more,
beseech your best attention to my proposal,--_the latter particulars
of which have been confided to no person whatever_,--nor shall they
be, under any circumstances, unless you desire it.

"I shall await your reply with anxiety--yet with patience, as I am
aware that such a step as I propose cannot be decided on without some
reflection.

"I rejoice to find that your family have not suffered materially from
the outrages of last night. It was matter of sincere regret to me
that the unexpected arrival of my family at the very time prevented my
hastening to offer my best services to you and yours. The magistracy
will, of course, repair all damages; and then I trust no evil
consequences will survive.

"I beg my best compliments to Mrs Hope and Miss Ibbotson, and entreat
you to believe me, my dear sir,

"With the highest respect,

"Your obedient servant,

"H. Rowland."

For one moment Hester looked up in her husband's face, as he read this
letter in a subdued voice--for one moment she hoped he would make haste
to live elsewhere--in some place where he would again be honoured as he
once was here, and where all might be bright and promising as ever: but
that moment's gaze at her husband changed her thoughts and wishes. Her
colour rose with the same feelings which drew a deep seriousness over
his countenance.

"Mr Rowland means well," said Margaret; "but surely this will never
do."

"I hardly know what you would consider meaning well," replied Hope.
"Rowland would buy himself out of an affair which he has not the courage
to manage by nobler means. He would give hush-money for the concealment
of his wife's offences. He would bribe me from the assertion of my own
character, and would, for his private ends, stop the working out of the
question between Deerbrook and me. This is, to my mind, the real aspect
of his proposal, however persuaded he himself may be that he intends
peace to his neighbours, and justice to me. This letter," he continued,
waving it before him, "is worthy only of the fire, where I would put it
this moment, but that I suppose prudence requires that we should retain
in our own hands all evidence whatever relating to the present state of
our affairs."

"I do not exactly see what is to become of us," said Hester, cheerfully.

"Nor do I, love: but is not all the world in the same condition? How
much does the millionaire know of what is to intervene betwe