expressed in Mervyn, and that while he chooses to make his house a
scene of dissipation, no seclusion can render it a fit residence for
women or girls. I fear you will suffer much in learning this
decision, for Mervyn's sake as well as your own. Poor fellow! if he
will bring evil spirits about him, good angels must depart. I would
come myself, but that my presence would embitter Mervyn, and I could
not meet him properly. I am writing to Miss Charlecote. If she
should propose to receive you all at the Holt immediately, until
Crabbe's most inopportune gout is over, you had better go thither at
once. It would be the most complete vindication of your conduct that
could be offered to the county, and would give time for considering
of establishing you elsewhere, and still under Miss Fennimore's care.
For Bertha's sake as well as your own, you must be prepared to leave
home and resign yourself to be passive in the decision of those bound
to think for you, by which means you may avoid being included in
Mervyn's anger. Do not distress yourself by the fear that any blame
can attach to you or to Miss Fennimore; I copy Bevil's
expressions--"Assure Phoebe that though her generous confidence may
have caused her difficulties, no one can entertain a doubt of her
guileless intention and maidenly discretion. If it would not make
further mischief, I would hasten to fetch her, but if she will do me
the honour to accept her sister's invitation, I hope to do all in my
power to make her happy and mark my esteem for her." These are his
words; but I suppose you will hardly prefer Acton Manor, though,
should the Holt fail us, you might send the other two to the Manor,
and come to Albury-street as Augusta wishes, when we could consult
together on some means of keeping you united, and retaining Miss
Fennimore, who must not be thrown over, as it would be an injury to
her prospects. Tell her from me that I look to her for getting you
through this unpleasant business.

'Your ever affectionate
'R. M. FULMORT.'

Phoebe never spoke, but handed each sheet as she finished it to her
governess.

'Promise me, Phoebe,' said Miss Fennimore, as she came to Robert's last
sentence, 'that none of these considerations shall bia