g, as she was standing by Ashton and commenting on
Julia's wondrous beauty, she said, "Where is the younger Miss Middleton?
Is she as handsome as her sister?"

Ashton replied, "She is not called half as beautiful, but she is much more
amiable; but see there she comes," continued he, as Fanny entered the room
leaning on Stanton's arm.

She was so pale that her skin seemed almost transparent, but the
excitement of the evening brought a bright glow to her cheek which greatly
enhanced her loveliness. She was simply attired in a plain white muslin,
low at the neck, which was veiled by the soft curls of her silken hair.
Her arms were encircled by a plain band of gold, and a white, half-opened
rosebud was fastened to the bosom of her dress.

As she entered the room many admiring eyes were turned toward her, and
Miss Woodburn exclaimed, "Oh, how lovely she is. Her sister seems more
like the flashing diamond, while Fanny's beauty is like the soft lustre of
the pearl. But tell me," she continued, "is she not engaged to a Dr. Lacey
of New Orleans?"

"Yes, or, that is, it was so rumored," answered Ashton, "but he has gone
home, and since then I have heard nothing of it. Young Stanton seems very
attentive. I should not wonder if something grows out of it."

"Always making matches, Mr. Ashton," said Mrs. Carrington, who for a
moment rid herself of Raymond and now came near Ashton and Florence. She
had heard them speak of Dr. Lacey and Fanny, and as she knew Florence was
soon going to New Orleans, she wished to give her a little Frankfort
gossip to take with her.

"Oh, Mrs. Carrington," said Mr. Ashton, bowing politely, "allow me to
introduce Miss Woodburn. We were just talking of the probability of Miss
Fanny's being engaged to Dr. Lacey. Perhaps you can enlighten us."

"Oh," said Mrs. Carrington, "I assure you I know but little about the
matter. It is rather uncertain whom Miss Fanny likes or dislikes. It is
currently reported that she was in love with a Mr. Wilmot, who died, and
who was known to be engaged to her sister. Since then Dr. Lacey has
flirted with her, whether seriously or not I cannot tell; I should rather
think not, however, for Mr. Stanton now seems to be the favored one."

"Oh," said Mr. Ashton, "I never supposed Fanny was so much of a coquette."

"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 yo