable to help stealing a glance at her sister. Our visitor is to be Mr. Enderby. He is so uneasy about his mother, that my husband is to see her this afternoon, and Mr. Enderby offers to come in the evening to discuss her case. After a slight pause, Hester continued, Sophia was very positive about its being impossible that our visitor could have any business with you. Was not she? Oh, Hester, said Margaret imploringly, with her eyes full of tears. Well, well, said Hester. Hearing how cruel this speech might appear to her sister. I ought not to speak to you from my own habitual disbelief of Mrs. Rowland's news. I will go away, dear, only just saying. First that I, like Phillips, look very well. He does not seem happier than he ought to be, while his mother is so ill. Nor does he act as if he felt he had neglected us, his old friends, as my husband says, we must hear his own story before we judge him. When she left the room, Margaret could not have settled with herself, whether there was most pain or pleasure in the prospect of this evening. Five minutes before, she had believed that she should spend it at the graze. Should hear the monotonous hiss of the urn, which seemed to take up its song. Every time she went, where it had left off last, should see Mrs. Gray's wings from behind it. Should have the same sort of cake, cut by Sophia into pieces of exactly the same size. Should hear Sidney, told to be quiet. And the little girls to go to bed. Should have to play Mrs. Gray's favorite waltz, and sing Mr. Gray's favorite song, and at last to refuse the glass of sherry three times over, and come away after hearing much wonder expressed that the evening was gone already. Now, instead of this, there was to be the fear and constraint of Philip's presence. So unlike what that had ever been before, no longer gay, easy, and delightful, but all that was awkward, no one would be sure of what the others were feeling, or whether there was any sufficient reason for their mutual feelings being so changed. Who would find the conversation? What could be talked about which would not bring one or another into collision with Mrs. Rowland or Miss Bruce, but yet there would be his presence, and with it, bliss, there would be his very voice, and something of his thoughts could not but come out. She was better pleased than if his evening was to be spent anywhere else. In her past she did not know how, except that her brother thought Mrs. Underby not materially worse, than when he saw her last. The tea tray came and stood an hour, Mr. Hope being evidently restless and on the watch. He said at last that it would be better to get tea over before Underby came, and Margaret repeated in her own mind that it was less awkward, and yet she was disappointed. The moment the table was cleared, his knock was cleared. He would not have tea. He had been making his mother's tea, and had a cup with her, and now what was Hope's judgment on her state of health? The gentleman had scarcely entered upon the subject when a note was brought in for Margaret. Everything made her nervous, but the purport of this note was merely to ask for a book which she had promised to lend Mrs. Leavitt, and she went to her room for it. She was vexed that the interruption had occurred now, and was heartily angry with herself, that she could command herself no better, and be no more like other people than she fancied she had been this day. There is Hester thought she, looking nothing less than Mary, and talking about whatever occurs as if nothing had happened since we met him last, while I sit, feeling like a fool with not a word to say, and no courage to say it if I had. I wonder whether I have always been as insignificant and dull as I have seen myself to be today. I do not believe I ever thought about the matter before. I wish I could forget it now, not withstanding her feeling of insignificance. In the drawing room, however, she was so impatient to be there again, that her hands trembled with eagerness in doing up the parcel for Mrs. Leavitt. When she re-entered the drawing room, Philip was there alone, standing by the fire. Margaret's first impulse was to retreat, but her better judgment prevailed in time to intercept the act, Philip said. Mr. and Mrs. Hope have, at my desire, given me the opportunity of speaking to you alone. You must not refuse to hear what I have to say, because it is necessary to the vindication of my honor, and it is also due to another person. Of course, Margaret sat down. She seemed to intend to speak, and Philip waited to hear her, but no words came, so he went on. You have been told, I find, that I have been, for some time, engaged to a lady who is now at Rome. Miss Bruce How such a notion originated. We need not inquire. The truth is that I am but slightly acquainted with Miss Bruce, and that nothing has ever occurred which could warrant such a use of that lady's name. I heard nothing of this till today, and is it possible? Breathe, Margaret. I was shocked to hear of it, from my poor mother, but infinitely more shocked, grieved to the very soul, to find that you, Margaret, believed it. How could we help it? It was your sister who told us. What does my sister know of me, compared with you? I thought. I hoped. But I see now, that I was presumptuous. I thought that you knew me enough, and cared for me enough to understand my mind, and trust my conduct through whatever you might hear of me, from others. I have been deceived. I mean, I have deceived myself, as to the relation in which we stand. I do not blame you, Margaret. That is, I will not, if I can help it, for what you have given credit to about me, but I did not think you would have mortified me so deeply. You are partly wrong now. You are unjust at this moment, replied Margaret, looking up with some spirit. I do not wish to speak of Mrs. Rolland, but remember, your mother never doubted what your sister said. The information was given in such a way, as left almost an impossibility of disbelief. There was nothing to set against the most positive assurances. Nothing from you. Not a word to any of your old friends. And there was I, working away on a new and good plan of life, living for you, and counting the weeks and days between me and the time when I might come, and show you, what your power over me had enabled me to do. And you were all the while despising or forgetting me, allowing me no means of defending myself, yielding me up to dishonor with the mere shake of the head, as if I had been an acquaintance of two or three ball nights. It is clear that you knew my mind. No better than I now find I knew yours. What would you have had me do, asked Margaret, with such voice as she had? I believe I had not thought of that, said Philip, half laughing. I only felt that you ought to have trusted me, that you must have known that I loved neither Miss Bruce nor anyone but you, and that I could not be engaged to anyone while I loved you. Tell me at once, Margaret, did I not deserve this much from you? You did, said Margaret, distinctly, but there is another way of viewing the whole, which does not seem to have occurred to you. I have been to blame, perhaps, but if you had thought of the other possibility. What other? Oh, do speak plainly. I must, at such a time as this. If I could not think you guiltly, I might fancy myself to have been mistaken. And did you fancy so? Did you suppose I neither loved you nor meant you to think that I did? I did conclude myself mistaken. Oh, Margaret, I should say, if I dared, that such a thought, such humility, such generosity, could come of nothing but love. Margaret made no reply. They understood one another too completely for words. Even in the first gush of joy, there was intense bitterness in the thought of what Margaret must have suffered. And Philip vowed, in the bottom of his soul, that his whole life should be devoted to make her forget it. He could have cursed his sister with equal energy. There was no end to what had to be said. Philip was impatient to tell what he had been doing, and the reasons of the whole of his conduct. Margaret's views had become his own as to the desolderness of his life he had hit or too led. He had applied himself diligently to the study of the law, intending to prove to himself and to her that he was capable of toil and of a steady aim at an object in life before he asked her to decide what their relation to each other was henceforth to be. Surely, said he, you might have discovered this much from my letters to my mother. And how were we to know what was in your letters to your mother? Do you mean that you have not read or heard them all this time? Not a word for these three months. We have scarcely seen her for many weeks past. And then she merely showed us what long letters you wrote her. And they were all written for you, she told me, the last time I was here. That she could keep nothing from you, and relying upon her words, I've supposed this to be a medium of communication between us throughout. I could have no other, you know. When did my mother leave off reading my letters to you? From the week you went away last, Mrs. Rollin came in while we were in the mist of one. And the consequence was that you have been in the dark about me ever since. You saw that I did write? Yes, I've seen most of the postmarks and the interiors upside down. But Mrs. Rollin was always there, or else Phoebe. And have you really known nothing about me, whatever? Little George told me that you had lessons to learn, very hard and very long. And if possible, more difficult than this. And did not you see then that I was acting upon your views? I suppose Miss Bruce might have had them first. Miss Bruce, he cried in a tone of annoyance. I knew nothing of Miss Bruce's views on any subject. I cannot conceive how my sister got such an ocean into her head while she selected her. Margaret was going to mention the sisterly affection which had long subsisted between Miss Bruce and Mrs. Rollin, according to the letter. But it occurred to her that it was just possible that Philip might not be altogether so indifferent to Miss Bruce as Miss Bruce was to him. And this thought sealed her lips. I wonder whether Rollin believed it all the time, said Philip, and hope. It was unworthy of Hope's judgment of his faith to view the case so wrongly. I am glad you are beginning to be angry with somebody else, said Margaret. Your wrath seemed all to be for me. But your old friends, even to your mother, appear to have had no doubt about the matter. There is an excuse for them which I thought you had not. I am an altered man, Margaret. You cannot conceive how altered since I began to know you. They judged of me by what I was once. We will not say how lately. I assure you I do not forget the accounts you used to give of yourself. What accounts of how you found life pleasant enough without philosophy and without anything to do, and otherwise sayings of the kind? It is by such things that those who knew me long ago have judged me lately, a retribution which I ought not to complain of. If they believe