recovered; certain of the questionable transactions by means of which Miser Farebrother had amassed wealth were entered and recorded in a manner so peculiar that Jeremiah and no other person understood them. He had played his cards apparently well. The question to be decided was, where the game was going to lead him. On the Friday upon which Fred Cornwall was expected home, two or three pregnant circumstances took place affecting our heroine. It was the day previous to her birthday, on which she had obtained her father's consent to the visit of the Lethbridges to Parksides. Phoebe had returned home on Thursday evening, intent upon making preparations for the visit of her dearest friends. Before she left Camden Town a little conversation took place between her and her aunt with respect to this birthday celebration. "You must not expect much," Phoebe said; "I cannot afford to do as I would wish." "Whatever it is," said Aunt Leth, "it will be as welcome as the best. I should say, a cup of tea and some nice thin bread and butter." "Yes," said poor Phoebe; "that will be all, I am afraid." "But even that," said Aunt Leth, "will entail a small expense. Let me see your purse." "No, aunt; it is all right; and I must go at once." "There is no hurry, my dear; you have at least half an hour to spare. Fanny is going with you to the station, and she will not be ready for the next twenty minutes. Show me your purse, Phoebe." "Aunt dear----" "My dear child, I insist, or I shall think you do not love me." Phoebe's purse was out in a moment; but she repented when it was in Aunt Leth's hand. "You foolish girl!" said Aunt Leth, looking into the purse, and pinching Phoebe's cheek; "there is next to nothing in it. Come, now--it is too late, I hope, for secrets between us--tell me all." Phoebe, in a low voice, told of the conversation between her father and herself, and of his giving her a florin for a birthday present. Aunt Leth did not look grave as she listened; on the contrary, she nodded and smiled brightly. It was not in her nature to do the slightest thing to aggravate the gloomy surroundings of the young girl's home. Her heart was filled with sweet pity for her niece's lot, and it was for her to shed light on Phoebe's life. "My dear child," she said, "do you look upon me as a mother?" "Indeed I do, dear aunt." "Would you wish to vex me?" "No, aunt; no." "Then you must let me have my way. I know what is right and what is best. I have a little treasure-box, which I find very useful often when I am in a wilful mood. It is sometimes filled with saved pennies, and you have no idea how they mount up. Don't oppose me, Phoebe, or I will not kiss you." In proof of which she gave her niece a number of affectionate kisses at once. "I am going to my treasure-box now." She produced it from her desk, and put fifteen shillings into Phoebe's purse. Then she closed the purse, and pressed it into the girl's hand.