"You must not expect much," Phœbe said; "I cannot afford to do as I would wish."
"Whatever it is," said Aunt Leth, "it will be as welcome as the best. I should say, a cup of tea and some nice thin bread and butter."
"Yes," said poor Phœbe; "that will be all, I am afraid."
"But even that," said Aunt Leth, "will entail a small expense. Let me see your purse."
"No, aunt; it is all right; and I must go at once."
"There is no hurry, my dear; you have at least half an hour to spare. Fanny is going with you to the station, and she will not be ready for the next twenty minutes. Show me your purse, Phœbe."
"Aunt dear——"
"My dear child, I insist, or I shall think you do not love me."
Phœbe's purse was out in a moment; but she repented when it was in Aunt Leth's hand.
"You foolish girl!" said Aunt Leth, looking into the purse, and pinching Phœbe's cheek; "there is next to nothing in it. Come, now—it is too late, I hope, for secrets between us—tell me all."