me, fickle, idle, selfish, it is all fair. Oh, Margaret, men know nothing of morals till they know woman. Are you serious? I am solemnly persuaded of it, happy they who grow up beside mothers and sisters, whom they can revere. But for this, almost all men would be without earnestness of heart, without a moral purpose, without generosity, while they are all the while talking of honor. It was so with me before I knew you. I am feeble enough and selfish enough yet, God knows. But I hope still to prove that you have made a man of me out of a light, selfish. But what right have I, you may think, to ask you to rely upon me when I have so lately been what I tell you. I did not mean to ask you yet, this very morning. Nothing could be further from my intentions. I do not know how long I should have waited before I should have dared. My sister has rendered me an estimatable service against all the mischief she did me. I thank her. Ah, Margaret, you smile. Margaret again smiled. The smile owned that she was thinking the same thing about obligations to Mrs. Rowland. Whatever you might have said to me this evening, continued Philip, if your regard for me has proved to me to have been quite overthrown if you had continued to despise me, as you must have done at times, I should still have blessed you all my life. I should have worshiped you as the being who opened a new world to me. You lifted me out of the life of trifling, of trifling which I thought very elegant at the time, trifling with my own time and faculties, trifling with something more serious still, I fear with their feelings. As far as I remember, I thought all this manly and refined enough, and but for you, I should have thought so still. You early opened my eyes to all the meanness and gross selfishness of such a life. And if you were never to let me see you again, I believe I could not fall back into the delusion, but if you will be the guide of my life. Margaret sighed deeply, even at this moment of vital happiness, her thoughts rested on her sister. She remembered what Hester's anticipations had been in prospect of having Edward for the guide of her life. I frighten you, I see, said Philip, with my confessions, but be the consequences what they may. I must speak, Margaret. If you despise me, I must do you the justice and give myself the consolation of acknowledging what I have been and what I owe to you. It is not that, said Margaret. Let the past go, let it be forgotten in reaching forward to better things, but do not let us be confident about the future. I have seen too much of that. We must not provide for disappointment. Let us leave it till it comes, surely, she added with a gentle smile. We have enough for the present. I cannot look forward yet. How you must have suffered, cried Philip, in a tone of grief. You have lost some of your confidence, love. You did not cling to the present and shrink from the future when, oh, it is bitter, even now to think that while I was working on, in hope and resolution, you were suffering here, making it a duty to extinguish your regard for me. All the time, toiling to deserve it, and there was no one to set us right, and the whole world in league to divide us. That is all over now, but not the consequences, Margaret. They have shaken you, but they have made you no doubt and fear. We have both changed, Philip. We are older, and I trust it will appear that we are wiser than we were. Yes, older, there are times in one's life when days do the work of years and our days have been of that kind. You have discovered a new life and my wishes and expectations are much altered. They may not be fewer or less bright, but they are very different. If they appear from fears, they are appear from fears. At this moment, I can fear nothing. We have been brought together by the unquestionable providence, which rules our lives, and this is enough. The present is all right, and the future, which is to come out of it, will be all right in it. I have no fear, but I do not want to anticipate. This hour with its satisfactions is all that I can bear. Notwithstanding this, and Philip's transport in learning it, they did go back again and again into the past, and many a glance did they cast into the future. There was no end to their revelations of the circumstances of the last two months and of the interior history which belonged to them. At last, the burning out of one of the candles startled them into recollection of how long their conversation had lasted and of the suspense in which Edward and Hester had not been kept. And thereby offered to go and tell them the fact which they must be anticipating, and after having agreed that no one else should know at present that Miss Bruce's name should be allowed to die out of dear-break speculations. For Mrs. Rowland's sake, before any other was put in its place, Philip left his Margaret and went into the breakfast room where his presence was not wholly unexpected. In five minutes, Margaret heard the hall door shut, and in another moment, her brother and sister came to her. Hester's face was all smiles and tears, her mind all tumulted with the vivid recollection of her own first hours of happy, hopeful love mingled with the griefs which always lay heavy within her. And with that warm attachment to her sister, with circumstances occasionally exalted into a passion, we ought to rejoice with nothing but joy, Margaret, said she, but I cannot see how we are to spare you. I do not believe I can live without you. Her husband started at this echo of the thoughts for which he was at the moment painfully rebuking himself. He had nothing to say, but gave his greeting in a brotherly kiss. Like that which he had offered on his marriage with her sister, and on his entrance upon his home. How quiet, how very quiet she has exclaimed Hester, and Margaret left the room. After a few words on the events of the evening and a calm good night, I hope it is all right. I hope she is quite satisfied. Satisfied is the words that her husband, people are quiet when they are relieved, calm when they are satisfied, people like Margaret. It is only great minds, I believe, which feel real satisfaction. Hester gave him pain by a deep sigh. She was thinking how seldom, and for how short a time, she had ever felt real satisfaction. And how often, and for how long, she asked, do great minds find themselves in that heaven? By the blessing of God, not seldom I trust, replied he, though not so often as, by obeying their nature, they might. Intellectual satisfaction is perhaps not for this world, except in a few of the inspired hours of the Newtons and the Bakons, who are sent to teach what the human intellect is, but as often as a great mind meets with full moral sympathy, as often as it is loved in return for love, as often as it confides itself unreservedly to the good power which besought its existence and appointed all its attributes. I imagine it must repose in satisfaction. The satisfaction ought to be no new feeling to Margaret, said Hester. She always loves everyone. She meets with sympathy wherever she turns, and I believe she has faith enough for a martyr without knowing it. Ought not she, must not she, have often felt real satisfaction? Yes, I wonder you dull out your words so sparingly about such a being as Margaret, said Hester, resentfully. I can tell you, Edward, though you take so coolly the privilege of having such a one so nearly connected with you, you might search the world in vain for her equal. You little know the wealth of her heart and soul, Edward. I ask you whether she does not deserve to feel full satisfaction of, conscience and affections, and you just answer yes with as much languor as if I had asked you whether the clock has struck eleven yet. I can tell you this, I have said in my own heart and just to Morris for years that the happiest man of his generation will be he who has Margaret for a wife. And here you, who ought to know this, gave me a grudging yes, in answer to the first question arising out of my reverence for Margaret that I ever asked you. You mistake me, replied Hope, in a tone of gentleness which touched her very soul. One's words may be restrained by reverence as well as by want of heart. I regard Margaret with a reverence which I should not have thought it necessary to put it into words for your conviction. Oh, I am wrong as I always am, cried Hester. You must forgive me again as you do far, far too often, but tell me, Edward, ought not Margaret's husband to be the happiest man living? Yes, said Edward with a smile. Will that do this time? Oh, yes, yes, replied she, the thought passing through her mind that whether or not her husband expected himself as a matter of course. She thought not, have asked a question to which she could not bear all possible answers. Even if he meant that Margaret's husband might be a happier man than himself. It was only too true, as quick as lightning these thoughts passed through her mind. And apparently, without a pause, she went on. And now, as to Enderby, is he worthy to be this happy husband? Does he deserve her? Mr. Hope did pause before he replied. I think we had better dwell as little as we can on that point of the story. Not because I'm afraid, do not take fright and suppose I mean more than I say. Not because I'm afraid, but because we can do nothing, discern nothing about it. Time must show what Enderby is, or rather, what he has the power of becoming. Meanwhile, the thing is settled. They love and have promised and are happy. Let us shun all comparison of the one with the other of them and hope everything from him. There will be some amusements that Hester, after smiling, reverie in having the secret to ourselves for a time while all the rest of Dearbrook is so busy with a different idea than expectation. How will Mrs. Rollin bear it? Mrs. Gray might have said that, said Hope, laughing. Well, but it is not true. Will it not be very amusing to see the circulation of stories about Miss Bruce, given from the best authority and to have all manner of news told us about Philip and to watch how Mrs. Rollin will get out of the scrape she is in? Surely, Edward, you are not above being amused with all this. I shall be best pleased when it is all over. I have lived some years longer than you and Dearbrook and have had more time to get tired of its mysteries and mistakes. For your comfort, then, it cannot be long before all is open and rightly understood. We need only leave, Mrs. Rollin, time to extriciate herself, I suppose. I wonder how she will manage it. We shall be taken by surprise with some clever device. I dare say it is a pity so much ingenuity should be wasted on mischief. End of Chapter 26 Chapter 27 of Dearbrook This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Dearbrook by Harriet Martinu, Chapter 27. A morning in March. Margaret was as calm as she appeared to be to a nature like hers. Blissful repose was congenial and anxiety both appeared and felt unnatural. In her there was no weak wonder that Providence had blessed her as she felt she was blessed. While she suffered, she concluded