g to people who had travelled but little. Hester had
had to get out of the carriage twice; and once she had walked a mile,
when the driver had been uncertain about the road; but as Mrs Grey had
had the foresight to cause a pair of snow boots to be put into the
carriage at the last moment, no harm had happened,--not even to the
wetting of feet; only enough inconvenience to make them glad to be now
by their snug fireside. Hester was full of mirth and anecdote. She
seemed to have been pleased with everybody and awake to everything. As
her sister looked upon her brow, now open as a sleeping child's, upon
the thick curl of glossy brown hair, and upon the bright smile which
lighted up her exquisite face, she was amazed at herself for having
perplexed such an image with apprehensive fancies.

How had Margaret spent her week? Above all, it was to be hoped she had
not fatigued herself in their service. There were four days' grace yet
for preparation, before they should receive their company. Margaret
should not have worked so hard. Had Maria Young come yesterday? Dear
Maria! she must often come. Should not the Greys be asked to dine in a
quiet way, before any one else was admitted into the house? Was it not
due to them? But could the footboy wait at table? Would it be possible
to bring him into such training as would prevent Mrs Grey's being too
much shocked at their way of getting through dinner? Or was there any
one in Deerbrook who went out as a waiter? Morris must be consulted;
but they must have the Greys to dinner before Monday. How was Mrs
Enderby? Was her illness really thought serious, or was it only Mrs
Rowland's way of talking, which was just the same, whether Mrs Enderby
had a twinge of rheumatism or one of her frightful attacks? Was Mr
Enderby coming?--that was the chief point. If he did not appear, it was
certain that he could not be feeling uneasy about his mother. Margaret
blushed when she replied that she had not heard of Mr Enderby's being
expected. She could not but blush; for the conversation with Maria came
full into her mind. Mr Hope saw the blush, and painfully wondered that
it sent trouble through his soul.

How were Morris and the new maid likely to agree? Did Morris think the
girl promising? Surely it was time to take some notice of the servants.
Edward would ring the bell twice, the signal for Morris; and Morris
should introduce the other two into the parlour. They came, Morris