The spot was far out of the way of tramps and wandering vagabonds, and there was no danger of damage being done to it by the neighbors.

Mrs.Nixey undertook to see that it was kept from damp and dirt, promising to have a fire lighted there occasionally, and Simon would see to the thatch being kept in repair, on condition that Phebe would come herself once a year to receive her rent, and see how the place was cared for.

There was but a forlorn hope in Mrs.
Nixey's heart that Phebe would ever have Simon now she was going to London; but it might possibly come about in the long run if he met with no girl to accept him with as much fortune.
Before leaving Upfold Farm Phebe received the following letter from Felicita: "DEAR PHEBE: I shall be very glad to have you under my roof.

I believe I see in you a freshness and truthfulness of nature on which I can rely for sympathy.

I have always felt a sincere regard for you, but of late I have learned to love you, and to think of you as my friend.