"Mrs. Pamflett is very kind," said Phœbe, nervously, "but if you don't wish, father——"
"I wish to do what is right," he said, very coolly, as was his habit when he was opposed.
"We all know that," said Mrs. Pamflett, in a voice as composed as his own. "You always do what is right. Mr. and Mrs. Lethbridge and their children are going to have tea with Miss Phœbe in honour of her birthday, and I have been getting it ready, and am going to wait on them. You ought to join them. I have set a chair for you at the head of the table."
"Oh, father, if you would!" implored Phœbe, clasping her hands.
"You wish it?" he asked of her, but not removing his eyes from Mrs. Pamflett's face.
"Yes, father. If you would only be so good!"
"And you wish it?" he asked of Mrs. Pamflett.
"For Miss Phœbe's sake I do," replied Mrs. Pamflett, without so much as winking an eyelid.
"Not for your own?"
"I have told you what I think."