“He’s in business, then, I suppose?”

“Yes.  He keeps a fancy dry-goods’ store, and is doing exceedingly well—­so he says.”

Mrs. Waring sat silent for some time, lost in a train of reflection suddenly started in her mind.

“You look serious, aunt.  What are you thinking about?” said Fanny, a slight shadow flitting over her countenance.

Mrs. Waring smiled, as she answered—­

“People at my age are easily led into serious thoughts.  Indeed, I can never contemplate the marriage of a young girl like yourself, without the intrusion of such thoughts into my mind.  I have seen many bright skies bending smilingly over young hearts on the morning of their married life, that long ere noon were draped in clouds.”

“Don’t talk so, dear aunt!” said the fair young girl.  “I know that life, to all, comes in shadow as well as sunshine.  But, while the sky is bright, why dim its brightness by thoughts of the time when it will be overcast.  Is that true philosophy, Aunt Mary?”

“If such forethought will prevent the cloud, or provide a shelter ere the storm breaks, it may be called true philosophy.  But, forgive me, dear, for thus throwing a shadow where no shadow ought to rest.  I will believe your choice a wise one, and that a happy future awaits you.”

“You cannot help believing this when you see Edward.  He will be here to-night; then you will be able to estimate him truly.”

As Fanny had said, the young man called in after tea, when Mrs. Waring was introduced.  Allen responded to the introduction somewhat coldly.  In fact he was too much interested in Fanny herself to think much, or care much for the stranger, even though named as a relative.  But, though he noticed but casually, and passed only a few words with Mrs. Waring, that lady was observing him closely, and noting every phase of character that was presented for observation; and, ere he left her presence, had read him far deeper than he imagined.

“And now, Aunt Mary, tell me what you think of Edward,” said Fanny Lovering, as soon as the young man had departed, and she was alone with Mrs. Waring.

“I must see him two or three times more ere I can make up my mind in regard to him,” said Mrs. Waring with something evasive in her manner.  “First impressions are not always to be relied on,” she added, smiling.

“Ah!  I understand you,”—­Fanny spoke with a sudden gayety of manner—­“you only wish to tease me a little.  Now, confess at once, dear Aunt Mary, that you are charmed with Edward.”

“I am not much given to quick prepossesions,” answered Mrs. Waring.  “It may be a defect in my character; but so it is.  Mr. Allen, no doubt, is a most excellent young man.  You are sure that you love him, Fanny?”

“Oh, Aunt Mary!  How can you ask such a question?  Are we not soon to be married?”

“True.  And this being so, you certainly should love him.  Now, can you tell me why you love him?”