Fanny did not join the family at the tea-table on that evening; and on the next morning, when she met her mother, her face was paler than usual, and her eyes drooped under the earnest gaze that sought to read her very thoughts.  It was plain, from her appearance, that her sleep had been neither sound nor refreshing.

Mrs. Markland deemed it wisest to make no allusion to what had occurred on the previous evening.  Her views in regard to answering Mr. Lyon’s letter had been clearly expressed, and she had no fear that her daughter would act in opposition to them.  Most anxiously did she await her husband’s return.  Thus far in life they had, in all important events, “seen eye to eye,” and she had ever reposed full confidence in his judgment.  If that confidence wavered in any degree now, it had been disturbed through his seeming entire trust in Mr. Lyon.

Aunt Grace had her share of curiosity, and she was dying, as they say, to know what was in Fanny’s letter.  The non-appearance of her niece at the tea-table had disappointed her considerably; and it was as much as she could do to keep from going to her room during the evening.  Sundry times she tried to discover whether Mrs. Markland had seen the letter or, not, but the efforts were unsuccessful; the mother choosing for the present not to enter into further conversation with her on the subject.

All eye and all ear was Aunt Grace on the next morning, when Fanny made her appearance; but only through the eye was any information gathered, and that of a most unsatisfactory character.  The little said by Fanny or her mother, was as a remote as possible from the subject that occupied most nearly their thoughts.  Aunt Grace tried in various ways to lead them in the direction she would have them go; but it was all in vain that she asked questions touching the return of her brother, and wondered what could have taken him off to New York in such a hurry; no one made any satisfactory reply.  At last, feeling a little chafed, and, at the same time, a little malicious, she said—­

“That Mr. Lyon’s at the bottom of this business.”

The sentence told, as she had expected and intended.  Fanny glanced quickly toward her, and a crimson spot burned on her cheek.  But no word passed her lips.  “So much gained,” thought Aunt Grace; and then she said aloud—­

“I’ve no faith in the man myself.”

This, she believed, would throw Fanny off of her guard; but she was mistaken.  The colour deepened on the young girl’s cheeks, but she made no response.

“If he doesn’t get Edward into trouble before he’s done with him, I’m no prophet,” added Aunt Grace, with a dash of vinegar in her tones.

“Why do you say that?” asked Mrs. Markland, who felt constrained to speak.

“I’ve no opinion of the man, and never had from the beginning, as you are very well aware,” answered the sister-in-law.

“Our estimate of character should have a sounder basis than mere opinion, or, to speak more accurately—­prejudice,” said Mrs. Markland.