not on her
lips. The moment she casts an evil eye on her, I shall speak to
Rowland; which I had much rather avoid. It would be delicious, too, to
be _her_ protector, without her knowing it,--to watch over her as she
walks in her bright innocence,--to shield her--but from whom? From my
own sister? No! no! better keep her out of suspicion: better let it
pass that it is really Hester. Hester has plenty of friends to stand by
her. The Greys are so proud of her beauty, they have no eyes or ears
but for her. People who meddle with concerns they have no business
with, are strangely blind,--they make odd mistakes, from running away
with notions of their own, prepared beforehand. Here is everybody
determined that we shall all fall in love with Hester. Priscilla has
jumped to her conclusion at once,--perhaps in emulation of Mrs Grey.
Mrs Grey has clearly given Hester to Hope, in her own mind. I rather
think Hope would be obliged to her if she would not show so plainly what
is in her thoughts. I fear so,--I may be jealous,--but I am afraid Hope
and I are too much of the same mind about these girls. I will stand up
for Mrs Grey, as long as I live, if she proves right here. She shall
wink and nod for evermore, and I will justify her, if Hope turns out to
be in love with Hester. I will be the first to congratulate him, if he
succeeds with her: and really he would be a happy fellow. She is a
lovely creature; and how she will love whenever she does love! She
would be a devoted wife. Why cannot he see the matter so, and leave my
Margaret to me? Now, how will she look up as I go in?"

His vision of Margaret's looks remained a vision. No one was in the
schoolroom but Miss Young, writing a letter.

"They are not here!" said Mr Enderby.

"No; they are gone with Mrs Grey into the village, I believe."

"Oh, well, I only came for my hat. You are in the children's secret, of
course, Miss Young?"

"About their feast. Yes, I believe I know all about it."

"I am going to ask some important questions for them at the
confectioner's. You will not object to my bringing them a few good
things?"

"I? Oh, no."

"I would not act in so serious a matter without asking you. Can I be of
any use to you in the village? Or perhaps you may want some pens mended
before I go?"

"No, I thank you."

"Then I will not interrupt your letter any longer. Good morning."

It was a wonder that the letter was written at all. When Maria