reparation is possible."

"You take the tone of defiance, I see, Philip. I have not the slightest
objection. We defy each other, then."

"I cannot but take that tone for a purpose which, I conceive, is the
kindest which, under the circumstances, can be entertained towards you,
sister. I do it in the hope that, before it is too late, you will
yourself do the justice which I vow shall be done. I give you
peremptory warning, leaving you opportunity to retrieve yourself, to
repair the mischief you have done, and to alleviate the misery which I
see is coming upon you."

"You are very good: but I know what I am about, and I shall proceed in
my own way. I mean to get rid of these Hopes; and, perhaps, you may be
surprised to see how soon I succeed."

"The Hopes shall remain as long as they wish to stay, if truth can
prevail against falsehood. I am sorry for you, if you cannot endure the
presence of neighbours whose whole minds and conduct are noble and
humane, and known by you to be so. This desire to get rid of them is a
bad symptom, Priscilla--a symptom of a malady which neither Hope nor Mr
Walcot, nor any one but yourself, can cure. I would have you look to
it."

"Is your sermon ended? It is time I was getting ready to hear Dr
Levitt's."

"What I have to say is not finished. I desire to know what you mean by
telling everybody that I am engaged to Miss Mary Bruce."

"I said so, because it is true."

The cool assurance with which she said this was too much for Enderby's
gravity. He burst out a-laughing.

"If not precisely true when I said it, it was sure to be so soon; which
is just the same thing. I mean that it shall be true. I have set my
heart upon your marrying, and upon your marrying Mary Bruce. I know she
would like it, and--"

"Stop there! Not another word about Miss Bruce! I will not have you
take liberties with her name to me; and this is not the first time I
have told you so. It is not true that she would like it--no more true
than many other things that you have said: and if you were to repeat it
till night, it would make no sort of impression upon me. Miss Bruce
knows little, and cares less, about me; and beware how you say to the
contrary!--And now for the plain fact. I am engaged elsewhere."

"No; you are not."

"Yes; I am."

"You will marry no one but Mary Bruce at last, you will see, whatever
you may think now."

"For Heaven's sake, Priscilla, if you have any of the regar