The thoughts of Fanny and Phoebe instantly flew to the question of dress. A private box on a first night! An event to be always remembered, especially with a play which was certain to be the talk of the town. It must be properly honoured. "Mr. Linton has the manuscript of the play with him," said Kiss, "and if you have nothing better to occupy your time to-night I propose to read it to you, in order that you may form an opinion of it. What do you say?" What did they say?--there was a question! If they had nothing better to occupy their time?--what _could_ be better? Why, the girls would be ready to throw over even a dance for such a treat! They glowed with excitement, and Mr. Lethbridge, looking round upon the happy faces, was glad to think that he had signed the bill which Kiss had in his pocket at that moment, and which to-morrow would be in the possession of Jeremiah Pamflett. "There's an audience for you," said Kiss to the author, pointing to the young people. "A good augury," said the proud author. "I feel more hopeful than I have done for a long time past." The females of the party presently left in a body to prepare the drawing-room for the promised reading, and then it was that Phoebe said to Aunt Leth: "Oh, Aunt Leth, I have something to say, and I'm in that state of excitement that I'd better say it at once, before I forget it. Next Saturday is my birthday, you know." "Yes, dear, I know," said Aunt Leth, giving the young girl a tender caress; "and we shall keep it up by a little dance at home here. I intended to speak to you about it to-night before you went to bed." "You are so good to me, dear aunt," said Phoebe, "that I don't know how ever I can repay you. It would, I think, be impossible, whatever it might be in my power to do." "My dear child," said Aunt Leth, "don't talk of repayment. You are as one of our own. What we do comes from our hearts. So you will manage to come here early on Saturday, and remain till Tuesday or Wednesday." "No, aunt," said Phoebe, with many kisses, "I can't do that. You must all come to me." "To you, dear! Where?" "To Parksides, aunt." Aunt Leth looked grave. "Have you your father's permission, Phoebe?" "Yes, aunt; he gave it willingly. I don't mean to say it was his idea; it was mine, and he consented at once when I asked him. I can only ask you to a poor little tea," said Phoebe, her lips slightly trembling, "but I hope you won't mind. I should so like it! Uncle Leth and Fanny and Bob have never been to Parksides, and though I can't give them a grand entertainment, I don't think it will make any difference." "Nothing can make any difference in our love for you, my dear." "Then you _will_ come, all of you!" "Yes, dear, we will come, because I see it will be a pleasure to you, and that will make it a pleasure to us."