‘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.’

(Editor：power)