ous encouragement of his project.

"I ought to rejoice--I do rejoice at this," thought he. "It seems as if
everyone else would be made happy by this affair. It must have been my
own doing; there must have been that in my manner and conduct which
authorised all this expectation and satisfaction,--an expectation and
satisfaction which prove to be no fancy of Mrs Grey's. I have brought
upon myself the charge of Hester's happiness. She is a noble woman,
bound to me by all that can engage my honour, my generosity, my
affection. She shall be happy from this day, if my most entire devotion
can make her so. Margaret loves Enderby: I am glad I know it. I made
him dreadfully jealous just now; I must relieve him as soon as possible.
I do not know how far matters may have gone between them; but Margaret
is not at liberty to explain what he saw till I have spoken to Hester.
There must be no delay: I will do it this evening. I cannot bring
myself to communicate with Mrs Grey. If Mr Grey is at home, he will
make the opportunity for me."

Mr Grey was at home, and on the alert to take a hint. "I guessed how
it was," said he. "Margaret has been trying to keep down her spirits,
but not a child among them all flew about the orchard as she did, when
Mr Enderby had been to look for her, and she followed him back. I
thought at first it was something on her own account; but Enderby looked
too dull and sulky for that. I have no doubt he is jealous of you. He
found you together, did he? Well, he will soon know why, I trust. Oh,
you have a hearty well-wisher in Margaret, I am sure! Now, you see they
are setting Sophia down to the piano; and I think I can find for you the
opportunity you want, if you really wish to bring the business to a
conclusion this evening. I will call Hester out to take a turn with me
in the shrubbery, as she and I often do, these fine evenings; and then,
if you choose, you can meet us there."

Hester was not at all sorry to be invited by Mr Grey to the turn in the
shrubbery, which was one of the best of her quiet pleasures,--a solace
which she enjoyed the more, the more she became attached to kind Mr
Grey: and she did much respect and love him. This evening she was glad
of any summons from the room. Margaret had fully intended not to speak
to her of what had passed, thinking it best for her sister's dignity,
and for Mr Hope's satisfaction, that he should not be anticipated. All
this was very wise and