"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."