re up well under any observation that she might suppose
herself the object of; but Margaret saw how laboriously she strove, and
in vain, to eat; how welcome was the glass of wine; how mechanical her
singing after dinner; and how impatient she was of sitting still. The
strangest thing was to see her walking in a dim glade, in the afternoon,
arm-in-arm with Mrs Rowland,--as if in the most confidential
conversation,--Mrs Rowland apparently offering the confidence, and
Hester receiving it.

"Look at them!" said Mr Enderby. "Who would believe that my sister
prohibited solitary walks and _tete-a-tetes_, only three hours ago, on
the ground that every one ought to be sociable to-day? I shall go and
break up the conference."

"Pray do not," said Margaret. "Let them forget rules, and pass their
time as they like best."

"Oh! but here is news of Hope. Mr Grey has now brought word that he is
no worse. I begin to think he may get through, which, God knows I had
no idea of this morning."

"Do you really think so? But do not tell other people, unless you are
quite confident that you really mean what you say."

"I may be wrong, of course: but I do think the chances improve with
every hour that he does not get worse; and he is certainly not worse. I
have a strong presentiment that he will struggle through."

"Go, then; and tell as many people as you choose: only make them
understand how much is presentiment."

The _tete-a-tete_ between the ladies, being broken off by Mr Enderby
with his tidings, was not renewed. Hester walked beside Miss Young's
pony, her cheek flushed, and her eye bright. Margaret thought there was
pride underneath, and not merely the excitement of renewed hope, so
feeble as that hope must yet be, and so nearly crushed by suspense.

Before the hour fixed for the carriages to be in readiness, the party
had given up all pretence of amusing themselves and each other. They
sat on a ridge, watching the spot where the vehicles were to assemble;
and message after message was sent to the servants, to desire them to
make haste. The general wish seemed to be, to be getting home, though
the sun was yet some way from its setting. When the first sound of
wheels was heard, Hester whispered to her sister--"I cannot be in the
same carriage with that woman. No; you must not either. I cannot now
tell you why. I dare say Miss Young would take my place, and let me go
with the children in the waggon."

"I will do