with certainty that the suffering was for some good purpose, but no degree of happiness took her by surprise or seemed other than a natural influence shed by the great parent into the souls of his children. She had of late been fairly shaken, not in her faith, but in her serenity. In a moment this experience appeared like a sick dream and her present certainty of being beloved spread its calm over her lately troubled spirit, somewhat as her nightly devotions had done from her childhood upwards. Even now, it was little that she thought of herself. Her recovered filled her mind. He who had been a stranger, who had been living in a world of which she could conceive nothing, who had suddenly vanished from her companionship, as if an earthquake had swallowed him up and who was now all her own again by her side and to be lived for. Amidst this security, this natural and delightful state of things that restless uneasiness, non-jealousy and now self-abasement, which she had called her own vanity and selfishness, disappeared and she felt like one who has escaped from the horrors of a feverish bed into the cool fragrant airs and the mild sunshine of the early morning. Anxiety soon arose, gentle doubts expressing themselves in soft sighs, which were so dear by the love from which they sprang that she would not have banished them if she could. Anxiety is less she should be insufficient for Philip's happiness, lest he should overrate the peace of home, which she now knew was not to be looked for in full measure there. Any more than in other scenes of human probation, gentle questionings like these there were, but they tended rather to preserve than to disturb her calmness of spirit. Misery had broken her sleep by night and constrained her conduct by day. Happy love restored her at once to her natural mood, lulling her to the deepest rest when she rested and rendering her free and self-possessed in all the employments and intercourses of life. There was one person who must not be kept waiting for this intelligence till Mrs. Rowland's return, as Margaret told Philip, and that was Maria. Philip's heart was now overflowing with kindness towards all whom Margaret loved and he spoke with strong interest of Maria, of her virtues, her misfortunes, and the grace and promise which one bloomed at her. You knew her before her misfortunes then? To be sure I did. That was the time when I did know her. For as you may perceive, there is not much opportunity now. And besides, she has totally changed, that I do not feel sure that I understand her feelings. I am too much in awe of them to approach her very nearly. Oh yes, I knew Maria young once, much better than I know her now. She never told me so, how very strange. Does she ever speak of any other circumstance of her prosperous days? That is true, only incidentally. Time was, said Philip, when some boyish dreams connected themselves with Maria young, only transiently and quite at the bottom of my own fancy. I never spoke of them to anyone before, nor fully acknowledged them to myself. She was the first sensible woman I ever knew, the first who conveyed to me any conception of what the moral nature of a woman may be. Under favorable circumstances, for this I am under great obligations to her. And this is all the feeling that I brought out of our intercourse. It might possibly have come to mo- but that I disliked her father excessively and left off going there on that account. What a selfish wretch I was in those days. I can hardly believe it now, but I distinctly remember rejoicing on hearing of her accident, that my esteem for her had not passed into a warmer feeling, as I should then have suffered so much on her account. Is it possible, cried Margaret, who in the midst of the unpleasant feeling excited by this fact, did not fail to remark to herself that there could have been no love in such a case? I ought, for my own sake, however, Margaret to say that Maria young had not the slightest knowledge of her influence over me, superficial and transient as it was. I never conveyed it to her by word or act, and I am thankful I did not, for this reason among many, that I am now perfectly free to show her all the kindness she deserves, both from her own merits and from her being a beloved friend of yours. Margaret had no doubt of Philip's full conviction of what he was saying, but he was far from certain that he was not mistaken, that looks and tones might not have communicated what words and acts had been forbidden to convey. She thought of Maria's silence about her former acquaintance with Philip, of her surprising knowledge of his thoughts and ways, betraying itself to a vigilant observer through the most trivial conversation and of her confession, that there had been an attachment to someone, and thinking of these things, her heart melted within her to her friend. She silently resolved upon the only method she could think of, to spare her feelings. She would write the news of this engagement, instead of going to tell it, as she had attended. She was confident that it would be no surprise to Maria, but Maria should have time and solitude in which to reconcile herself to it. What was to be done about Mrs. Underby? She had been told at once on Philip's arrival, that it was all a mistake about Miss Bruce, and she had appeared relieved when freed from the image of an unknown daughter-in-law. Philip and Margaret agreed that they must deny themselves the pleasure of revealing the rest of the truth to her, till it had been inflicted upon Mrs. Rowland. Mrs. Underby would never be able to keep it from the Greys, and she would be disturbed and alarmed in the expectations of the scene, when Mrs. Rowland should discover that her brother meant to choose his wife for himself, instead of taking one of her selection. Margaret must go and see his mother as often as possible, but her new interest in her old friend must be concealed for the present. How Margaret, motherless for so many years, felt her heart yearn towards the old lady who seemed to be everybody's charge, but whom she felt now to be a scared object of her care. The lovers immediately experienced some of the evils attended on concealment in the difficulty of meeting as freely as they wished. There was the breakfast room at Mr. Hope's for them, and by a little management on the part of brother and sister, a branching, often-country walks out of sight of the good people of Dearbrook. In company, too, they were always together and without awkwardness. True lovers do not want to talk together in company. They had rather not. It is enough to be in natural presence, and they have nothing to say at such times and prefer joining in what everybody else is saying. When Philip had once put a stop to all congratulations about Miss Bruce by earnestly and most respectfully, though gaily releasing that lady's name from all connection with his own, no further awkwardness remained. He treated the affair as one of the false reports, which are circulating every day, and left it for his sister to explain how she had been missled by it. It was amusing to the cornerhouse family to see that Mrs. Gray in Sophia insisted on believing that either Mr. Enderbay was a rejected lover of Miss Bruce's or that it had been an engagement which was now broken off or that it would soon be an engagement. The gay state of Enderbay's spirits accorded best with the latter self-position that this gaity might be assumed to cover his mortification. Margaret was daily made a listener to one or other of these suppositions. One bright, mild March day has turned Margaret were accompanying Philip to Mr. Rollins to call on Mrs. Enderbay when they met Mr. Rollins in the street, return the evening before from Sheltonham. Ladies, you're most obedient, said he, stopping up the path before them. I was on my way to call on you, but if you will step in to see Mrs. Enderbay, we can have our chat there. And he at once offered his arm to Margaret, bestowing a meeting smile on Hester as soon as they were fairly on their way. He entered at once on the compliments it had been his errand to pay, but spoke for himself alone. I did not write, said he, because I expected to deliver my good wishes in person so soon. But they are not the less hearty for being a little delayed. I find, however, that I am still beforehand with my neighbors, that even Mrs. Enderbay does not know, nor my partner's family, all in good time, but I am sorry for this mistake about the lady. I do not know where Mrs. Rawlin got her information, or what induced her to rely so implicitly upon it. All I can say is that I duly warned her to be sure of her news before she regularly announced it, but I believe such reports. Oftener, unfounded than true, have been the annoyance of young people ever since there has been marriage and giving in marriage. We have all suffered in our turn, though the case is not always so broad and one as this. Come, Mr. Phillip, what are you about? Standing there and keeping the lady standing, and I do believe you have not knocked. Our doors do not open of themselves, though it be to let in the most welcome guests in the world. Now, ladies, will you walk in? Phillip will prepare Mrs. Enderbay to expect you upstairs, and meanwhile, let me show you the long call we have in blow here. Today was so mild and the sun shone into the house so pleasantly that Mrs. Enderbay had been permitted to leave her chamber and establish herself for the day in the drawing room. There she was found in a flutter of pleasure at the change of scene. Matilda's cannery, saying in the sunshine, Phillip had filled the window with flowering plants for his mother with his hyacinths. The little graze had sent Mrs. Enderbay a bunch of violets. Phoebe had made bold while the gardener was at breakfast to abstract a bow from the almond tree on the grass and its pink blossoms now deck the mantelpiece. These things were almost too much for the old lady. Her black eyes looked rather too bright and her pale, thin face twitched when she spoke. She spoke about the goodness of everybody to her and said it was almost worthwhile being ever so ill to find one's self so kindly regarded. It rejoiced her to see her friends around her again in this way. It was quite a meeting of friends again. If only her dear Priscilla and the sweet children had been here it was a great drawback certainly their being away but she hoped they would soon be back. If they had been here there would have been nothing left to wish. Hester asked if Mr. Hope had visited her this morning. She had rather expected to meet him here and had brought something for him which he had wished very much to have. A letter from his brother in India. She was impatient till it was in his hands. Had he made his call or might she expect him presently? Mrs. Enderbay seemed to find difficulty in comprehending the question and then she could not recollect whether Mr. Hope had paid his visit this morning or not. She grew nervous at her own confusion of mind talked faster than ever and at last when the cannery sing out a sudden loud