said Ben, as soon as he could make himself heard,
"we are in a bad place here, as the storm seems thickening this way. We
had best get from under the trees, for all the hail."

"Do so, Ben; and make haste."

When the first boat was brought a little out into the stream, in order
to clear it of the flags, Margaret became aware that Philip was gazing
earnestly at her from the other boat. She alone of the ladies had sat
with face upraised, watching the advance of the storm. She alone,
perhaps, of all the company, had enjoyed it with pure relish. It had
animated her mind, and restored her to herself. When she saw Philip
leaning back on his elbow, almost over the edge of the boat, to
contemplate her, she returned his gaze with such an expression of
mournful wonder and composed sorrow, as moved him to draw his hat over
his eyes, and resolve to look no more.

The storm abated, but did not cease. Rain succeeded to hail, lightning
still hovered in the air, and thunder continued to growl afar off. But
the umbrellas could now be kept up, and the ladies escaped with a slight
wetting.

Before the party dispersed from the wharf Hope sought Philip, and had a
few moments' conversation with him, the object of which was to agree
upon further discourse on the morrow. Hope and Margaret then
accompanied Maria to her lodging, and walked thence silently home.

Hester was on the watch for them--a little anxious lest they should have
suffered from the storm, and ready with some reflections on the
liabilities of parties of pleasure; but yet blithe and beaming. Her
countenance fell when she saw her sister's pale face.

"Margaret! how you look!" cried she. "Cold, wet, and weary: and ill,
too, I am sure."

"Cold, wet, and weary," Margaret admitted. "Let me make haste to bed.
And do you make tea for Edward, and send some up to me. Good-night! I
cannot talk now. Edward will tell you."

"Tell me what?" Hester asked her husband, when she found that Margaret
had really rather have no attendance.

"That Margaret is unhappy, love, from some misunderstanding with
Enderby. Some busy devil--I have no doubt the same that has caused so
much mischief already--has come between him and Margaret."

He then told the story of Philip's sudden appearance, and his conduct
throughout the day, omitting all hint that any conversation with himself
had taken place. He hoped, in conclusion, that all would be cleared up,
and the mutual faith of the