Volume I Part 25 (1/2)
”No. I should make my way to Parksides, and take my presents with me, and give her a delightful surprise.”
”Do you really think I might venture?”
”_I_ shouldn't think twice about it,” said f.a.n.n.y, vivaciously. ”But you mustn't come with us, because, of course, we don't know anything about it. We shall be quite astonished when you make your appearance with a flourish of trumpets.”
There and then the affectionate conspiracy was discussed and planned, and Fred said that f.a.n.n.y was the dearest girl living, which f.a.n.n.y disputed, asking how could she be when Phoebe stopped the way.
It was about noon on the Sat.u.r.day that f.a.n.n.y said to her mother, ”I am going to let you into a secret.”
Aunt Leth's thoughts immediately travelled to Fred Cornwall. She had observed the whispered conference which had taken place on the previous night between the young man and her daughter, with their heads very close together, and she had formed her own conclusions; and now the secret was about to be revealed. Fred had been making serious love to f.a.n.n.y; there could not be a doubt that this was f.a.n.n.y's secret.
”Yes, my dear,” said Mrs. Lethbridge, tenderly.
”It is about Mr. Cornwall,” said f.a.n.n.y.
”Yes, f.a.n.n.y.”
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 f.a.n.n.y.
Mrs. Lethbridge's face underwent a change. In matters of the heart a woman's instincts are lightning-tipped.
”I have an idea,” said f.a.n.n.y, ”that they are fond of each other.”
Mrs. Lethbridge looked apprehensively at her daughter, but she saw in f.a.n.n.y's face no despondency, no disappointment. On the contrary, it was radiant. The fond mother smiled.
”Only an idea, f.a.n.n.y?” she asked.
”Only an idea, mother,” said f.a.n.n.y. ”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, f.a.n.n.y. 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, f.a.n.n.y. 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 f.a.n.n.y, ”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.”