Not many days after Fanny's arrival at Mr. Wilmot's she was told that a
gentleman wished to see her in the parlor. On entering the room how
surprised she was at beholding Frank Cameron. He had learned by letter
from Kate that Fanny was in C----, and he immediately started for his
uncle's.
Since his return from Kentucky he had thoughts of little else save Fanny
Middleton. Waking or sleeping, she was constantly in his mind, and still
with a happy thought of her there ever came a sadder feeling, a fear that
his love for her would be in vain. But since the morning when he bade her
adieu, her name had never once passed his lips.
When his sister Gertrude questioned him concerning the Kentucky girls, he
had described to her in glowing terms the extreme beauty of Julia, and the
handsome eyes of "the widder," as he called Mrs. Carrington, but of Fanny
he had never spoken. He could not bear that even his own sister should
mention Fanny in connection with any one else. How ever, when Kate's
letter arrived, he passed it over to Gertrude, whose curiosity was
instantly roused, and she poured forth a torrent of questions as to who
that Fanny Middleton was.
"I suppose she must be old Mr. Middleton's daughter," was Frank's teasing
reply.
"Of course I know that," said Gertrude, "but what of her? who is she?"
"Why, I've told you once, she is Fanny Middleton," said Frank.
These and similar answers were all Gertrude could draw from him, and she
fell into a fit of pouting; but Frank was accustomed to that, and
consequently did not mind it. Next he announced his intention to visit his
Uncle Wilmot. Gertrude instantly exclaimed, "Now, Frank, you are too bad.
Just as soon as you hear Fanny Middleton is in New York, you start off to
see her, without even telling me who she is, or what she is. In my opinion
you are in love with her, and do not wish us to know it."
This started up Mrs. Cameron's ideas, and she said, "Frank, I am inclined
to believe Gertrude is right; but you surely will be respectful enough to
me to answer my questions civilly."
"Certainly," said Frank. "Ask anything you please; only be quick, for it
is almost car time."
"Well then, do you intend to make this Miss Middleton your wife?"
"I do, if she will have me," said Frank.
The distressed lady groaned audibly, but continued, "One more question,
Frank. Is she rich and well connected?"