"If an honourable gentleman really and truly loves a young lady, and if a young lady really and truly loves him in return, and if they are worthy of each other, and if there is a fair prospect of his getting along in the world in an honourable profession, and of their being truly happy together, ought they not to marry in spite of a miserly hunks of a father?" "My dear," said Mrs. Lethbridge, "let us drop the subject, and hope for the best." "Thank you, mother. _We_ know that Phoebe is not happy at home." "It is so, unfortunately." "And _we_ know that our home is hers if she should ever be without one." "Yes, my dear." "Then, my own dearest mother," said Fanny, putting her arms round the good mother's neck and showering kisses upon her, "there is nothing more to be said." CHAPTER XVIII. MRS. PAMFLETT DEVELOPS A SUDDEN AFFECTION FOR PHOEBE. Uncle Leth's day-dream was not realized--but then his day-dreams never were. When he and his family, travelling third-class, reached the station for Parksides, there was no Miser Farebrother to receive them with open arms and a carriage. Phoebe was there, and that was quite as good--almost more than they expected. She was a favourite with the station-master and ticket-takers, who always admitted her to the platform, whether the gates were closed or not; and the Lethbridges, looking out of the window, saw her waving her handkerchief to them, and running along the platform, the moment they were in sight. Then there was such a kissing and hugging as made the hearts of the unenvious ones glad to witness, and the mouths of the envious ones to water, wishing they had a free ticket to participate in an entertainment so delightful. "It _is_ good of you to come and meet us," said Fanny. "I was wondering all the way whether you would." "I did not know whether I should be able," said Phoebe, in a flutter of excitement; "but Mrs. Pamflett has been very kind. I hardly liked to ask her to help me with the tea; but she came and offered of her own accord, and said perhaps I would like to go and meet my friends. So here I am." Mr. Lethbridge opened his ears upon mention of Mrs. Pamflett, and he was glad to hear so good an account of her. An act of thoughtfulness and good-nature from her was a guarantee for her son, who had discounted his acceptance for three hundred pounds for the dramatic author and Kiss. They had all brought modest birthday presents for Phoebe, which they handed to her at once, with flowers and kisses and the best of affectionate wishes. Bob was in the seventh heaven in consequence of being allowed a share in the kissing business. "I did not have time to write to you last night," whispered Fanny to Phoebe. "He has come home, and had tea with us. He is looking so well! brown, and handsomer than ever. What a perfectly lovely day!"