“Neither do I think she is,” said Florence, whose heart warmed toward Fanny as soon as she saw her.

“Perhaps she is not,” said Mrs. Carrington.  “Fanny is very young yet, but when fully matured will perhaps make a noble woman, but she has not the solidity of her sister, who tries hard to keep her from assuming the appearance of a flirt.”  Then turning to Florence, she said, “I believe you are soon going to New Orleans?”

“Yes, madam,” answered Florence.

“You will probably meet Dr. Lacey there,” continued Mrs. Carrington.  “Perhaps you had better say nothing to him about Fanny’s flirtation with Stanton, for he would hardly believe it.”

Florence merely nodded, thinking to herself that she should do as she chose about it.  From the first she had been attracted toward Fanny.  There was something in her face, and in the expression of her eye, which interested Florence.  It seemed to her that Fanny would gladly have left the scene of gayety, and going out by herself, would have poured out all her soul in tears.  She earnestly desired an introduction, and at last it was obtained.  There must have been some secret magnet which attracted these young girls toward each other, for in a few moments they were arm in arm, talking familiarly upon different topics as though they had been acquainted a lifetime.

Florence was a warm-hearted, affectionate girl, and after a time she said, “Miss Middleton, I am going to New Orleans soon.  I believe you have an acquaintance there.  If I see him what shall I tell him?”

Fanny’s voice trembled slightly as she answered, “Tell whom?”

“Oh, Miss Middleton,” said Florence, laughing gayly, “how that blush becomes you!  Tell whom?  Why, whom should it be but Dr. Lacey, who everybody, except Mrs. Carrington, says is engaged to you.”

The fire shot in to Fanny’s eyes, but one look at the open face at her side assured her, and she answered, “I am not answerable for what the world pleases to say of me.”

“I am to consider the report true, then,” persisted Florence.

A momentary struggle took place in Fanny’s mind.  Love and resentment strove for the mastery.  The latter conquered, and the voice was calm and decided which replied, “I assure you, Miss Woodburn, that Dr. Lacey bears no relation to me except that of a common acquaintance.”

“Indeed,” said Florence.  “I am sorry, for I was anticipating much pleasure in describing Dr. Lacey’s intended lady to the New Orleans girls.”

Fanny did not answer, and as Stanton just then approached, and asked her to go to the music room, she took his arm readily, glad to escape so painful a conversation.

“She is a strange girl,” thought Florence, “and yet I know I should love her.  I wonder what makes her so sad.  Can it be that she really loved that Mr. Wilmot?  At any rate, I am sorry for her and hope she will marry Mr. Stanton, who seems much pleased with her.”