no use in saying
anything about it. I must have a word with my daughter before we
embark. Sophia, my dear! Sophia!"

Sophia came, and Margaret overheard her father say to her, that every
person present was his guest, and to be treated with the civility and
attention due to him as such. Sophia looked rather sulky at hearing
this, and walked far away from Mr Walcot to devote herself to Miss
Anderson.

By dint of sending a messenger to Dr Levitt's a quarter of an hour
before the time, his presence was secured a quarter of an hour after it.
He made his usual approach--looking bland and gentlemanly, and fearing
he was late.

The party were ordered into the boats as if they had been going to
dinner. Mr Walcot was appointed to hand Margaret in; but he showed,
amidst great simplicity, an entire determination to be Sophia's
companion. Hope was approaching Maria's seat, to give her his arm, when
some bustle was heard at the gate where the little Rowlands were
clustered.

"There is my partner! He will go with us, after all," said Mr Grey.
"Come, my dear sir, we have plenty of room."

"So much the better for my brother-in-law. You have room for Enderby,
have you? He will be delighted to join you, I have no doubt. Room for
me too? I really think I must indulge myself. Yes; Enderby took us
quite by surprise this morning: but that is his way, you know."

Philip here, and without notice! Margaret thought she was dreaming the
words she heard. She felt much oppressed--as if there must be something
wrong in so sudden and strange a proceeding. At the very moment of
suspense, she caught Mrs Grey's eye fixed upon her with the saddest
expression she thought she had ever seen.

Philip was come--it was no dream. He was presently in the midst of the
party, making his compliments--compliments paid to Margaret in a manner
scarcely different in the eyes of others from those which were shared by
all: but to her, a world of wonder and of horror was revealed by the
glance of the eye and the quiver of the lip, too slight to be detected
by any eye less intently fixed than hers. Margaret stood alone, as the
others were stepping into the boats; but Philip did not approach her.
He interfered between Hope and Maria Young. Maria looked agitated and
uncertain; but she thought she had no right to cause any delay or
difficulty; and she took his arm, though she felt herself unable to
conceal her trembling. Hope saw that Margaret was