strain she burst into tears. We are too much for her said Hester. Let us go, we have been very wrong. Yes, go said Phillip and send Phoebe you will find your way into the garden and I will join you there presently. Roland, you will go with them. Margaret cast a beseeking look at Phillip and he gratefully permitted her to stay. Hester carried off the cannery Margaret drew down the blinds and then kneeled by Mrs. Enderbay soothing and speaking cheerfully to her while tears called up by a strange mixture of emotions were raining down her cheeks Phillip stood by the mantelpiece weeping without restraint the first time that Margaret had ever seen tears from him I am a silly old woman said Mrs. Enderbay half laughing in the midst of her sobs here comes Phoebe Phoebe I have been very silly and I hardly know what about I declare my dear she exclaimed as she felt tears dropped upon the hand which Margaret was chafing my dear Ms. Ibbitson oh call me Margaret but my dear I'm afraid there is something to matter after all that has happened oh dear no ma'am said Phoebe only we don't like to see you in this way there is nothing to matter I assure you said Margaret we were too much for you we tired you and we are very sorry that is all but the room will be kept quite quiet now and you will soon feel better I am better my dear thank you pray my dear rise to think of your kneeling to take care of me give me one kiss and I will rise said Margaret bending over her it was a hearty kiss which Mrs. Enderbay gave her for the old lady to put all her energy into it Margaret rose satisfied she felt as if she had been accepted for a daughter as soon as Mrs. Enderbay appeared disposed to shut her eyes and lie quiet Philip and Margaret withdrew to Phoebe's care arm in arm they sauntered about the walks till they came upon Hester and Mr. Rowland who were sitting in the sun under the shelter of an evergreen hedge have you heard nothing of my husband yet asked Hester I do wish he would come and read this letter from Frank her anxiety is purely disinterested said Margaret to Philip there can be nothing about her in that letter his greetings to her will come in the next Edward enjoys Frank's letters above everything observed Hester suppose you go in next door and we will send hope to you when he comes said Philip intending thus to set Mr. Rowland free to dismiss Hester and have Margaret to himself for a garden walk the greys are all out for the day observed Mr. Rowland my partner and all and this must be my excuse to you ladies for wishing you a good morning there is a lighter at the wharf down there whose landing waits for me I go said Philip we have detained you long enough we will find our way by some means into the greys grounds and amuse ourselves there if you will bid one of your people call us when hope comes we shall hear by the help of an overturned wheelbarrow and some activity a very little detriment to the hedge the ladies were presently landed on Mr. Gray's territories by common consent the three directed their steps toward the end of the green walk hence might be seen the prospect of which the sisters were never tired a purple and golden crocus peeped up here and there from the turf of this walk there was a wilderness of daffodils on either side the blossoms just bursting from their green sheaths the preerowinkle with its starry flowers and dark shining sprays overran the borders and the hedge which bounded on the walk was red with swollen buds as the gazers leaned on this closed clipped compact hedge they overlooked a wide extent of country they stood on a sort of terrace and below them was the field where the gray's pet animals were want to range the old pony trotted towards the terrace as if expecting notice Fanny's and Mary's lambs approached and looked up as awaiting something good Philip amused himself and them with odd noises but had nothing better for them and so they soon scampered off the pony throwing out his hind legs as if in indignation at his bad entertainment beyond this field the air of the village peeped out from the lanes and seemed to sit down to rest in the meadows so profound was the repose which they seemed to express the river wound quietly through the green level filling its channel and looking pearly under the light spring sky and behind it the woods up rose their softened masses and outlines prophesying of leafy summer shades near at hand as if alive with twitterings far off nature seemed to sleep and nothing was seen to move but the broadsail of a weary and a diminished figure of a man beside his horse bush harrowing in a distant green field Hester judged rightly that the lovers would like to have this seen to themselves and having surveyed it with that sigh of delight with which spring causes the heart to swell she softly stole away and sauntered down the green walk she proceeded till she reached the bench when she could gaze upon the grey old church tower rising between the intervening trees and at the same time overlook Mr. Rollins garden she had not sat many minutes before her husband leaped the hedge and bounded over the grass towards her what news cried he there is good news in your face there is good news in my bag I trust as she produced the large square epistle marked ship letter in those red characters which have a peculiar power of making the heart beat she did not wonder that her husband changed color as she held up the letter she knew that the arrival of news from Frank was a great event in life to Edward she glorified in being for the first time the medium through which this rare pleasure reached him and she longed to share for the first time the confidence of a brother Margaret had for some months reposed upon the possession of a brother she was now to have the same privilege she made room upon the bench for her husband and proposed to lose no time in reading the letter together but hope did not sit down though from his agitation she would have supposed him the glad of a seat he said he would read in the shrubbery and walk slowly away breaking the seal as he went as to his brother disconcerted but she suppressed her disappointment begged him to take advantage of the bench and herself retired into the orchard while he read his epistle there as she stood apparently amusing herself by the pond wiping away a tear or two which would have way she little imagined what agony her husband was enduring from this letter which she was supposing much make his heart overflow with pleasure the letter was half full of reply to Edward's account of Margaret in his epistle of last June a vallory about her of entreaty that Edward would give him such a sister-in-law and of imitations that nothing could be more apparent than that the whole rich treasure of his hearts love was Margaret's own hope so sickened as he rode with that deadly sickness which he had believed was past but last June with his delights and opening love was too suddenly and too vividly reawakened in his memory and imagination the Margaret of yesterday of last month he trusted he had arrived at regarding as a sister not so the Margaret of last summer in vain he repeated again and again to himself that he had expected this that he always knew it must come that this was the very thing and no more that he had been dreading for half a year past that it was over now that he ought to rejoice that he held in his hand the last witness and reminder of the mistake of his life in vain did he repeat to himself these reasonable things these satisfactory truths they did not still the throbbing of his brain or relieve the agony of his spirit the agony under which he could almost have cursed the hilarity of his brother as levity and his hearty affection as cruel mockery he recovered some breath and composure when he read the letter half of Frank's volume of communication and before he had finished it the sound of distant footsteps fell upon his excited ear he knew they were coming the three who would be full of expectation as to what he should have to tell them from India it was they walking very slowly as if waiting for the news come said he starting up and going to meet them now to the green walk we shall be quiet there and I will read you all about Frank he did read them all about Frank all the last half of the letter Hester hanging on his arm and Philip and Margaret listening as if they were taking in the share of family news when it was done and someone said it was time to be turning homewards hope disengaged his arm from Hester and ran off saying that he would report of Mrs. Underby to Mr. Rowland in the office and meet them before they should be out of the shrubbery he did so but he first took his way round by a fence which was undergoing the operation of touring thrust Frank's letter into the fire over which the tar was heating and saw every inch of it consumed before he proceeded when he regained his party Hester took his arm and turned once more towards the shrubbery saying we have plenty of time and I am not at all tired so now read me the rest my love I have read you all I can Hester stopped short and with flashing eyes whose fire was scarcely dimmed by her tears cried do you mean to give me no more my brothers is your wife my dear it is not my confidence it is Frank's and is not Frank my brother he is nothing to them he was not your brother when this letter was written nor did he know that he should ever be so consider this letter as one of old time as belonging to the antiquity of our separate lives I hope there will never be another letter from Frank or anybody else in the range of my professional affairs whose contents will not be as much yours as mine this must satisfy you now Hester for I can tell you no more this ought to satisfy you it does not satisfy me I never will be satisfied with giving all and having nothing in return I have given you all not a thought as there been in my heart about Margaret from the day we married that I have not imparted to you and so I believe it and I thank you for it and what is it to you to have a sister you who have always had sisters what is it to you in comparison with my longing to have a brother and now you make him no more mine than he is Margaret and Phillips he himself if he has the heart of a brother would cry out upon you for disappointing me I can allow you for your feelings Hester I have known too well what disappointment is not to feel for you but here the fault is not mine whose is it then it is to be charged upon Providence I suppose like most of our evils no Hester I charge it upon you the disappointment was unavoidable but the sting of it lies in yourself you are unreasonable it is at your own request that I remind you to be reasonable and when was that request made when I believe that you would hold me your friend that no others were to come near my place in your confidence that all you cared for was to be equally mine that your brother himself was to be my brother it was when you promised me these things that I put my conscience and my feelings into your charge all that is over you are as much alone in your own