"Why, Phoebe," replied Fanny, reproachfully, "they love you as much as they love me. I should feel dreadful if I wasn't sure of that. We are more than cousins, dear; we are sisters. Just put your ear to my heart: don't you hear it beat, 'Phoebe, Phoebe'? It is a good job for Fred Cornwall that I am _not_ a man. _He_ shouldn't have you, if I were; no--not if he were fifty Fred Cornwalls. I would run away with you, just as Young Lochinvar did with--I forget her name, but it doesn't matter; I'd do it. Isn't it strange that elderly people can't see half as well as young?--they don't look at what is under their noses; they are always looking over their spectacles." "Aunt and Uncle Leth don't wear them," said Phoebe smiling. "I am speaking--metaphorically. That's not my word; it's Fred's--rather a favourite with him, you know. Of course, if they asked me plainly, I should tell them; but it wouldn't do for me to start it--would it?--till things are properly settled. They will be overjoyed, Phoebe; and so shall I be; for, don't you see, my dear, when you are disposed of, there will be a chance for _me_, and if a young gentleman comes to the house there will be no mistake the next time, because I shall be the only disposable young lady in view. To that young gentleman, whoever he is, wherever he may be, I extend an invitation--I say, with a courtesy, 'Come!' Oh! but I must tell you, Phoebe, it was so funny. You remember the last time Fred Cornwall had tea with us here--before he went on his holiday trip?" "Yes." "_I_ invited him, and perhaps you may remember that I wrote to you and told you to be sure and come and spend two or three days with us. I didn't mention Fred's name in my letter to you, for you would have kept away." It was delightful to hear Fanny's laugh at this innocent badinage. "Well, you came--and Fred came--and I sent Bob off to the theatre, with an order. Now what does mamma pride herself especially upon in the way of jams?" "Her gooseberry jam." "Yes, and it really is very fine; I never tasted any half as good. Well, all the while we were at tea I saw it was you Fred was feeding on." "Fanny, Fanny! You are incorrigible!"