rent person from the Clarence
Copperhead who was going into parliament, and had "a fine position" in
prospect. She did not form any resolutions as to what she would do in
that case, for she was incapable of anything dishonourable; but it made
her shiver as with a cold icy current running over; and as for poor old
Tozer he was all but whimpering in his chair.

"Oh, Lord!" he cried. "A great man like Mr. Copperhead affronted in my
'umble 'ouse. It's what I never thought to see. A friend of the
connection like that--your father's leading member. Oh, Phoebe, it was an
evil day as brought you here to make all this mischief! and if I had
known what was going on!" cried Tozer, almost weeping in his despair.

"You are tired, grandpapa," said Phoebe. "Don't be frightened about us.
Mr. Copperhead is very fond of Clarence, and he will give in; or if he
doesn't give in, still we shall not be worse off than many other
people." But she said this with a secret panic devouring her soul,
wondering if it was possible that such a horrible revolution of
circumstances and change of everything she had looked for, could be.
Even Clarence was silenced, though immovable. He went away soon after,
and betook himself to his room at the Parsonage, where all his
possessions still were, while Phoebe attended upon her grandmother, whose
agitation and fear she calmed without saying much. Tozer, quite broken
down, retired to bed; and when they were all disposed of, Phoebe went out
to the garden, and made a mournful little promenade there, with very
serious thoughts. If Clarence was to be cast off by his father what
could she do with him? It was not in Phoebe to abandon the stupid lover,
who had stood up so manfully for her. No, she must accept her fate
however the balance turned; but if this dreadful change happened what
should she do with him? The question penetrated, and made her shiver to
the depths of her soul; but never even in imagination did she forsake
him. He was hers now, come good or ill; but the prospect of the ill was
appalling to her. She went up and down the garden-path slowly in the
silence, looking up to the stars, with her heart very full. Phoebe felt
that no usual burden had been put upon her. Last night her occupation
had been one of the purest charity, and this Providence had seemed to
recompense in the morning, by dropping at her very feet the prize she
had long meant to win; but now she was down again after being lifted up
so hig