'All those arrangements have been made.' Some doubts were implied, some difficulties named by Mr.

Slickson, who took hold of Mr. Thornton's arm, the better to

impress his words. Mr. Thornton moved slightly away, lifted his

eyebrows a very little, and then replied: 'I take the risk. You need not join in it unless you choose.'

Still some more fears were urged.

'I'm not afraid of anything so dastardly as incendiarism. We are

open enemies; and I can protect myself from any violence that I

apprehend. And I will assuredly protect all others who come to me

for work. They know 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, to ask him some other question about the strike;

but, in truth, it was to inquire 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 brother John goes to him twice a week, and so he begged

mamma to ask them here, in hopes of getting him known. I believe,

we have some of their prospectuses, if you would like to have

one.' 'Mr. Thornton! Does he really find time to read with a tutor, in

the midst of all his business,--and this abominable strike in

hand as well?' Fanny was not sure, from Mrs. Slickson's manner, whether she

ought to be proud or ashamed of her brother's conduct; and, like

all people who try and take other people's 'ought' for the rule

of their feelings, she was inclined to blush for any singularity

of action. Her shame was interrupted by the dispersion of the

guests.




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