rren's before she observed that
Fanny occupied an isolated position in the family. She was a few years
younger than her companions, three dressy misses, who could not
condescend to admit her into her clique. Although the privacy of her own
room was pleasing to Gertrude's feelings, pity for poor Fanny induced
her to invite her frequently to come and sit with her, and she often so
far forgot her own griefs as to exert herself in providing entertainment
for her young visitor, who considered it a privilege to share Gertrude's
retirement, read her books, and feel confident of her friendship. During
the stormy month of March Fanny spent almost every evening with
Gertrude; and she, who at first felt that she was making a sacrifice of
her comfort and ease by giving another constant access to her apartment,
realised the force of Uncle True's prophecy, that, in her efforts for
the happiness of others, she would at last find her own; for Fanny's
lively and amusing conversation drew Gertrude from brooding over her
sorrows.

April arrived, and still no news from Emily; Gertrude's heart ached with
longing to once more pour out her griefs on the bosom of that dear
friend, and find her consolation and support. Gertrude had written
regularly, but of late she had not known where to direct her letters;
and since Mrs. Sullivan's death there had been no communication between
her and the travellers. She was sitting at her window one evening,
thinking of those friends lost by absence and by death, when she was
summoned to see Mr. Arnold and his daughter Anne. After the usual
civilities, Miss Arnold said, "Of course you have heard the news,
Gertrude?"

"No," replied Gertrude. "I have heard nothing special."

"What!" exclaimed Mr. Arnold, "have you not heard of Mr. Graham's
marriage?"

Gertrude started up in surprise. "Do you really mean so, Mr. Arnold? Mr.
Graham married! When? To whom?"

"To the widow Holbrook, a sister-in-law of Mr. Clinton's; she has been
staying at Havanna, with a party from the north, and the Grahams met her
there."

"But, Gertrude," asked Mr. Arnold, "how does it happen you have not
heard of it? It is in all the newspapers--'Married in New Orleans, J. H.
Graham, Esq., to Mrs. Holbrook.'"

"I have not seen a newspaper for a day or two," replied Gertrude.

"And Miss Graham's blindness, I suppose, prevents her writing," said
Anne; "but I thought Mr. Graham would send wedding compliments."

Gertrude made no reply