"Father," said Phœbe, "I am in a difficulty. I hope you will not mind."
"Not at all," said Miser Farebrother. She had never heard him speak in a voice so kind and gentle.
"A friend of Aunt Leth's has just arrived, and has brought me these." She showed him the flowers and the presents, and he pretended to take interest in them. "He has been on the Continent, father; and he purchased presents for all of us."
"Very generous, very generous," said Miser Farebrother. "Did you invite him here?"
"No, father; I would not have dared without asking your consent. I can't make out how he found his way here, and how he knew it was my birthday. I did not tell him."
"Perhaps your aunt did."
"I think not, father."
"What is your difficulty, Phœbe?"
"I should like to ask him to stop to tea, if you have no objection."
"You may ask him," said Miser Farebrother. He had a direct motive in giving his consent so readily. The nature of his late reflections had inspired an interest in all Phœbe's acquaintances, and he wished to see this friend of her aunt's.