rtification
on her, though these interruptions are contrary to my views. As it is,
Phoebe, my dear, I wish you joy.'

'Thank you,' Phoebe managed to say, while the happy tears fairly started.
In that chilly land, the least approach to tenderness was like the gleam
in which the hardy woodbine leaflets unfold to sun themselves.

Thankful for small mercies, thought Robert, looking at her with fond
pity; but at least the dear child will have one fortnight of a more
genial atmosphere, and soon, maybe, I shall transplant her to be
Lucilla's darling as well as mine, free from task-work, and doing the
labours of love for which she is made!

He was quite in spirits, and able to reply in kind to the freaks and
jokes of his little sister, as she started, spinning round him like a
humming-top, and singing--

Will you go to the wood, Robin a Bobbin?

giving safe vent to an ebullition of spirits that must last her a good
while, poor little maiden!

Phoebe took a sober walk with Miss Fennimore, receiving advice on
methodically journalizing what she might see, and on the scheme of
employments which might prevent her visit from being waste of time. The
others would have resented the interference with the holiday; but Phoebe,
though a little sorry to find that tasks were not to be off her mind, was
too grateful for Miss Fennimore's cordial consent to entertain any
thought except of obedience to the best of her power.

Miss Fennimore was politely summoned to Mrs. Fulmort's dressing-room for
the official communication; but this day was no exception to the general
custom, that the red baize door was not passed by the young ladies until
their evening appearance in the drawing-room. Then the trio descended,
all alike in white muslin, made high, and green sashes--a dress carefully
distinguishing Phoebe as not introduced, but very becoming to her, with
the simple folds and the little net ruche, suiting admirably the tall,
rounded slenderness of her shape, her long neck, and short, childish
contour of face, where there smiled a joy of anticipation almost
inappreciable to those who know not what it is to spend day after day
with nothing particular to look forward to.

Very grand was the drawing-room, all amber-coloured with satin-wood,
satin and gold, and with everything useless and costly encumbering tables
that looked as if nothing could ever be done upon them. Such a room
inspired a sense of being in company, and it was no won