During Frank’s ride to C——­ he determined, ere his return, to know the worst.  “She can but refuse me,” thought he, “and even if she does, I shall feel better than I do now.”  When he met Fanny his manner was so calm and collected that she never dreamed how deep was the affection she had kindled in his heart.  She received him with real pleasure, for he seemed like a friend from Kentucky.  He staid with her but three days, and when he left he bore a sadder heart than he had ever felt before.  Fanny had refused him; not exultingly, as if a fresh laurel had been won only to be boasted of, but so kindly, so delicately, that Frank felt almost willing to act it all over again for the sake of once more hearing Fanny’s voice, as she told him how utterly impossible it was for her ever again to love as a husband should be loved.

“Then,” said Frank, somewhat bitterly, “you acknowledge that you have loved another.”

“Yes,” answered Fanny, “but no other circumstances could have wrung the confession from me.  I have loved and been deceived.  I will not say my faith in man’s honor is wholly gone, for I believe you, Mr. Cameron, to be perfectly sincere and honorable in your professions of regard.  Had we met earlier all might have been different, but now it is too late.  If my friendship is worth having, it is yours.  I have never had a brother, but will look upon and love you as one; with that, you must be satisfied.”

And he did try to be satisfied, but only because there was no other alternative.  Still he felt a pleasure in being near her, in breathing the same atmosphere and gazing on the same scenes.  Before he returned home he had decided upon accompanying her, together, with Mr. and Mrs. Miller, on their contemplated trip to Saratoga; thence they would go on to New York City, and visit at his father’s.

“I am sorry,” said he, “that it is not the season for parties, as I should love dearly to show off Fanny in opposition to our practised city belles, and now I think of it,” continued he, “isn’t Mr. Stanton coming North this summer after a certain Miss Ashton?”

“I believe he is,” answered Kate.

“Now then,” said Frank.  “I have it exactly.  Judge Fulton, who is Miss Ashton’s guardian, has recently removed to the city.  I know him well, and have been introduced to Miss Helen.  Stanton has already invited us all to his wedding, and as Miss Ashton will of course repeat the invitation, Fanny will thus have an opportunity of seeing a little of the gay world in New York.”

“You seem to think any praise bestowed upon Fanny as so much credit for yourself,” said Kate, mischievously.

Frank made no reply, and soon bidding good-by to his friends, he was on his way to the city.  On reaching home he found his mother and sister in a state of great anxiety concerning “the odious old scarecrow’s corncake daughter,” as Gertrude styled Fanny.  Her first question, after asking about Kate, was, “Well, Frank, tell me, did you propose to Miss Middleton?”