Henry Ashton was also there, but his attention was wholly engrossed in the bright eyes and sunny face of Florence Woodburn, who had recently returned from Philadelphia, where she had been attending for the last two years. Florence was the only daughter of the Mr. Woodburn, who was mentioned in the first chapter of this narrative. Her father lived several miles from the city, but she had friends in town and spent much of her time there. She was very handsome and very agreeable, and as she would probably be quite an heiress, her appearance in the fashionable world created a great sensation.
During the evening, as she was standing by Ashton and commenting on Julia’s wondrous beauty, she said, “Where is the younger Miss Middleton? Is she as handsome as her sister?”
Ashton replied, “She is not called half as beautiful, but she is much more amiable; but see there she comes,” continued he, as Fanny entered the room leaning on Stanton’s arm.
She was so pale that her skin seemed almost transparent, but the excitement of the evening brought a bright glow to her cheek which greatly enhanced her loveliness. She was simply attired in a plain white muslin, low at the neck, which was veiled by the soft curls of her silken hair. Her arms were encircled by a plain band of gold, and a white, half-opened rosebud was fastened to the bosom of her dress.
As she entered the room many admiring eyes were turned toward her, and Miss Woodburn exclaimed, “Oh, how lovely she is. Her sister seems more like the flashing diamond, while Fanny’s beauty is like the soft lustre of the pearl. But tell me,” she continued, “is she not engaged to a Dr. Lacey of New Orleans?”
“Yes, or, that is, it was so rumored,” answered Ashton, “but he has gone home, and since then I have heard nothing of it. Young Stanton seems very attentive. I should not wonder if something grows out of it.”
“Always making matches, Mr. Ashton,” said Mrs. Carrington, who for a moment rid herself of Raymond and now came near Ashton and Florence. She had heard them speak of Dr. Lacey and Fanny, and as she knew Florence was soon going to New Orleans, she wished to give her a little Frankfort gossip to take with her.
“Oh, Mrs. Carrington,” said Mr. Ashton, bowing politely, “allow me to introduce Miss Woodburn. We were just talking of the probability of Miss Fanny’s being engaged to Dr. Lacey. Perhaps you can enlighten us.”
“Oh,” said Mrs. Carrington, “I assure you I know but little about the matter. It is rather uncertain whom Miss Fanny likes or dislikes. It is currently reported that she was in love with a Mr. Wilmot, who died, and who was known to be engaged to her sister. Since then Dr. Lacey has flirted with her, whether seriously or not I cannot tell; I should rather think not, however, for Mr. Stanton now seems to be the favored one.”
“Oh,” said Mr. Ashton, “I never supposed Fanny was so much of a coquette.”