others fair play.

At the next knock, Hester started, thereby showing that she was moved.
Mr Jones had called to know how the family were; and, after satisfying
himself on this point, had left a delicate sweetbread, with his
respects, and wishes that Mrs Hope might relish it after her fright.
This incident gave the little family more pleasure than Mr Walcot had
yet caused them pain. Here was sympathy,--the most acceptable offering
they could receive.

Next came a message of inquiry from Dr and Mrs Levitt, with an
intimation that they would call, if not inconvenient to the family,
after church. This was pleasant too.

While it was being agreed that a nurse must be found immediately for
Maria, and that the glazier at Blickley must have notice to send people
to mend the windows as early as possible to-morrow morning, a letter was
brought in, which looked longer, but less grand, than Sir William
Hunter's. It was from Mr Rowland.

"(Private.)

"My Dear Sir, _Sunday Morning, 7 o'clock_.

"During the greater part of an anxious night, my mind was full of the
intention of calling on you this morning, for some conversation on a
topic which must be discussed between us; but the more I dwell upon
what must be said, the more I shrink from an interview which cannot
but be extremely painful to each party; and I have at length come to
the conclusion that, for both our sakes, it is best to write what I
have to say. It is painful enough, God knows, to write it!

"Your position here, my dear sir, must have been anything but pleasant
for some time past. I regret that its uneasiness should have been
augmented, as I fear it has, by the influence of any one connected
with myself. My respect for you has been as undeviating as it is
sincere; and I have not to reproach myself with having uttered a word
concerning you or your family which I should be unwilling to repeat to
yourselves: but I am aware that the same cannot be said, with regard
to every one for whom I am in a manner answerable. In relation to
this unpleasant fact I can only say, that I entreat you to accept the
assurance of my deep regret and mortification.

"A new aspect of affairs has presented itself,--to me very suddenly,
as I trust you will believe, on my word of honour. A gentleman of
your profession, named Walcot, arrived last night, with a view to
settling in Deerbrook. The first inducement held out to him was th