‘What of that, little one?’
‘Then pray don’t be angry with Robert for acting up to his,’ said Phœbe, clasping her hands, and resting them fondly on his shoulder.
‘Act up to a fool’s head! Parsons should mind their business and not fly in their fathers’ faces.’
‘Isn’t it their work to make people more good?’ continued Phœbe, with an unconscious wiliness, looking more simple than her wont.
‘Let him begin with himself then! Learn his duty to his father! A jackanapes; trying to damage my business under my very nose.’
‘If those poor people are in such need of having good done to them—’
‘Scum of the earth! Much use trying to do good to them!’
‘Ah! but if it be his work to try? and if he wanted a place to build a school—’
‘You’re in league with him, I suppose.’
‘No, papa! It surprised me very much. Even Mr. Parsons knew nothing of his plans, Robert only wrote to me when it