d that it
was generally considered that there was nobody in Deerbrook to compare
with the family in the corner-house--the Hopes and Miss Ibbotson. From
this moment, the _tete-a-tete_ became animated; the speakers alternated
rapidly and regularly; for every virtue in a Rowland there was a noble
quality in a Hope; for every accomplishment in Matilda and Anna, there
was a grace in "our dear Mr Hope" or "our sweet Hester." Fanny and
Mary listened with some amusement to what they heard on either side of
their pair of low stools. As sure as they were desired particularly to
avoid any subject with the Rowlands, they knew that their mother would
presently be in the midst of it. The prohibition showed that her mind
was full of it: and whatever her mind was full of was poured out upon
Mrs Rowland. The two ladies were presently deep in the riot, and
almost at high words about Miss Young. The girls looked at each other,
and strove to keep the corners of their mouths in order. In the midst
of the conflict of sentiment on these two subjects, Mrs Rowland's ear
caught what Sophia was saying--that there was one person in the same
house with Mr Walcot who properly estimated the Hopes--Mr Enderby, who
was engaged to Margaret Ibbotson. While Mr Walcot was carefully
explaining that Mr Enderby was not in the same house, Mr Enderby
having a bed at his mother's house still, though that house was already
preparing for the reception of himself, its new tenant, Mrs Rowland
leaned forward with her most satirical air, and begged to assure Miss
Grey that she had been misinformed--that what she had just been saying
was a mistake.

Sophia looked at her mother in absolute terror, lest they should have
adopted a joke of her father's for earnest. But Mrs Grey was positive.
Mrs Rowland laughed more and more provokingly: Mrs Grey grew more and
more angry; and at last sent the little girls to see whether their
father was at home, that he might bear his testimony. He came; and in
reply to his astonishment about what she could mean, Mrs Rowland said
that she did not deny that there was some present entanglement; but that
she warned Margaret's connections not to suppose that her brother would
ever be married to Miss Ibbotson. Mr Grey observed that time would
show, and inquired after Mrs Enderby. The report of her was very
flattering indeed. She was to be quite well now soon. Mr Walcot's
opinion of her case was precisely what Mrs Rowland had alway