d not have happened but for your having married into our
connection so decidedly. But this intruder has been thought, and talked
about, by us more than he is worth. I want to hear all you can tell me
about the riot, Hester, love. Your husband has been giving me some idea
of it, but... Bless me! there is the first bell for church; and I ought
to have been at Miss Young's by this time. We must have the whole
story, some day soon; and, indeed, Sophia would quarrel with me for
hearing it when she is not by. Where is Sydney?"

Sydney and Margaret were in the garden, consulting about its
restoration. Sydney declared he would come and work at it every day
till it was cleared and planted. He would begin to-morrow with the
cairn for the rock-plants.

"I am glad the Levitts are to call after church," observed Mrs Grey.
"They always do what is proper, I must say; and not less towards
dissenters than their own people. I suppose Dr Levitt will consult
with you about the damages."

"Sooner or later, I have no doubt."

"Come, Sydney, we must be gone. You hear the bell. Sophia will be
quite revived by what I shall tell her, my dears. No--do not come out
to the door--I will not allow it, on my account. There is no knowing
what I might have to answer for, if you let yourself be seen at the door
on my account. I am sorry you will not come in this evening. Are you
quite determined? Well, perhaps Mr Grey will say you are right not to
leave your premises in the evening, at present. No; you must not say
anything about _our_ coming just now. We have not courage, really, for
that. Now hold your tongue, Sydney. It is out of the question--your
being out of our sight after dark. Good morning, my love."

As soon as Charles returned home, after having delivered the letter into
Mr Rowland's own hands, Mr Hope gathered his family together, for
their Sunday worship. The servants entered the room with countenances
full of the melancholy which they concluded, notwithstanding all
evidence to the contrary, that their master and mistress must be
experiencing: but, when service was over, they retired with the feeling
that the family-worship had never been more gladsome.

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

KEEPING SUNDAY.

Mr Enderby was in the churchyard when the congregation poured out from
the porch. Group after group walked away, and he saw no signs of the
party he was waiting for. Mrs Rowland lingered in the aisle, with the
intent