In consequence of these most shrewd cogitations, our verger silenced his
wife with a peremptory nod when she came to persuade him to let Phoebe
put on the Limerick gloves and go to the ball. "To this ball she shall
not go, and I charge her not to put on those Limerick gloves as she
values my blessing," said Mr. Hill. "Please to tell her so, Mrs. Hill,
and trust to my judgment and discretion in all things, Mrs. Hill. Strange
work may be in Hereford yet: but I'll say no more; I must go and consult
with knowing men who are of my opinion."

He sallied forth, and Mrs. Hill was left in a state which only those who
are troubled with the disease of excessive curiosity can rightly
comprehend or compassionate. She hied her back to Phoebe, to whom she
announced her father's answer, and then went gossiping to all her female
acquaintance in Hereford, to tell them all that she knew, and all that
she did not know, and to endeavour to find out a secret where there was
none to be found.

There are trials of temper in all conditions, and no lady, in high or low
life, could endure them with a better grace than Phoebe. Whilst Mr. and
Mrs. Hill were busied abroad, there came to see Phoebe one of the widow
Smith's children. With artless expressions of gratitude to Phoebe this
little girl mixed the praises of O'Neill, who, she said, had been the
constant friend of her mother, and had given her money every week since
the fire happened. "Mammy loves him dearly for being so good-natured,"
continued the child; "and he has been good to other people as well as to
us."

"To whom?" said Phoebe.