nd she despised Mervyn and Phoebe far
too much for the representations of the one or the persuasions of the
other to have the smallest weight with her. Evidently, weariness of her
studies, and impatience of discipline had led her to lend a willing ear
to any distraction, and to give in to the intercourse that both gratified
and amused herself and outwitted her governess, and thence the belief in
the power of her own charms, and preference for their admirer, were steps
easier than appeared credible to Phoebe. From listening in helpless
amaze to a miserable round of pertness and philosophy, Phoebe was called
down-stairs to hear that Mervyn had been examining Jane Hart, and had
elicited from her that after having once surprised Mr. Hastings and Miss
Bertha in conversation, she had several times conveyed notes between
them, and since he had left Beauchamp, she had posted two letters to him
from the young lady, but this was the first answer received, directed to
herself, to be left at the post-office to be called for.

'Earnest enough on his part,' said Mervyn; 'a regular speculation to
patch up his fortunes. Well, I knew enough of him, as I told you, but I
was fool enough to pity him!'

He became silent, and so did Phoebe. She had been too much overset to
look the subject fairly in the face, and his very calmness of voice and
the absence of abusive epithets were a token that he was perfectly
appalled at what he had brought on his sisters. They both sat still some
minutes, when she saw him lean back with his hand to his head, and his
eyes closed. 'There's a steeple chase!' he said, as Phoebe laid her cool
hand on his burning brow, and felt the throbbing of the swollen veins of
his temples. Both knew that this meant cupping, and they sent in haste
for the Hiltonbury doctor, but he was out for the day, and would not
return till evening. Phoebe felt dull and stunned, as if her decision
had caused all the mischief, and more and more were following on, and her
spirit almost died within her at Mervyn's interjection of rage and
suffering.

'Though they curse, yet bless thou,' had of necessity been her rule while
clinging to this brother; a mental ejaculation had become habitual, and
this time it brought reaction from her forlorn despondency. She could do
something. Twice she had assisted in cupping, and she believed she could
perform the operation. No failure could be as hurtful as delay, and she
offered to make the at