Despite her joy, a pang went right through her heart; it is always so with affectionate parents when the bolt really falls, and the contemplation of a beloved daughter leaving the happy home becomes a certainty. "And Phoebe," said Fanny. Mrs. Lethbridge's face underwent a change. In matters of the heart a woman's instincts are lightning-tipped. "I have an idea," said Fanny, "that they are fond of each other." Mrs. Lethbridge looked apprehensively at her daughter, but she saw in Fanny's face no despondency, no disappointment. On the contrary, it was radiant. The fond mother smiled. "Only an idea, Fanny?" she asked. "Only an idea, mother," said Fanny. "There has been nothing really serious said, but I am certain I am not mistaken. Now confess, mother; you thought I was the magnet?" "Well, my dear, I did have a suspicion, and it has been proved to be wrong." "You are not sorry, mother?" "No, my dear, so long as you are happy. That is my only care." "I am perfectly happy, and I mean to die an old maid. Dear Phoebe! I do hope everything will turn out right." "We all hope so, Fanny. I suppose I must not say anything to her?" "Not for worlds, mother. You must wait till she speaks to you." "I am not so sure, Fanny. She has no mother to confide in, and to whom she can unreservedly open her heart. I must think over it, for her sake." "If you thought Mr. Cornwall was good enough for me," said Fanny, "he is good enough for Phoebe." "My dear, the cases are different." "How different?" "Mr. Cornwall knows her position. If it had been you instead of Phoebe, he would not have expected money with you. When people have arrived at the time of life which your father and I have reached, and have children whom they love as we love ours, they cannot help feeling a little disturbed at their want of fortune. Young men nowadays look out for money; it is not as it used to be." "It is with me, mother. I am an old-fashioned girl, and if a young man casts sheeps' eyes at me it will be a satisfaction to know that it isn't my dowry that attracts him. And for my part, mother, I mean to marry for love--if I ever _do_ marry." "I am glad to hear you say so, my dear; they are the happiest marriages. Our life has been a happy one: never for one moment have I regretted marrying your father." "I should think not, mother! Who is there in the world to compare with him?" "There is not one, my dear. It would be difficult indeed to meet with a man so good, so unselfish, so devoted. But we were speaking of Phoebe. The cases are different, I said. Mr. Cornwall would have had no difficulty in obtaining our consent, had it been you instead of Phoebe. Have you forgotten that Phoebe has a father?" "I did not think of him," said Fanny, a little depressed by the allusion. "But what objection could he have to Mr. Cornwall?"