"And I'm not worth it. What a pity you think so! But soon you'll think differently, perhaps--soon we'll surprise you, Miss Phoebe and I. Some people would say 'Miss Phoebe and me;' but I've been educated, and know how to speak properly, and how to behave properly. There isn't a lawyer in London can get ahead of me, and that we'll prove before long; won't we, Miss Phoebe? I must be going now. Thank you so much for your kind reception. It is more than kind: it is gracious and condescending. Who pays for the cab? But what a question to ask! Of course the swell of the party. I'm glad I've cost him nothing. Let a lawyer alone for knowing what's what. The cab regulations say, 'For the first fifteen minutes completed, 6_d_.' And I've detained you"--he consulted his watch here--"just thirteen minutes and three-quarters, so the driver can't demand anything. Good-night all; happy dreams." He went off chuckling, eminently satisfied with himself for the part he had played. He knew that he had left a sting behind. Out of consideration for Phoebe, bearing in mind that her father and Jeremiah Pamflett were hand and glove, Fred Cornwall said nothing of that worthy young man to Phoebe. Fanny, however, was boiling over, and she was not the kind of person to keep her opinions to herself. "Oh!" she said, "I wish I was a man!" "What for, Fan?" asked Bob. "Just for one little half-hour a man," said Fanny; "to go after that reptile, and give him what he deserves! He has got one black eye already; he should have two. I'd beat him to a jelly; I'd pull every hair out of his head; I'd--I'd--" She grew so indignant that she could not proceed. "Shall I go and give him a thrashing?" asked Bob. He was not of a truculent nature, but his blood was roused. "Stop where you are, Bob," said Fred Cornwall quietly. "It is best to keep out of difficulties with such as he. I beg your pardon, Miss Farebrother; I did not mean to say it." "You have said what is right," said Phoebe, in a low tone. "It is I who should ask pardon of you for subjecting you to insults." She burst into tears, and Fanny instantly took her in her arms. The men were silent and grave, and not another word was spoken till they arrived at Camden Town. Fred paid the cabman liberally, and the party entered the house, Phoebe and Fanny going up to their bedroom, and Fred and Bob finding refuge in the dining-room, where supper was laid out for them. As they went upstairs Fanny called out to the young men, "We shall not be long. Don't go away, Fred." He had no intention of doing so; he paced the room in deep thought, while Bob, who, in the absence of his father, took upon himself the duties of host, ran down to the larder for beer. Returning with it, he poured out two foaming glasses, and handed one to Fred. "Here's luck," said Bob. "Here's luck," said Fred.