know him,' she said, with her fearless smile, 'you will own
that I _was_ sensible there.'

'Really, the child looks so complacent that she would outface me that
this mad notion was a fine thing! I declare it is worse than Bertha's
business; and you so much older! At least Hastings was a man of family,
and this is a Yankee adventurer picked out of the back of a ditch by that
young dog, Sandbrook. Only a Yankee could have had the impudence! I
declare you are laughing all the time. What have you to say for
yourself?'

'His father was major in the ---th dragoons, and was one of the Randolfs
of ---shire. His mother was a Charlecote. His birth is as good as our
own, and you saw that he is a gentleman. His character and talents have
gained his present situation, and it is a profession that gives every
opening for ability; nor does he ask for me till his fortune is made.'

'But hinders you from doing better! Pray, what would Augusta say to
you?' he added, jocosely, for even while lashing himself up, his tone had
been placable.

'He shall satisfy her.'

'How long has this been going on?'

'We only spoke of it yesterday. Bertha found it out; but I wish no one
else to know it except Robert.'

'Somehow she looks so cool, and she is so entirely the last girl I
expected to go crazy, that I can't laugh at the thing as I ought! I say,
what's this about Miss Charlecote; will she do anything for him?'

'I believe not.'

'And pray who vouches for his antecedents, such as they are.'

'Mr. Currie and Owen Sandbrook both know the whole.'

'Is Sandbrook at the Holt?'

'Yes,' answered Phoebe, suppressing her strong distaste against bringing
him into the affair.

'Well, I shall make inquiries, and--and--it is a horrid unlucky business,
and the old girl should be scarified for putting you in his way. The end
will be that you'll marry on your own means, and be pinched for life.
Now, look here, you are no fool at the bottom; you will give it up if I
find that he is no go.'

'If it be proved that I ought,' said Phoebe. 'And if you find him what I
have told you, you will make no opposition. Thank you, Mervyn.'

'Stay,' said he, laughing, and letting her kiss him, 'I have made no
promises, mind!'

The confidence that Phoebe had earned had stood her in good stead.
Mervyn had great trust in her judgment, and was too happy besides for
severity on other people's love. Nor were her perfect openness, and
fearless though