t it is fresh as
ever.'

'It is a little like you, Phoebe,' said Honor, smiling.

'What! because it is not exactly a pretty flower?'

'Partly; and I could tell you of a few other likenesses, such as your
being Robert's woodbine, yet with a sort of clinging freedom. Yes, and
for the qualities you share with the willow, ready to give thanks and
live on the least that Heaven may give.'

'But I don't live on the least that Heaven may give,' said Phoebe, in
such wonder that Honor smiled at the justice of her simile, without
impressing it upon Phoebe, only asking--

'Is the French journey fixed upon, Phoebe?'

'Yes; they start this day fortnight.'

'They--not you?'

'No; there would be no room for me,' with a small sigh.

'How can that be? Who is going? Papa, mamma, two sisters!'

'Mervyn,' added Phoebe, 'the courier, and the two maids.'

'_Two_ maids! Impossible!'

'It is always uncomfortable if mamma and my sisters have only one between
them,' said Phoebe, in her tone of perfect acquiescence and conviction;
and as her friend could not restrain a gesture of indignation, she added
eagerly--'But, indeed, it is not only for that reason, but Miss Fennimore
says I am not formed enough to profit by foreign travel.'

'She wants you to finish Smith's _Wealth of Nations_, eh?'

'It might be a pity to go away and lose so much of her teaching,' said
Phoebe, with persevering contentment. 'I dare say they will go abroad
again, and perhaps I shall never have so much time for learning. But,
Miss Charlecote, is Lucilla coming home for the Horticultural Show?'

'I am afraid not, my dear. I think I shall go to London to see about
her, among other things. The Charterises seem to have quite taken
possession of her, ever since she went to be her cousin Caroline's
bridesmaid, and I must try to put in my claim.'

'Ah! Robin so much wished to have seen her,' sighed Phoebe. 'He says he
cannot settle to anything.'

'Without seeing her?' said Honor, amused, though not without pain.

'Yes,' said Phoebe; 'he has thought so much about Lucilla.'

'And he tells you?'

'Yes,' in a voice expressing of course; while the frank, clear eyes
turned full on Miss Charlecote with such honest seriousness, that she
thought Phoebe's charm as a confidante might be this absence of romantic
consciousness; and she knew of old that when Robert wanted her opinion or
counsel, he spared his own embarrassment by seeking it through his
favourit