ve been strange if he had then, before Sydney and the
servants."

"Very strange indeed."

"But do you not think he must have been struck with her? I should like
very well to have her settled here; and the corner-house of Mr
Rowland's might do nicely for them. I do not know what Mrs Rowland
would think of Mr Hope's marrying into our connection so decidedly."

"My dear," said her husband, smiling, "just consider! For anything we
know, these young ladies may both be attached and engaged. Hope may be
attached elsewhere--."

"No; that I will answer for it he is not. I--"

"Well, you may have your reasons for being sure on that head. But he
may not like the girls; they may not like him:--in short, the only thing
that has happened is, that they have seen each other for one quarter of
an hour."

"Well! there is no saying what may come of it."

"Very true: let us wait and see."

"But there is no harm in my telling you whatever comes into my head!"

"None in the world, unless you get it so fixed there that somebody else
happens to know it too. Be careful, my dear. Let no one of these young
people get a glimpse of your speculation. Think of the consequence to
them and to yourself."

"Dear me, Mr Grey! you need not be afraid. What a serious matter you
make of a word or two!"

"Because a good many ideas belong to that word or two, my dear."

CHAPTER TWO.

MOONLIGHT TO TOWNSFOLK.

The moment the door closed behind Sophia, as she left the sisters in
their apartment, Hester crossed the room with a step very like a dance,
and threw up the window.

"I had rather look out than sleep," said she. "I shall be ashamed to
close my eyes on such a prospect. Morris, if you are waiting for us,
you may go. I shall sit up a long while yet."

Morris thought she had not seen Hester in such spirits since her
father's death. She was unwilling to check them, but said something
about the fatigues of the journey, and being fresh for the next day.

"No fear for to-morrow, Morris. We are in the country, you know, and I
cannot fancy being tired in the fields, and in such a park as that.
Good-night, Morris."

When she too was gone, Hester called Margaret to her, put her arm round
her waist, and kissed her again and again.

"You seem happy to-night, Hester," said Margaret's gentle voice.

"Yes," sighed Hester; "more like being happy than for a long time past.
How little we know what we shall feel! Here have I been d