ged more to others. There
might have been wrongheaded haste in the action, but if such new-fangled
arrangements had become requisite, it was unfair that one member of the
family alone should bear the whole burthen. Sir Bevil strongly supported
this view, and Mr. Fulmort had declared himself confirmed in his
intention of making provision for his son in his will, as well as of
giving him a fair allowance at present. There must have been warnings of
failing health of which none had been made aware, for Mr. Fulmort had
come to town partly to arrange for the safe guardianship of poor Maria
and her fortune. An alteration in his will upon the death of one of the
trustees had been too long neglected, and perhaps some foreboding of the
impending malady had urged him at last to undertake what had been thus
deferred. Each of the daughters was to have 10,000 pounds, the overplus
being divided between them and their eldest brother, who would succeed
both to the business, and on his mother's death to the Beauchamp estate,
while the younger had already received an ample portion as heir to his
uncle. Mr. Fulmort, however, had proposed to place Robert on the same
footing with his sisters, and Sir Bevil had reason to think he had at
once acted on his design. Such thorough forgiveness and approval went to
Robert's heart, and he could scarcely speak as he gave Phoebe the letter
to read.

When she could discuss it with him after her mother had fallen asleep for
the night, she found that his thoughts had taken a fresh turn.

'If it should be as Bevil supposes,' he said, 'it would make an infinite
difference.' And after waiting for an answer only given by inquiring
looks, he continued--'As she is now, it would not be a violent change; I
do not think she would object to my present situation.'

'Oh, Robert, you will not expose yourself to be treated as before.'

'That would not be. There was no want of attachment; merely
over-confidence in her own power.'

'Not _over_ confidence, it seems,' murmured Phoebe, not greatly charmed.

'I understood how it had been, when we were thrown together again,' he
pursued. 'There was no explanation, but it was far worse to bear than if
there had been. I felt myself a perfect brute.'

'I beg your pardon if I can't be pleased just yet,' said Phoebe. 'You
know I did not see her, and I can't think she deserves it after so
wantonly grieving you, and still choosing to forsake Miss Charlecote.'

'