mily, and is as poor as a church mouse."

So while Frank was hurrying toward the village of C----, his mother and
sister were brooding over the disgrace which they feared threatened them.
They could have spared all their painful feelings, for she of the "low
family" was destined to be another's.

During Frank's ride to C---- he determined, ere his return, to know the
worst. "She can but refuse me," thought he, "and even if she does, I shall
feel better than I do now." When he met Fanny his manner was so calm and
collected that she never dreamed how deep was the affection she had
kindled in his heart. She received him with real pleasure, for he seemed
like a friend from Kentucky. He staid with her but three days, and when he
left he bore a sadder heart than he had ever felt before. Fanny had
refused him; not exultingly, as if a fresh laurel had been won only to be
boasted of, but so kindly, so delicately, that Frank felt almost willing
to act it all over again for the sake of once more hearing Fanny's voice,
as she told him how utterly impossible it was for her ever again to love
as a husband should be loved.

"Then," said Frank, somewhat bitterly, "you acknowledge that you have
loved another."

"Yes," answered Fanny, "but no other circumstances could have wrung the
confession from me. I have loved and been deceived. I will not say my
faith in man's honor is wholly gone, for I believe you, Mr. Cameron, to be
perfectly sincere and honorable in your professions of regard. Had we met
earlier all might have been different, but now it is too late. If my
friendship is worth having, it is yours. I have never had a brother, but
will look upon and love you as one; with that, you must be satisfied."

And he did try to be satisfied, but only because there was no other
alternative. Still he felt a pleasure in being near her, in breathing the
same atmosphere and gazing on the same scenes. Before he returned home he
had decided upon accompanying her, together, with Mr. and Mrs. Miller, on
their contemplated trip to Saratoga; thence they would go on to New York
City, and visit at his father's.

"I am sorry," said he, "that it is not the season for parties, as I should
love dearly to show off Fanny in opposition to our practised city belles,
and now I think of it," continued he, "isn't Mr. Stanton coming North this
summer after a certain Miss Ashton?"

"I believe he is," answered Kate.

"Now then," said Frank. "I have it exactly