"Would you like to know what I think of Uncle--no--Miser Farebrother? Well, I think he's a brute!" "Hush, hush, Fanny!" said Mrs. Lethbridge. "For Phoebe's sake!" CHAPTER IV. A SACRED PROMISE--WON BY GUILE. Upon the happy musings of the lovers came a harsh interruption. They turned and saw Miser Farebrother and Jeremiah. "I have been looking for you, Phoebe," said the miser; "and so has Jeremiah." "Your flowers, miss," said Jeremiah, offering them. With her father's eye upon her, she could not choose but take them. "You sent me back for them, you know," said Jeremiah. "I should have brought them before, but for--" "But for my calling to him," interrupted Miser Farebrother, "upon a matter of business. I am pleased that your friends have enjoyed themselves. You have had a pleasant birthday, Phoebe?" "Very pleasant, father; I shall never forget it. Father, this is Mr. Cornwall, who brought me the presents I showed you." "I trust you will excuse me," said Fred, gazing with interest at Phoebe's father, "for intruding myself. But Miss Farebrother and I have met so often at Mrs. Lethbridge's house that I thought I might venture." "All my daughter's friends," said Miser Farebrother, in his blandest tone, "are welcome here. A very charming family, the Lethbridges." "Indeed they are," said Fred, warmly. "We have met but seldom," said Miser Farebrother, "and I was just expressing my regret that we did not see each other oftener." "Oh, father!" said Phoebe, in a grateful voice, gliding to his side. There was no discordant note in his speech; he looked kindly upon her; and he had met Fred Cornwall in a spirit of friendliness. Her cup of happiness was full to overflowing. "Perhaps Mr. Cornwall will give me his address," said Miser Farebrother. "I may ask him to decide some knotty point of law for me." Fred Cornwall drew forth his card-case with alacrity, and handed a card to the miser. "You will excuse me now," said Miser Farebrother; "I am by no means well, and I must go in-doors and rest. Remain with your friends, Phoebe; Jeremiah will assist me to my room. Come in and wish me good-night, Phoebe, before you retire." "Yes, father, I will." He smiled amiably, and saying "Good evening, Mr. Cornwall," departed, clinging to Jeremiah's arm. Jeremiah was not at all in a good humour; he would have preferred to be left behind with Phoebe, and he said as much to his master.