\"i take the risk. you need not join in it unless you choose.\" still somemore fears were urged.

\"i\"m not afraid of anything so dastardly as incendiarism. we are openenemies; and i can protect myself from any violence that i apprehend.

and i will assuredly protect all others who e to me for work. theyknow my determination by this time, as well and as fully as you do.\"

mr. horsfall took him a little on one side, as margaret conjectured, toask him some other question about the strike; but, in truth, it was toinquire who she herself was--so quiet, so stately, and so beautiful.

\"a milton lady?\" asked he, as the name was given.

\"no! from the south of england--hampshire, i believe,\" was the cold,indifferent answer.

mrs. slickson was catechising fanny on the same subject.

\"who is that fine distinguished-looking girl? a sister of mr. horsfall\"s?\"

\"oh dear, no! that is mr. hale, her father, talking now to mr. stephens.

he gives lessons; that is to say, he reads with young men. my brotherjohn goes to him twice a week, and so he begged mamma to ask themhere, in hopes of getting him known. i believe, we hāve some of theirprospectuses, if you would like to hāve one.\"

\"mr. thornton! does he really find time to read with a tutor, in the midstof all his business,--and this abominable strike in hand as well?\"

fanny was not sure, from mrs. slickson\"s manner, whether she ought tobe proud or ashamed of her brother\"s conduct; and, like all people whotry and take other people\"s \"ought\" for the rule of their feelings, she wasinclined to blush for any singularity of action. her shame wasinterrupted by the dispersion of the guests.

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