et, with a half-smile, which was immediately reflected in the face
of the groom.

"With your leave, we will have our conversation to ourselves," said
Hope.

The baronet directed his groom to ride on slowly. Hope continued:

"The extreme ignorance of the country people has caused some absurd
stories against me to be circulated and believed. If those who are not
in this state of extreme ignorance will do me justice, and give me, as
you say, a fair chance, I have no fear but that I shall live down
calumnies, and, by perseverance in my professional duty, recover the
station I lately held here. This justice, this fair chance, I claim,
Sir William, from all who have the intelligence to understand the case,
and rightly observe my conduct. I have done my best in the service of
these pensioners of yours; and excuse my saying that I must be protected
in the discharge of my duty."

"Ay, there's the thing, Mr Hope. That can't be done, you see. If the
people do not like you, why then the only thing is for you to stay
away."

"Then what is to become of the sick?"

"Ay, there's the thing, Mr Hope. If they do not like one, you see, why
then they must try another. That is what we have been thinking. Now,
if you take my advice, you will not go forward to-day. You will repent
it if you do, depend upon it. They do not like you, Mr Hope."

"I need no convincing of that. You do not seem disposed to stir, Sir
William, to improve the state of things; so I will go and try what I can
do by myself."

"I advise you not, sir.--Mr Hope!" shouted Sir William, as Hope rode
rapidly forward, "take care what you are about. They do not want to see
you again. The consequences may be serious."

"And this man is a magistrate, and he fancies himself my patron!"
thought Hope, as he rode on. "He wants me to throw up the appointment;
but I will not, till I see that the poor old creatures can be consigned
to care as good as my own. If he chooses to dismiss me, he may, though
we can ill afford the loss just now."

For one moment he had thought of turning back, as Sir William's caution
had seemed to foretell some personal risk in proceeding; but the
remembrance of Hester's parting look inspired him afresh. Instead of
the querulous anxiety which had formerly harassed him from its
groundlessness and apparent selfishness, it was now an anxiety worthy of
the occasion that flushed her cheek. So far from entreating him to
remain with her, s