"No. I should make my way to Parksides, and take my presents with me, and give her a delightful surprise."
"Do you really think I might venture?"
"I shouldn't think twice about it," said Fanny, vivaciously. "But you mustn't come with us, because, of course, we don't know anything about it. We shall be quite astonished when you make your appearance with a flourish of trumpets."
There and then the affectionate conspiracy was discussed and planned, and Fred said that Fanny was the dearest girl living, which Fanny disputed, asking how could she be when Phœbe stopped the way.
It was about noon on the Saturday that Fanny said to her mother, "I am going to let you into a secret."
Aunt Leth's thoughts immediately travelled to Fred Cornwall. She had observed the whispered conference which had taken place on the previous night between the young man and her daughter, with their heads very close together, and she had formed her own conclusions; and now the secret was about to be revealed. Fred had been making serious love to Fanny; there could not be a doubt that this was Fanny's secret.
"Yes, my dear," said Mrs. Lethbridge, tenderly.
"It is about Mr. Cornwall," said Fanny.
"Yes, Fanny."
Despite her joy, a pang went right through her heart; it is always so with affectionate parents when the bolt really falls, and the contemplation of a beloved daughter leaving the happy home becomes a certainty.