"Of course you did," said Fanny, making a face at him behind her cousin's back; "that is why you came."
"We can all go back to London together," said Aunt Leth.
"Yes," said Fanny, "and you can make love to me in the train."
"You must not mind her, Mr. Cornwall," said Aunt Leth; "her high spirits sometimes run away with her."
"I wish some nice young gentleman would," whispered Fanny to Phœbe. "Why doesn't a fairy godmother take me in hand?"
"Aunt," said Phœbe, aside, to Mrs. Lethbridge, "I think I was never quite so happy as I am to-day. You have no idea how kind papa has been to me."
Aunt Leth pressed Phœbe's arm affectionately, and at that moment Mrs. Pamflett appeared and said that tea was ready. She had delayed it till the last minute in the hope that Jeremiah would arrive, and she was vexed and disappointed at his absence. Outwardly, however, she was all graciousness, and she took especial pains to put on her most amiable manners.
"No girl ever had a more beautiful birthday," thought Phœbe, as they all trooped into the house.
END OF VOL. I.
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