rs could be long kept
secret, even where the best reasons for secrecy existed. About Hester's
engagement there was no reason whatever for concealment; and it was
accordingly made known to every one in Deerbrook in the course of the
next day.--Margaret shut herself up with Maria before breakfast, and
enjoyed an hour of hearty sympathy from her, in the first place. As
they were both aware that this communication was a little out of
order,--Mr and Mrs Grey having a clear title to the earliest
information,--Maria had to be discreet for nearly three hours--till she
heard the news from another quarter.

Immediately after breakfast, Mr Hope called on Mr Grey at the office,
and informed him. Mr Grey stepped home, and found Margaret
enlightening his wife. Sophia was next called in, while Morris was
closeted with her young ladies. Sophia burst breathless into the
summer-house to tell Miss Young, which she did in whispers so loud as to
be overheard by the children. Matilda immediately found she had left
her slate-pencil behind her, and ran into the house to give her mamma
the news, just at the moment that Mr Grey was relating it to his
partner in the office. On returning, Sophia found her mother putting on
her bonnet, having remembered that it was quite time she should be
stepping across the way to hear how poor Mrs Enderby was, after the
thunder-storm of three days ago. This reminded Sophia that she ought to
be inquiring about the worsteds which Mrs Howell must have got down
from London by this time, to finish Mrs Grey's rug. Mrs Grey could
not trust her eyes to match shades of worsteds; and Sophia now set out
with great alacrity to oblige her mother by doing it for her. On the
way she met Dr Levitt, about to enter the house of a sick parishioner.
Dr Levitt hoped all at home were well. All very well, indeed, Sophia
was obliged to him. Her only fear was that the excitement of present
circumstances might be too much for mamma. Mamma was so very much
attached to cousin Hester, and it would be such a delightful thing to
have her settled beside them! Perhaps Dr Levitt had not heard that
Hester and Mr Hope were going to be married. No, indeed, he had not.
He wondered his friend Hope had not told him of his good fortune, of
which he heartily wished him joy. How long had this happy affair been
settled? Not long, he fancied? Not very long; and perhaps Mr Hope did
not consider that it was quite made public yet: but Sophia