h words had passed between the brothers,
and his report of them so inflamed Mr. Fulmort, that he inveighed
violently against the malice and treachery that scrupled not to undermine
a father. Never speaking to Robert again, casting him off, and exposing
the vicar for upholding filial insolence and undutifulness, were the
mildest of his threats. They seemed to imagine that Robert was making
this outlay, supposing that he would yet be made equal in fortune by his
father to the others, and there was constant repetition that he was to
expect not a farthing--he had had his share and should have no more.
There was only a scoff at Phoebe's innocence, when she expressed her
certainty that he looked for no compensation, knowing that he had been
provided for, and was to have nothing from his father; and Phoebe
trembled under such abuse of her favourite brother, till she could bear
it no longer, and seizing the moment of Mervyn's absence, she came up to
her father, and said, in as coaxing a tone as she could, 'Papa, should
not every one work to the utmost in his trade?'

'What of that, little one?'

'Then pray don't be angry with Robert for acting up to his,' said Phoebe,
clasping her hands, and resting them fondly on his shoulder.

'Act up to a fool's head! Parsons should mind their business and not fly
in their fathers' faces.'

'Isn't it their work to make people more good?' continued Phoebe, with an
unconscious wiliness, looking more simple than her wont.

'Let him begin with himself then! Learn his duty to his father! A
jackanapes; trying to damage my business under my very nose.'

'If those poor people are in such need of having good done to them--'

'Scum of the earth! Much use trying to do good to them!'

'Ah! but if it be his work to try? and if he wanted a place to build a
school--'

'You're in league with him, I suppose.'

'No, papa! It surprised me very much. Even Mr. Parsons knew nothing of
his plans, Robert only wrote to me when it was done, that now he hoped to
save a few of the children that are turned out in the streets to steal.'

'Steal! They'll steal all his property! A proper fool your uncle was to
leave it all to a lad like that. The sure way to spoil him! I could
have trebled all your fortunes if that capital had been in my hands, and
now to see him throw it to the dogs! Phoebe, I can't stand it.
Conscience? I hate such coxcombry! As if men would not make beasts of
themselves whethe