ll were
summoned, and they were compelled to join the groups who were converging
from copse, brook, poultry-yard, and cloister, towards the green before
the farmhouse, where, after all, the long tea-table was spread.

The reason of Hope's anxiety to consign Sophia to Mr Walcot's charge
was, that he saw Enderby pacing the aisle alone with rapid steps, his
face hung with gloom as deep as darkened the walls about him.

"Enderby, are you mad?" cried Hope, hastening in to him.

"I believe I am. As you are aware, no man has better cause."

"I wait your explanation. Till I have it, your conduct is a perfect
mystery. To Margaret, or to me for her, you must explain yourself, and
that immediately. In the mean time, I do not know how to address you--
how to judge you."

"Then Mrs Grey has not told you of our conversation of this morning?"

"No," said Hope, his heart suddenly failing him.

"The whole dreadful story has become known to me; and I am thankful that
it is revealed before it is too late. My sister is sometimes right,
however she may be often wrong. She has done me a cruel kindness now.
I know all, Hope;--how you loved Margaret;--how, when it was too late,
you discovered that Margaret loved you;--how, when I burst in upon you
and her, she was (Oh, why did I ever see her again?) she was learning
from you the absurd resolution which Mrs Grey had been urging upon you,
by working upon your false sense of honour--a sense of honour of which I
am to have none of the benefit, since, after marrying the one sister out
of compassion and to please Mrs Grey, you turn the other over to me--
innocent in soul and conscience, I know, but no longer with virgin
affections--you give her to me for your mutual security and
consolation."

"Enderby! you _are_ mad," cried Hope, his strength being roused by this
extent of accusation from the depression caused by the mixture of truth
in the dreadful words Philip had just spoken. "But mad, deluded, or
wicked--however you may have been wrought into this state of mind, there
are two things which must be said on the instant, and regarded by you in
all coming time. These charges, as they relate to myself, had better be
spoken of at another opportunity, and when you are in a calmer state of
mind: but meanwhile I, as a husband, forbid you to speak lightly of my
beloved and honoured wife: and I also charge you, as you revere the
purity of Margaret's soul--of the innocent soul and conscience