sonage.

'The parsonage?'

'What! did you not know the living was in Miss Charlecote's gift?'

'Do you mean that she has offered it to Robert?'

'Yes--no--at least she has told me of her intentions. Highly proper in
the old girl, isn't it? They will settle it to-night, of course. I'll
have the grounds laid out, and make quite a pretty modern place of it.
It has quite taken a weight off my mind to know he is so well provided
for.'

'It will make us all very happy; but I think he will be sorry for St.
Matthew's, too.'

'Oh! parsons think nothing of changes. He can appoint his own successor,
and I'll not let things die away. And now, Phoebe, is there anything you
want to do? I will not have Augusta tie you by the leg. I will look out
a lady's horse to-morrow, and come to ride with you; or if you want to do
anything, you can have the brougham any day.'

'Thank you; there is one thing I want very much to do,' and she
explained.

'Ha!' said Mervyn, 'a romantic meeting. If I remember right, Mr. Robin
used to be much smitten with that little thing. Don't reckon too much on
the parsonage, Phoebe.'

'What are we to do if both brothers turn us out?' smiled Phoebe.

'Don't talk of that. I should be glad enough to get you in--and I am far
enough from _the other thing_ yet.'

So Phoebe obtained the use of the brougham for the next day and set off
for her long Essex drive, much against Augusta's will, and greatly
wondering what it would produce; compassionate of course for poor
Lucilla, yet not entirely able to wish that Robert should resign the
charge for which he was so eminently fitted, even for the sake of
Hiltonbury and home. Lucy must be altered, indeed, if he would not be
happier without her.

Phoebe had written a few lines, saying that hearing that Lucy was so
near, she could not help begging to see her. This she sent in with her
card, and after a little delay, was invited to come in. Lucilla met her
at the top of the stairs, and at first Phoebe only felt herself, clasped,
clung to, kissed, fondled with a sudden gasping, tearful eagerness. Then
as if striving to recall the ordinary tone, Lucilla exclaimed--'There--I
beg your pardon for such an obstreperous greeting, but I am a famished
creature here, you see, and I did not expect such kindness. Luckily some
of my pupils are driving out with their mamma, and I have sent the others
to the nurse. Now then, take off your bonnet, let me see you; I wan