soul as ever as I am thrust out from it as if you were like other men oh she cried covering her face with her hands call me your housekeeper at once for I am not your wife and breathe not upon my conscience look not into my heart for what are they to you I reclaim from you as your servant the power I gave you over my soul when I suppose that was to be your wife now you must hear me Hester sit down for you cannot stand under the tempest of your own feelings now what are the facts out of which all this have arisen I have had a letter written before we were known to be engaged containing something which is confided to my honor we had both rather that such had not been the case would you now have me violate my honor let us have done the supposition is too ridiculous but the manner bleated Hester it is not curiosity about the letter I care nothing of it containing the affairs of 20 nations but oh your manner was cruel if you love me as you once did you cannot treat me exactly as you treat Margaret and Phillip you do not love me as you once did you do not answer me she continued in a tone of wretchedness hey do not answer me now it will not satisfy me to hear you say upon compulsion that you love me ah I had Margaret once and once I had you Phillip has taken my Margaret from me and if you despise me I will lie down and die fear not said hope with great solemnity while I live you shall be honored and have such rest as you will allow to your own heart do not see that you have now been disturbing me not I you shall I begin to question whether you love me could you complain of injustice if I did when you have been tempting my honor insulting my trust in you and wounding my soul is this the love you imagine I cannot estimate in return this is madness Hester rouse yourself from it waken up the most generous part of yourself in need of it all oh God what do you intend consider again before you break my heart if you mean to say that we must Edward forgive me Edward I mean to say that we must support each other under troubles of God sending instead of creating woes of our own support each other thank heaven I see how your spirit rouses itself at the first sound of threatening from without I knew it would rough and trying times are coming love and I must have your support trouble is coming daily and hourly annoyance and no end of it that I can see and poverty perhaps instead of the ease to which we look forward when you married me I do not ask you whether you can bear these things for I know you can I shall look to you to help me to keep my temper are you not mocking me doubtfully whispered Hester no my love her husband replied looking calmly in her face I know you to be a friend made for adversity let it come then exclaimed she and she felt herself on threshold of a new life in which all the past might yet be redeemed they soon rejoined Margaret and went home to relate and to hear what new threats the day had disclosed end of chapter 27 part 1 of chapter 28 of Dearbrook this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Linda Andrus Dearbrook by Harriet Martinot chapter 28 part 1 Dearbrook Commotions among many vague threats there was one pretty definite menace which had encountered hope from various quarters of late by whose agency and by what means he did not know but he apprehended a design to supplant him in his practice there was something more meant than that Mr. Foster from Blickley appeared from time to time in the village Hope imagined that there was a looking forward to somebody else as soon as they appeared and keep death at a distance from Dearbrook it seemed to be among the poor people chiefly that such an expectation prevailed Philip was sure that Mr. Rowland knew nothing of it nor Mrs. Enderby Mr. Gray when spoken to did not believe it but would quietly and discreetly inquire Mrs. Gray was sure that the Dearbrook people would not venture to discontent all together anyone who had married into their connections so decidedly her young folks were to hear nothing of the matter as it would not do to propagate an idea which might bring about its own accomplishment at the Alms houses today the threat had been spoken plainly enough and Hope had found his visit there a very unpleasant one it had been wholly disagreeable when within a mile and a half of the houses a stone had been thrown at him from behind a hedge it narrowly missed him a little further on there was another from the opposite side of the road this indication was not to be mistaken Hope leaped his horse over a gate and rode about the field to discover who had attacked him for some time he could see no one but on looking more closely to the fence he saw signs in one part that hedging was going on as he approached the spot he looked up from the ditch and was suddenly very busy at his work he looked stupid and denied having thrown any stones but admitted that there was nobody else in the field that he knew of further on more stones were thrown it was evidently a conspiracy but Hope could find no one to call to account for it but an old woman in one case and two boys in another as he rode up to the Alms houses the aged inmates came out to their doors or looked from their fanciful gothic windows with every indication of displeasure in their faces and manner the old women shook their heads at him and summed their fists the old men shook their sticks at him he stopped to speak to one man of 83 who was sitting in the sun at his door but he could get no answer out of him nothing but growls about the doctor being a pretty doctor not to have mended his patient's eyesight yet not a bit better could he see now than he could a year ago with all the doctoring he had had and now the gentleman would not try anything more a pretty doctor indeed but it would not be long before there would be another who would cure poor people's eyes as if they were rich and poor people's eyes were as precious to them as rich people's he next went into a house where an aged woman was confined to bed with rheumatism but her gossip stopped him in the middle of the room and would not let him approach her for fear he should be her death as she had been lying awake the night before she had heard her deceased husband's shoes dance of their own accord in the closet and this was a sign that something was going to happen to somebody she thought of the doctor at the time and prayed that he might be kept from coming near her for she knew he would be the death of her somehow as he had been of other folks so Hope was obliged to leave her and her rheumatism to the gossips the particular object of his visit to the place today however was a little girl a grandchild of one of the pensioners admitted by special favor into the establishment this girl had smallpox and her case was a severe one Hope was admitted with unwillingness even to her and was obliged to assume his ultimate degree of preemptoriness of manner with her nurses he found her muffled up about the head with flannel and with the slice of fat bacon folded in the flannel tied about her throat a means considered a specific for smallpox in some regions the discarding of the flannel and bacon of course caused great offense and there was but too much reason for all his directions as to the management of the girl would be observed by contraries the moment his back was turned he had long ago found explanation and argument to be useless all that he could do was to declare authoritatively that if his directions were not followed the girl would die and her death would lie at the door of her nurses that in that case her daughter would be ill after her but that if he was obeyed he trusted she might get through and nobody else be the worse almost before he was out of the house another slice of fat bacon was cut and the flannels put to the fire to heat again Hope mounted his horse to depart just at the hour when the laborers were at their dinners in all the cottages around they poured out to stare at him some shouting that they should not have him long to look at as they would get a better doctor soon some sent their dogs yelping at the horses heels and others vented wrath or jokes about churchyards soon after he had left the noise behind him he met Sir William Hunter riding attended by his groom Hope stopped him making it his apology that Sir William might aid in saving the life of a patient in whom he was much interested he told the story of the smallpox of the rural method of treating it which he had to contend and proposed that Sir William should use his influence in securing for the patient a fair chance of her life Sir William listened coolly would certainly call at the alms houses and make inquiry but did not like to interfere with the notions of the people there made a point indeed of leaving them pretty much to their own ways owned that it would be a pity if she really might be got through would call therefore and inquire and see whether Lady Hunter could not send down anything from the hall he smiled rather incredulously when assured that it was not anything that could be sent down from the hall that was wanted by the patient but only the use of the fresh air that was about her and the observance of her doctor's simple directions Sir William next began to make his horse fidget and Hope took the hint this has been my business with you at present said he at some more convenient time I should be glad of a little conversation with you on other matters connected with the alms houses Sir William Hunter bowed put spurs to his horse and galloped off as if life or death depended on his reaching the hall in three minutes and a half these hints of another doctor a better doctor a new man that Hope in other directions Mrs. Howell was once quoted as the whisperer of the fact and the milleners young lady was known to have speculated on whether the new doctor would prove to be a single man no one turned away from such gossip with more indifference than Hope but it came to him in the form of inquiries which he was supposed best able to answer he now told Hester of the mall warned her of the probable advent of a rival practitioner and at the same time urged upon her a close economy in the management of the house as his funds were rapidly failing if his practice continued to fall off as it was now doing he scarcely saw how they were to keep up their present mode of living it grieved him extremely to have to say this to his wife in their very first year of their marriage he had hoped to have put larger means in her power from year to year but her present he owned his way was far from being clear they had already descended to having no prospect at all for all this Hester cared little she had never known the pinchings of poverty any more than the embarrassments of wealth she could not conceive of such a thing as being very anxious about what they should eat and what they should drink and wherewith they should be closed and more narrowly at her own imaginations of poverty she would perhaps have discovered on the visionary table always a delicate dish for her husband in the wardrobe always sleek