east for people who had been gathering apples.

Once more Mrs Grey gazed over her spectacles at her husband, when the
young people were gone.

"My dear," said she, "what makes you think that Mr Hope is gaining
ground every day?"

"My dear, what made you tread on all our toes when I said so?"

"Dear me, I only gave Sophia a hint, to prevent her saying dismal things
before people. One does not know what may be passing in their minds,
you know."

"And so you kindly show what is passing in yours. However, these young
ladies may soon be able, perhaps, to tell us more about Hope than we can
tell them."

"My dear, what do you mean?"

"I saw a glance between them, a smile, when you were silencing Sophia.
I believe you may prepare yourself for some news, my dear."

"I have no doubt of Hester's state of mind--"

"And I feel confident of Hope's; so here is the case, pretty well made
out between us."

Mrs Grey was in raptures for a moment; but she then resumed her system
of mysterious tokens. She shook her head, and owned that she had reason
to think her husband was mistaken.

"Well, just observe them the next time they are together; that is all."

"And my poor Hester looks wretchedly, Mr Grey. It really makes my
heart ache to see her."

"How differently people view things! I was just thinking that I never
saw her so lovely, with such a sprightliness, such a glow in her face,
as five minutes ago."

"Just this evening, she does not look so pale; but she is sadly
altered--grievously changed indeed. Seeing this, is the only thing
which reconciles me to parting with her. Now, Mr Grey, I should like
to know what sets you smiling in that manner at the poor girl."

"I was smiling to think how, as young ladies have been known to change
their minds, it may be possible that we may have the pleasure of seeing
Hester pick up her good looks again here, in spite of all that Morris
says about her native air. I should not wonder that we may persuade her
to stay yet."

Mrs Grey shook her head decisively. She should have been very glad, a
little while since, to hear her husband's opinion that Mr Hope's views
were fixed upon Hester; but now--. But men were always so positive; and
always the most positive where they knew the least! A deep sigh from
the one party, and a broad smile from the other, closed the
conversation.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

SOPHIA IN THE VILLAGE.

Deerbrook was not a place where practical affai