ood nurses--former patients of his own: but something might be
wanted; and orders had been left by Mr Grey that application should be
made to his house for whatever could be of service: so Mrs Grey could
not think of leaving home. Mr Grey would make inquiry at the farmhouse
as the party went by to the woods: and he would just turn his horse back
in the middle of the day, to inquire again: and thus the Rowlands' party
would know more of Mr Hope's state than those who remained at home.
Having explained, Mrs Grey quitted the room, somewhat disappointed that
Hester had received the disclosure so well.

The moment the door was closed, Hester sank forward on the bed, her face
hidden, but her trembling betraying her emotion.

"I feared this," said Margaret, looking mournfully at her sister.

"You feared what?" asked Hester, quickly, looking up.

"I feared that some accident had happened to Mr Hope."

"So did I."

"And if," said Margaret, "I feared something else--Nay, Hester, you must
let me speak. We must have no concealments, Hester. You and I are
alone in the world, and we must comfort each other. We agreed to this.
Why should you be ashamed of what you feel? I believe that you have a
stronger interest in this misfortune than any one in the world; and
why--"

"How do you mean, a stronger interest?" asked Hester, trying to command
her voice. "Tell me what you mean, Margaret."

"I mean," said Margaret, steadily, "that no one is so much attached to
Mr Hope as you are."

"I think," said Margaret, after a pause, "that Mr Hope has a high
respect and strong regard for you." She paused again, and then added,
"If I believed anything more, I would tell you."

When Hester could speak again, she said, gently and humbly, "I assure
you, Margaret, I never knew the state of my own mind till this last
night. If I had been aware--"

"If you had been aware, you would have been unlike all who ever really
loved, if people say true. Now that you have become aware, you will act
as you _can_ act--nobly--righteously. You will struggle with your
feelings till your mind grows calm. Peace will come in time."

"Do you think there is no hope?"

"Consider his state."

"But if he should recover? Oh, Margaret, how wicked all this is! While
he lies there, we are grieving about me! What a selfish wretch I am!"

Margaret had nothing to reply, there seemed so much truth in this. Even
she reproached herself with being exclusivel