black coat and in his waiting room a clear fire in winter while the rest of the picture was made up of bread and vegetables and shabby gowns for herself and devices to keep herself warm without burning fuel rather amused than alarmed with anticipations of this sort of poverty it was certainly not poverty that she dreaded a more serious question was how she could bear to see her husband supplanted and in the eyes of others disgraced this question the husband and wife now often asked each other and always concluded by agreeing the time must show the girl at the alms houses in a fortnight some pains were taken to conceal from the doctor the time in the precise spot of her burial points which the doctor never thought of inquiring about and of which it was therefore easy to keep him in ignorance a few of the neighboring cottagers agreed to watch the grave for ten nights to save the body from the designs of evil surgeons one of the watchers reported after the seventh night that he had plainly heard a horse on the road and that he rather thought it stopped opposite the churchyard he had raised himself up and coughed aloud and that was no doubt the reason why nobody came the horse must have turned back and gone away whoever might be with it this put the people on the watch and on the eighth night two men walked about the churchyard they had to tell that they once thought they had caught the doctor in the fact and it stood to see what would come of it they could see very well for it had dawned some time a person came through the turnstile with a sack which seemed to leave his intentions in no doubt they hid themselves behind two opposite trees and both sprang out upon him at once but it was only the miller's boy on his way to the mill on the ninth and tenth nights nothing happened the neighbors began to feel the want of their regular sleep and the quarrelous grandmother who seemed more angry that they meant to leave the poor girl's body to itself now than pleased that it had been watched at all was compelled to put up with the assurances that doctors were considered to wish to cut up bodies within the first ten days if at all and were not apt to meddle with them afterwards it was full three weeks from this time when hope was sent for to the alms houses after a longer interval than he had ever known to elapse without the old folks having some complaint to make the inmate who is now ill was the least aged and the least ignorant and unreasonable person in the establishment he was grateful to hope for having restored him from a former illness and, though now much shaken in confidence, had enough remaining to desire extremely to see his old friend when he found himself ill and in pain his neighbors wondered at him about his poor destruction by putting himself again into the hands of the suspicious doctor but he said he could have no ease in his mind and was sure he would never get well till he saw the gentleman's face again and he engaged in acquaintance to go to Dearbrook and summon him this acquaintance spread the fact of his errand along the road as he went and, therefore, though hope took care to choose his time so as not to ride past the cottage doors while the laborers were at dinner his visit was not more private or agreeable than on the preceding occasion the first symptom of his being expected on the road was that Sir William Hunter riding as before with his groom behind him fell in with hope evidently by design Sir William Hunter's visit to the alms-houses had produced the effect of making him acquainted with the discontents of the people and had afforded him a good opportunity of listening to their complaints to their surgeon without being troubled with the answers since the election he had been eager to hear whatever could be said against hope whose vote, given contrary to Sir William's example and influence was regarded by the baronet as an unpardonable impertinence so you lost your patient down there I find, said Sir William rudely the girl slipped through your fingers after all however I did my duty by you I told the people they ought to allow you a fair chance I requested your interference on the girl's account and not on my own, said Hope but as you allude to my position among these people you will allow me to ask as I have for some time intended whether you are aware of the treatment to which I am subjected in your neighborhood and among your dependents I find you are not very popular hereabouts indeed, Sir replied the baronet with a half smile which was there immediately reflected in the face of the groom with your leave we will have our conversation to ourselves said Hope the baronet directed his groom to ride on slowly Hope continued the extreme ignorance of the country people has caused some absurd stories to me to be circulated and believed if those who are not in the state of extreme ignorance will do me justice and give me as you say a fair chance I have no fear but that I shall live down Calumnes and by perseverance in my professional duty recover the station I lately held here this justice, this fair chance I claim, Sir William from all who have the intelligence to understand the case and rightly observe my conduct I have done my best in the service of these pensioners of yours and excuse my saying that I must be protected in the discharge of my duty I, there's the thing, Mr. Hope that can't be done, you see if the people do not like you why then the only thing is for you to stay away then what is to become of the sick I, there's the thing, Mr. Hope if they do not like one you see why then they must try another that is what we have been thinking now if you take my advice you will not go forward today you will repent it if you do depend upon it they do not like you, Mr. Hope I need no convincing of that you do not seem disposed to stir, Sir William to improve the state of things so I will go and try what I can do by myself I advise you not, Sir Mr. Hope, shouted Sir William as Hope rode rapidly forward take care what you are about they do not want to see you again the consequences may be serious and this man is a magistrate and he fancies himself my patron, thought Hope as he rode on he wants me to throw up the appointment but I will not till I see the world creatures can be consigned to care as good as my own if he chooses to dismiss me he may though we can ill afford the loss just now for one moment he had thought of turning back as Sir William's caution had seemed to foretell some personal risk in proceeding but the remembrance of Hester's parting look inspired him afresh instead of the quarrelous anxiety which had formally harassed him from its groundlessness and apparent selfishness he was now in anxiety worthy of the occasion that flushed her cheek so far from in treating him to remain with her she had bitten him to go where his duty led him she had calculated the probable length of his absence and the watch was laid on the table as formerly but she had used the utmost expedition in sewing on the ring of his umbrella and had kissed her hand to him from the window with a smile he would not return to her without having charged his errand she might be a soldier or sailor's wife after all, thought he the hours of his absence were indeed very anxious ones to the family at home for nearly two hours the sisters amused themselves in one another as well as they could but it was a great relief when Philip came in he would not believe anything they said however about their reasons for fear it was nonsense it was dear brook talk that a dozen old men and women at almost a hundred years of peace due to hope and the country people, the laborers round they had their own business to attend to they would just swear an oath at him and let him pass and if they ventured to lay a finger on his bridle hope knew how to use his whip he would come home and get his dinner and be very dull they would see from having nothing to tell before Philip had finished his picture of the old dining they might expect Morris entered and shut the door before she came forward to the table and spoke she said she did not like to make mysteries out of fear of frightening people and she hoped there would be nothing to be really afraid of now but if Mr. Enderby thought he could contrive to meet her master out on the road and get him to leave his horse somewhere and come walking home by turnstile lane she thought it would be best and save some bad language at least Charles had brought in word that people angry people were gathering at the other end of the street and her master could quite disappoint them by coming home on foot the back way how many angry people were there and what sort of people they were mostly countrymen out of the places round more of those than of Dearbrook folks there were good many of them so many as nearly to block up the street at one part if the ladies would step up into the boys attic they would see something of what was going on from the little window there without being seen Philip snatched his hat and said he would soon bring them news he hoped they would go up to the attic and amuse themselves with the show for a mere show it would end in being he was confident he observed however that it would be as well to keep Charles at home in case as was possible of a messenger being wanted he would soon be back Charles was called up into the drawing room and questioned never before having been of so much importance he was very grand in his statements and made the most of all he had to say still however it was a story which no telling could have made other than an unpleasant one some of the people who had come in from the country had pitchforks two or three of the shopkeepers had put up their shutters many strangers were in the churchyard peeping about the new graves and others had set scouts on the road to give notice when master was coming Mrs. Plumstead was very busy scolding the people all round but it did not do any good for they only laughed at her you may go Charles but do not set foot out of the house till you are bid said Hester when she found the boy had told all he knew and perhaps something more has left the room with him in order to keep her eye on him oh Margaret this is very terrible said Hester most disagreeable we must allow something for Charles way of telling the story but yet is there anything we can do Hester Mr. Gray will surely be here presently do you not think so either he or Mr. Rowland no doubt Dr. Levitt is a magistrate and he is so deep in his sermon he could not be made to understand and believe till it would be too late do you go up to the attic Margaret and I will keep the hall door I shall hear his horse sooner than anyone and I shall stand ready to open to him in an instant hark now it was only the boy with the post bags trotting slowly to Mrs. Plumstead's amusing himself by the way with observations on the unusual animation of Dearbrook it is too soon yet by half an hour said Margaret he cannot possibly be here for this half hour I think do not wear yourself out with the standing in the halls so long I must