h other. I hardly understand it,
trusting as I have ever done in the generosity of the poor, and having
always before seen my faith justified. The apathy of some, and the
selfish terrors of others, are worse to witness than the disease
itself."

"How can you wonder," said Dr Levitt, "when they have such an example
before their eyes in certain of their neighbours, to whom they are
accustomed to look up? Sir William Hunter and his lady are enough to
paralyse the morals of the whole parish at a time like this. Do not you
know the plan they go upon? They keep their outer gates locked, lest
any one from the village should set foot within their grounds; every
article left at the lodge for the use of the family is fumigated before
it is admitted into the house: and it is generally understood that
neither the gentleman nor the lady will leave the estate, in any
emergency whatever, till the disease has entirely passed away. Our poor
are not to have the solace of their presence even in church, during this
time of peril, when the face of the prosperous is like light in a dark
place. Sir William makes it no secret that they would have left home
altogether, if they could have hoped to be safer anywhere else--if they
could have gone anywhere without danger of meeting the fever."

"If the fact had not been," said Hester, "as Mrs Howell states it, that
the epidemic prevails partially everywhere."

"There is a case where Lady Hunter's example immediately operates,"
observed Dr Levitt. "If Lady Hunter had not forgotten herself in her
duty, Mrs Howell would have given the benefit of her good offices to
some whom she might have served; for she is really a kind-hearted woman:
but she is struck with a panic because Lady Hunter is, and one cannot
get a word with her or Miss Miskin."

"I saw that her shutters were nearly closed," observed Margaret. "I
supposed she had lost some relation."

"No: she is only trying to shut out the fever. She and Miss Miskin are
afraid of the milkman, and each tries to put upon the other the peril of
serving a customer. This panic will destroy us if it spreads."

The sisters looked at each other, and in one glance exchanged agreement
that the time was fully come for them to act abroad, let what would
become of their home comforts.

"I ought to add, however," said Dr Levitt, "that Sir William Hunter has
supplied my poor's purse with money very liberally. I spend his money
as freely as my own at