"Certainly, at once," assented Mr. Lethbridge.
"I brought the bill with me, and here it is on stamped paper."
He produced it, and Mr. Lethbridge, reading it through, accepted it, making it payable at the bank in which he had for so long a time held a position of trust.
"Aunt Leth sent me to tell you," said Phœbe, popping in her head, "that tea is ready."
"Thank you, Phœbe," said Mr. Lethbridge; "come in. I want to introduce Mr. Linton to you."
How little did the bright and beautiful girl suspect that within the last few moments an awful and tragic thread had been woven into her life!
She entered the room, and looked timidly at the poor author.
"Not a word for me?" said Kiss.
"Yes, Mr. Kiss," said Phœbe, giving him her hand.
"Mr. Linton—Phœbe," said her uncle Leth, encircling her waist with his arm. "This is my niece, Mr. Linton, whom I love as a daughter."