Miss Margaret, sir?"

"Yes."

"I am sure, sir, you look more fit to sit here than to be gathering
apples with them all in the orchard. Did you say Miss Margaret, sir?"

"Yes."

"Whatever else may be in Morris's mind," thought Hope, "it is clear that
she is surprised at my wanting to see Margaret.--Here she comes."

He was not sorry that the step paused in the hall,--that there was a
delay of some seconds before Margaret appeared. He felt as weak at the
moment as on first rising from his bed after his accident; but he
rallied his resolution before he met her eye,--now timid and shrinking
as he had never seen it before. Margaret was very grave, and as nearly
awkward as it was possible for her to be. She shook hands with him,
however, and hoped that he was better again.

"I am better, thank you. Will you sit down, and let me speak to you for
a few minutes?"

It was impossible to refuse. Margaret sank down, while he shut the
door.

"I hear," said he, "that you are already thinking of returning to
Birmingham. Is this true?"

"Yes: we shall go home in a few days."

"Then, before you leave us, will you allow me to ask your advice--?"

At the word "advice" a glow of pleasure passed over Margaret's face, and
she could not quite suppress a sigh of relief. She now looked up freely
and fearlessly. All this was good for Mr Hope: but it went to his
heart, and for a moment checked his speech. He soon proceeded, however.

"I want your advice as a friend, and also some information which you
alone can give me. What I have to say relates to your sister."

Margaret's ecstasy of hope was scarcely controllable. For her sister's
sake she hung her head upon her bosom, the better to conceal her joy.
It was a bitter moment for him who could not but note and rightly
interpret the change in her countenance and manner.

"I wish to know, if you have no objection to tell me, whether your
sister is disengaged."

"I have no objection to say," declared Margaret, looking up cheerfully,
"that my sister is not engaged."

"That is the information I wished for. Now for the opinion which I
venture to ask of you, as of the one to whom your sister's mind is best
known. Do you believe that, if I attempt it, I am likely to win her?"

Margaret was silent. It was difficult to answer the question with
perfect truth, and with due consideration to her sister.

"I see," said Hope, "that you do not approve my question: nor do I
myse