she will come, for I am all impatience to see one whom
you have praised until I am half jealous."

Gertrude wondered much whom Mrs. Stanton could mean, but her wonder soon
ceased, for there was a stir at the door. The crowd around it fell back as
Frank Cameron walked proudly into the room, bearing upon his arm Fanny
Middleton. Her fame had preceded her, for many of those present had
learned that a Kentucky belle and heiress was stopping at the Astor, and
would be present at the party. As she advanced into the room, Gertrude
felt, rather than heard the murmur of admiration which ran round the room,
and her quick ear caught the words, "Yes, that's she; that's the heiress;
that's Miss Middleton from Frankfort."

Gladly would Gertrude have escaped her brother's eye, which instantly
sought her out; but she felt unable to move, and stood watching the
animated face and graceful manners of Fanny, who, in being presented to
Mrs. Fulton and Stanton, passed near her. Every article of Fanny's dress
was noted, and an estimate made as to its probable cost. "She must be
wealthy," thought she, "or she could not dress so expensively." Suddenly
one of Gertrude's acquaintances touched her elbow, and said, "Come, Miss
Gertrude, do gratify our curiosity and tell us about this Kentucky belle.
Of course you know her, as she is attended by your brother."

Deeply mortified Gertrude was obliged to confess that she had no
acquaintance with her. "That's strange," said the lady. "We all supposed
she stopped at your father's with your cousin."

A new idea entered Gertrude's mind, and instead of replying to this last
remark, she said, "I shall know her well, though, for Frank has proposed
to her."

"Did she accept him?" asked the lady eagerly.

"Of course," was Gertrude's haughty answer. "Do you think he would offer
himself unless sure of success?"

Ten minutes more and dozens of persons were gossiping about the engagement
between Frank Cameron and the beautiful Kentuckian. Scores of questions
were poured in upon Gertrude relative to her future sister-in-law, but
none of them could she answer. Vexed at her own ignorance, she ran
upstairs to her mother, whom she told to "come down immediately and see
what fools they had made of themselves."

"Why, what is the matter, child?" said Mrs. Cameron, much alarmed at
Gertrude's excited looks and manners.

"All the city is ready to fall down and worship this Fanny Middleton, whom
we have treated with