just say one thing love I fear all kinds of danger less for Edward than for almost anyone else in the world he does always what is most simple and right and I think he could melt anybody's heart if he tried thank you said Hester I agree and trust with you but what hearts have these people or how can you get at them through such ads but yet he will triumph I feel when Margaret went upstairs to the attic window Hester moved a chair into the hall softly opened the window a little to facilitate her hearing whatever passed outside and took her seat by it listening intently there was soon but too much to listen to shuffling feet multiplied about the door and some of the grumbling voices seemed to come from men who had stationed themselves on the steps Hester rose and with the utmost care to avoid noise put up the chain of the house door while she was doing this Morris came from the kitchen for the same purpose she feared there was an intention to surround the house she wished her master would keep away for a few hours at least she could not think where all the gentlemen of the place were that they did not come and see after her young ladies before the words were uttered there was a loud rap at the door Morris made her mistress keep back while she found out who it was before letting down the chain Hester knew it was not her husband's knock and it turned out to be Mr. Gray's Margaret came flying down and they all exclaimed how glad they were to see him I wish I could do you any good said he but this is really a sad business my dears have you heard anything sir nothing about your husband Enderby made me tell you that he has gone out to meet him and to stir up Sir William Hunter who may be said to be the cause of all this in as much as he never attempted to stop the discontent when he might but that unlucky vote my dear that was much to be deplored no use casting that up now surely observed Morris yes Morris there is said her mistress it gives me an opportunity of saying that I glory in the vote and I would have my husband give it again today if he had to pass through Yonder crowd to go up to the pole my dear remonstrated Mr. Gray be prudent do not urge your husband on into danger he knows he has him enough without and you see what comes of it but I am here to say that my wife hopes you and Margaret will retire to our house if you can get round without bringing any of these troublesome people with you we think you might slip out from the surgery and along the lane and through the Rowland's garden door and over the hedge which they tell me you managed to climb one day lately for pleasure by this way you might reach our house without anyone being the wiser on no account whatever said Hester I shall not leave home under any circumstances you are very kind said Margaret but we are expecting my brother every moment but he will follow you by the same road end of section one Chapter 28 Part 2 of Chapter 28 of Dearbrook by Harriet Martinot Chapter 28 Part 2 Both wife and sister were sure he would do no such thing they thought the kindest thing Mr. Gray could do would be to go out the back way and see that the Constable was kept up to his duty and the Constable would be to go out the back way and see that the Constable was kept up to his duty he promised to do so and that he would speak to Dr. Leavitt to have some of Gray and Rowland's men sworn in as special Constables if such a measure should appear to be desirable I do not know how to believe all this now said Margaret it seems so causeless and ridiculous in Birmingham we could never have given credit to the story of for such a riot about nothing Morris was not sure of this in large towns there were riots sometimes for very small matters or on account of entire mistakes she had always heard that one of the worst things about living in a village is that when the people once get a wrong idea into their heads there is no getting it out again and that they will even be violent upon it against all reason but such things she knew to happen occasionally in towns another knock and Hester's heart turned as sick at there being no news of her husband Mr. Rowland had every expectation of course that Mr. Hope would be quite safe and that this would turn out a disturbance the very slight consequence but he would just ask whether it would not be advisable to close the window shutters if stones should find their way into the parlors it might be disagreeable to the ladies there was no doubt of that but would not closing the shutters be a hint to the people outside to throw stones? well perhaps so he only thought he would offer the suggestion and see if he could be of any service to the ladies Morris go up to the attic and watch and Margaret do you stay here? yes Mr. Rowland said Hester fixing her glorious eyes full on him you can be of service to us if my husband outlives this day you ought to pray that he may for if not it is your wife who has murdered him Mr. Rowland turned his pale as ashes we know well that you have no share in all this injury we believe that you respect my husband and have friendly feelings towards us all I will spare you what I might say but Mrs. Rowland should sink to the earth to hear if she were standing where you stand I look upon you as no enemy you do me only justice said Mr. Rowland leaning upon the chair which Hester had brought for herself I wish to do you justice and therefore I warn you that if you do not procure complete protection for my husband not only for this day but for the future if you do not cause your wife to retract her slanders stop Mrs. Hope this is going too far said Mr. Rowland drawing himself up and putting on an air of offended dignity it is not going too far you cannot you dare not pretend to be offended with what I say when you know that my noble husband has been injured in his character and his prospects attacked in his domestic peace and now exposed to peril of his life by the falsehoods your wife has told I tell you that we do not impute her crimes to you if this is justice you will prove it by doing your full duty to my husband if you decline any part of this duty if you countenance her slanders if you shrink from my husband's side in whatever we may have to go through if you do not either compel your wife to do us right or do it yourself in opposition to her you are her partner in guilt as well as in life and lot consider what a situation you place me in but what would you have me do I would have you see that every false charge she has brought is retracted every vile insinuation recanted you must make her say everywhere that my husband has not stolen dead bodies that he is not a plotter against the peace and order of society that he has not poisoned a child by mistake or cut off a sound limb for the sake of practice and amusement your wife has said all these things and you know it and you must make her contradict them all consider what a situation you place me in said Mr. Rowland again be generous Hester said Margaret do not trample on a wretched man cried Mr. Rowland covering his face with his hands consider be generous exclaimed Hester in a softened tone I might well say consider what a situation my husband is placed in and that I must see justice done to him before I can be generous to others but I have such a husband that I can afford to spare the wretched and be generous to the humbled go now and do your duty by us and the next time you hear your wife say that we do not love and are not happy tell her that if we forebear to crush her it is because we are too strong for her too strong in heart however weak in fortunes because we are strong in a peace which she cannot poison love which she will never understand even at a moment like this and while feeling that she could not have said the things that Hester said Margaret's eyes swam in tears of joy here was her sister in a moment of that high excitement when nothing but truth ventures upon utterance acknowledging herself blessed in peace which could not be poisoned and love which the vile could not understand the day whatever might be its events was worth enduring for this Mr. Rowland walked once or twice up and down the hall wiped his brows and then evidently unable to endure Hester's presence said he would let himself out and there await Mr. Hope's arrival or anything else that might occur oh would he ever come it seemed to Hester like a week since she had given him his umbrella and seen him right away Hark! Surely this must be it certainly was his horse this time yes there was Morris calling from the stairs that her master was fighting his way down the street there was Charles giving notice that the crowd was running round from the back to the front of the house there was the noise among the people outside the groaning, the cries now ma'am said Morris breathless with the haste she had made down the stairs Morris supposed her mistress would softly let down the chain opened the door just wide enough for Hope to slip in and shut, bolt and chain it again this was what Hester had intended but her mood was changed she made the servants all step out of sight and then threw the door a wide open going forth herself upon the steps the people had closed round Hope's horse but Philip was pushing his in between the mob and their object and riding round and round him with a sort of ludicrous gravity which lowered the tone of the whole affair to Margaret's mind and gave her great relief Mr. Rowland was shaking hands with Hope with one hand and holding the bridle of the uneasy horse with the other Hope himself was bespattered with mud from head to foot and his umbrella was broken to pieces he nodded cheerfully to Hester when she threw open the door when she held out her hand to him with a smile as he ascended the steps the noise of the crowd was suddenly hushed they understood rather more of what they saw than of anything that could be said to them they allowed Charles to come out and lead the horse away round the corner to the stable they stood stock still, gaping and staring while Hope invited Mr. Rowland in and Mr. Rowland declined entering while that gentleman shook hands with the ladies spoke with Mr. Enderby mounted Mr. Enderby's horse and rode off they saw Phillip turn slowly into the house with the family party and the door closed before they thought of giving another groan well, love? said Hester, looking anxiously at her husband you made good battle, said Phillip yes, I had a pretty hard fight of it from the toll-bar hither said Hope, stretching vigorously they wrenched my whip out of my hand five hands to one, but then I had my umbrella I broke it to pieces with wrapping their knuckles which are hard as their pates observed Phillip what are we to do next? if they do not disperse presently I will go and speak to them but I dare say they have had enough of the show for today Mrs. Plumstead must have satisfied them with her oratory that poor woman's face and voice will haunt me when I have forgotten all the rest one had almost rather have her against one that such screaming should be on one's behalf now, my