; and what would it not have been to see the two
brothers there like brothers indeed? But she must be content with
knowing that so it was. Mervyn's opposition was entirely withdrawn, and
though he did not in the least comprehend and was far from admiring his
brother's aims, still his name and his means were no longer withheld from
supporting Robert's purposes, 'because he was such a good fellow, it was
a shame to stand in his way.' She knew, too, rather by implication than
confession, that Mervyn imagined his chief regrets for the enormous
extravagance of the former year, were because he had thus deprived
himself of the power of buying a living for his brother, as compensation
for having kept him out of his father's will. Whether Mervyn would ever
have made the purchase, and still more whether Robert would have accepted
it, was highly doubtful, but the intention was a step for which to be
thankful; and Phoebe watched the growing friendliness of the long
estranged pair with constantly new delight, and anticipated much from
Mervyn's sight of St. Matthew's with eyes no longer jaundiced.

She would gladly, too, have delayed the parting with Miss Fennimore, who
had made all her arrangements for a short stay with her relatives in
London, and then for giving lessons at a school. To Phoebe's loyal
spirit, it seemed hard that even Miss Charlecote's care should be
regarded as compensating for the loss of the home friend of the last
seven years, and the closer, dearer link was made known as she sat late
over the fire with the governess on Easter Sunday evening, their last at
Beauchamp. Silent hitherto, Miss Fennimore held her peace no longer, but
begged Phoebe to think of one who on another Sunday would no longer turn
aside from the Altar. Phoebe lifted her eyes, full of hope and inquiry,
and as she understood, exclaimed, 'O, I am glad! I knew you must have
some deep earnest reason for not being with us.'

'You never guessed?'

'I never tried. I saw that Robert knew, so I hoped.'

'And prayed?'

'Yes, you belonged to me.'

'Do I belong to you now?'

'Nay, more than ever now.'

'Then, my child, you never traced my unsettled faith?--my habit of
testing mystery by reason never perplexed you?'

Phoebe thought a moment, and said, 'I knew that Robert distrusted, though
I never asked why. There was a time when I used to try to sift the
evidence and logic of all I learnt, and I was puzzled where faith's
province began