uld not
accept, yet could not be ungrateful for. And yet she was glad, though
there was a pang in it, that he should never know, and remain unaware of
her effort, for his own sake; but the tears came into her eyes as she
looked at him, and he caught the gleam of the moisture which made his
heart beat. Something moved her beyond what he knew of; and his heart
thrilled with tenderness and wonder; but how should he know what it was?

"Give my love to Ursula," she said. "I shall not come to-night as she
has a nurse, and I think he will be better. Make her rest, Mr. May--and
if I don't see her, say good-bye to her for me----"

"Good-bye?"

"Yes, good-bye--things have happened--Tell her I hope she will not
forget me," said Phoebe, the tears dropping down her cheeks. "But oh,
please never mind me, look at him, he is quite quiet, he is worn out.
Take him home."

"There is nothing else to be done," said poor Reginald, whose heart
began to ache with a sense of the unknown which surrounded him on every
side. He took his father by the arm, who had been standing quite silent,
motionless, and apathetic. He had no need for any help, for Mr. May went
with him at a touch, as docile as a child. Northcote followed with grave
looks and very sad. Tozer had been seated in his favourite chair, much
subdued, and giving vent now and then to something like a sob. His
nerves had been terribly shaken. But as he saw the three gentlemen going
away, nature awoke in the old butterman. He put out his hand and plucked
Northcote by the sleeve. "I'll not say no to that money, not now, Mr.
Northcote, sir," he said.

CHAPTER XLIV.

PHOEBE'S LAST TRIAL.

"Now if you please," said Mr. Copperhead. "I think it's my turn. I
wanted May to hear what I had got to say, but as he's ill or mad, or
something, it is not much good. I can't imagine what all these
incantations meant, and all your play, Miss Phoebe, eyes and all. That
sort of thing don't suit us plain folks. If you don't mind following
your friends, I want to speak to old Tozer here by himself. I don't like
to have women meddling in my affairs."

"Grandpapa is very tired, and he is upset," said Phoebe. "I don't think
he can have any more said to him to-night."

"By George, but he shall though, and you too. Look here," said Mr.
Copperhead, "you've taken in my boy Clarence here. He's been a fool, and
he always was a fool; but you're not a fool, Miss Phoebe. You know
precious well what you'