'What is the business?' asked Alice.
'He is a South American merchant, and deals with Rio for hides and tallow, if you prefer that to books and stationery,' said Felix, in a would-be light tone.
'Oh, but a South American merchant! That sounds quite delightful!' cried Alice. 'And you'll have to live in dear, dear London! How I envy you!'
'That must be the effect you had upon him, Felix!' said Cherry, proudly.
'Well, I thought I had been a specimen of the obstinate,' observed Felix. 'Here is his letter.'
He gave it as of right to Wilmet; but other eyes remarked the address to F. C. Underwood, Esquire, an unusual thing, since, as Mr. Froggatt had never aspired to the squirehood, Felix made all his brothers and sisters write only the Mister, and thus entirely deprived himself of the pleasure of Alda's correspondence.
'Where will you live? Oh! you'll let me come and stay with you sometimes!' cried Alice.
Felix smiled as he answered, 'I'm afraid our house is not built yet.'
'Miss Pearson's maid for Miss Alice,' said Martha, at the door.
'Oh dear, how tiresome! but you'll tell me all about it to-morrow. How horrid it will be here when you are all gone!'