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."
This was the impression left on Florence's mind, which was productive of
much mischief. At a late hour the company dispersed. Fanny returned home,
weary and sick at heart. Her conversation with Florence had awakened
painful reminiscences of the past, and the gray daylight was beginning to
streak the eastern horizon ere her heavy lids closed in slumber. In a few
days Florence Woodburn departed for New Orleans, where her mother's
brother resided. We will take passage with her and pay a visit to Dr.
Lacey in his Southern home.