t or a folly to leave your own happiness and that of
another person in needless uncertainty."

Mr Hope changed colour, quite to the extent of her wishes.

"I know," continued she, "that your illness has put a stop to
everything; and that it has left you little nerve for any explanation of
the kind: but you are growing stronger every day now, and the case is
becoming so serious on the other side that I own I dread the
consequences of much further delay. You see I speak openly."

She had every encouragement to do so, for Mr Hope's countenance was
flushed with what appeared to her to be delight. "You observed,
yourself, you know, that Hester did not look well; and indeed the few
weeks after your accident were so trying to her,--the exertions she made
to conceal her feelings were so--. But I must spare her delicacy. I
trust you are quite assured that she has not the most remote idea of my
speaking to you thus. Indeed, no human being is in the least aware of
it."

"Hester! Miss Ibbotson! Pray, Mrs Grey, do not say another word. Let
us talk of something else."

"Presently; when I have finished. You must have seen that I love this
dear girl as a daughter; and there is not a thought of her heart that
she can conceal from me, though her delicacy is so great that I am
confident she thinks me unaware of her state of mind at this moment.
But I saw how the affair was going from the very beginning; and the
failure of her health and looks since your accident have left me no
doubt whatever, and have made me feel it my duty to give you the
encouragement your modesty requires, and to confide to you how wholly
her happiness lies in your hands."

"Hester! Miss Ibbotson! I assure you, Mrs Grey, you must be
completely mistaken."

"I beg your pardon: I am not so easily mistaken as some people. There
is Mrs Rowland, now! I am sure she fancies that her brother is in love
with Hester, when it is plain to everybody but herself that he and my
other young cousin are coming to a conclusion as fast as need be.
However, I know you do not like to hear me find fault with Mrs Rowland;
and, besides, I have no right to tell Margaret's secrets; so we will say
no more about that."

Mr Hope sighed heavily. These remarks upon Enderby and Margaret
accorded but too well with his own observations. He could not let Mrs
Grey proceed without opposition; but all he was capable of was to repeat
that she was entirely mistaken.

"Yes, that is