love, how has the morning gone with you? very pleasantly I would say for it from her looks said Phillip and Hester's face was certainly full of the beauty of happiness thank God the morning is over that is all I have to say about it replied she surely those people outside are growing more noisy observed Margaret I must change my clothes in case of its being necessary to speak to them said Hope I look too like a victim at present while he and Hester were out of the room Phillip told Margaret how her brother had been treated at the alms houses he had narrowly escaped being pulled from his horse and thrown into the pond he had been followed half way to Dearbrook by a crowd throwing stones and shrieking and just when he had got beyond the reach he had met Phillip and learned that he had the same thing to go through at the other extremity of his journey finding that both of his doors were surrounded he had judged at best to make for the front coming home as nearly as possible in his usual manner he had kept his temper admirably joking with his detainers while dealing his blows upon their hands where will all this end? cried Margaret with some going to dinner and others to supper I imagine replied Phillip stepping to the window from what I see that seems likely to be the upshot for here is Sir William Hunter talking to the people I had rather he should do it than Hope and Margaret I had rather set my mischievous sister to do it than either this uproar is all of her making I am afraid Hester has been telling Mr. Rowland so this morning I'm glad of it he must help me to work upon her fears if there is nothing better left to operate upon you will not succeed said Margaret your sister is a strong heroine in one direction as mine is in another she shall yield however she may be thankful that she is not here today if she was I would have her out upon the steps and make her retract everything and if she should not be able to speak I would stand by her and say it for her oh Phillip what a horrible idea not half so horrible as the mischief she has done why Margaret if you were one tenth as part as guilty as Priscilla is I should require you to make reparation indeed I hope you would or rather that but do not let us conjure up such dreadful images my Margaret you never wronged anyone and you never will Edward never did I am sure said Margaret not even by poisoning children or cutting off looms for sport are you quite sure love what is Sir William doing here with only his groom he and the people look at high good humor with each other with all the shaking of hands and nodding and laughing I cannot conceive what he can be saying to them for there are not three faces among the whole array that look as if they belong to rational creatures never mind said Margaret if what he says sends them away I care for nothing else about it oh but I do one would like to be favored with a specimen of this kind of rural oratory I ought to benefit by all the oratory that comes in my way you know so I shall just open the window and inch or two now he is drawing hither word and take a lesson it seemed as if Sir William Hunter desired that his powers of persuasion should be expended on none but the immediate objects of them for whatever he said was spoken as he bent from his horse and with the air of a mystery many a plump red face was thrust close up to his many a pair of round staring eyes was puckered up with mirth as he spoke the teamster in his olive colored smock the hedger in his shirts sleeves and the little bumpkins who had snatched a holiday from scaring the crows all seemed by their delight to be capable of entering into the baronette's method of argumentation all this stimulated Philip's curiosity to learn what was the speechifying tended to he could catch only a few words and those were about a new man teach him to take himself off all bad things come to an end new state of things soon Philip was afraid there was treachery here Margaret had no other expectation from the man the tyrannical politician who bore a grudge against a neighbor he used his constitutional liberty according to his conscience some spectacle now drew the attention of the crowd another way it was Lady Hunter in her chariot and graze steadily pacing through the village she had heard that there was some commotion in Deerbrook and as sights are rare in the country she thought she would venture to come to the village to shop rather than wait for Sir William's account of the affair in the evening over their wine and oranges and before he had dropped off into his nap she rightly confided in the people that they would respect her chariot and graze and allow her to pass amidst them in safety and honor she had never seen a person mobbed here was a good opportunity it was even possible that she might catch a glimpse of the ladies in their terrors at all events she should be a great person and see and hear a great deal so she would go the orders were given that she should be driven quickly up to the milestone beyond the toll-bar and then very slowly through Deerbrook to Mrs. Howells her servants were prompt for they too long to see what was going forward and thus they arrived finding a nice little mob ready made to their expectations and no cause of regret but that they arrived too late to see Mr. Hope get home there were no ladies in terror within sight and there was the affecting spectacle of Sir William's popularity in full view of all the mob Lady Hunter put a corner of her embroidered handkerchief to each eye unwitnessing the affection of his neighbors to her husband shown by the final shaking of hands which was now gone through Sir William then rode slowly up to the carriage door followed by his groom who touched his hat orders were given to drive on and then Lady Hunter's servants touched their hats the carriage resumed its slow motion and Sir William rode beside it his hand on the door and his countenance saw him as if he was on the bench instead of on horseback the great blessing of the arrangement was that everybody followed Lady Hunter having come to see the mob the mob now in return went to see Lady Hunter and while they were cherishing their mutual interest the family in the corner house were left in peace to prosecute their dinners Philip threw up the window which looked into the garden and then ran down to bring Margaret some flowers to refresh her senses after the hurry of the morning Margaret let down the chain of the hall door and Morris laid the cloth as she had sent Charles to sweep down the steps and pavement before the house that all things might wear as much as possible their usual appearance Hester ordered up a bottle of her husband's best ale and the servants went about with something of the air peculiar to a day of frolic Dear heart, Lady Hunter, can it be your ladyship? exclaimed Mrs. Howell venturing to show her face at the door of her darkened shop and to make free entrance of her most exalted customer Good heavens, your ladyship, who would have thought of seeing your ladyship here on such a day? cried Miss Miskin Where's Bob, Miss Miskin? Do, Miss Miskin, send Bob to take down the shutters That is, if your ladyship thinks that Sir William would recommend it if Sir William thinks it is safe, that is my criterion I hope we are all safe now, Mrs. Howell, replied the lady Sir William's popularity is the most fortunate circumstance for us all and for the place at large O dear your ladyship, what should we be not to estimate Sir William? We have our faults like other people But really, if we did not know how to value Sir William Thank heavens, said Miss Miskin, we have not fallen so low as that Now your ladyship can see a little of our goings on Now the shutters are down But dear heart, your ladyship would not have wondered at our putting them up I am sure I thought, for my part, that that middle shutter would never have gone up It stuck your ladyship Oh! cried Mrs. Howell, putting her hands before her face As if the recollection was even now too much for her The middle shutter stuck Bob had got it awry and jammed it between the other two and there Nothing that Bob could do would move it And there we heard all the noise, the distance, the cries your ladyship And the shutter would not go up And Miss Miskin ran out and so did I Did you really? Well, I must say I admire your courage, Mrs. Howell Oh, your ladyship, in a moment of desperation, you know If anybody had seen Miss Miskin's face I'm sure, as she tugged at the shutter, it was as red, really scarlet And I'm sure so was yours, Mrs. Howell, downright crimson And after all, resumed Mrs. Howell We should never have got the shutter up If Mr. Tucker had not had the politeness to come and help us But we are talking all this time Perhaps your ladyship may be almost fainting with the fright Would not your ladyship step into my parlour and have a little drop of something? Let me have the honour A glass of malt port, wine, or a drop of cherry bounce Miss Miskin, you will oblige us, the cherry bounce, you know Miss Miskin received the keys from the girdle with a smile of readiness But Lady Hunter declined refreshment She explained that she felt more collected than she might otherwise have done From her not having been taken by surprise She had been partly aware before she left the hall Of what she should have to encounter Dear heart, what courage! Goodness, how brave! I could not be satisfied to remain safe at the hall, you know When I did not know what might be happening to Sir William So I ordered the carriage and came It was a very anxious ride, I assure you, Mrs. Howell But I found, when I got here, that I need not have been under any alarm for Sir William He has made himself so beloved that I believe we have nothing to fear for him under any circumstances But what can we thank, Mrs. Howell, of those who try to create such danger? What indeed, ma'am? Anyone, I am sure, who would so much as dream of hurting a hair of Sir William's head As I said to Miss Miskin, when Mr. Tucker told us Sir William was coming among them That's the criterion, said I As it happens Sir William is in no danger, I believe But no thanks to those who are at the bottom of this disturbance It is no merit of theirs that Sir William is so popular No indeed, your ladyship, we may thank heaven for that, not them But what is to be done, your ladyship, I declare it is not safe to go on in this way It makes one think of being burnt in one's bed And all three shuttered Sir William will take the right measures, you need not doubt Mrs. Howell, Sir William looks forward Sir William is very cautious, though, from his intrepidity, some might doubt The safety of Dearbrook may very well be left to Sir William No doubt, your ladyship, no doubt We should be really afraid to go to our beds if we had not, Sir William to rely on As Miss Miskin had said to me only this morning But, dear heart, what can Sir William or an angel from heaven do in some sorts of dangers? If one might ask for one's confidential satisfaction, what does Sir William think of this affair Of the church door?