such neglect," said Gertrude, and then she added what
was of more consequence than all the rest, "Why, mother, she's the most
elegantly dressed lady in the room!"

In a moment Mrs. Cameron was descending the broad staircase. There was the
sound of the piano and someone singing. Gertrude pressed forward until she
caught sight of the singer, then pulling her mother's sleeve, she
whispered, "This way, mother; that is Miss Middleton playing."

Mrs. Cameron's first emotion, on beholding Fanny and the flattering
attentions she everywhere received, was one of intense mortification, to
think she had not been first to notice and chaperone her. "I will,
however, make all possible amends now," thought she, and finding Frank she
desired for herself and Gertrude an introduction to Miss Middleton; but
Frank did not feel disposed to grant his mother's request immediately, and
he said, "Pardon me, mother, but you see Miss Middleton is very much
engaged at present with some of her friends, so you must wait awhile."

Mrs. Cameron was too proud to ask any one else to introduce her, and it
seemed that she and Gertrude were not likely to make Fanny's acquaintance
at all. Toward the close of the party, however, Frank thought proper to
introduce them. Mrs. Cameron determined to do her best, and she
overwhelmed Fanny with so much flattery, that the poor girl longed for
some way of escape, thinking to herself, "Is it possible that Frank
Cameron's mother is such a silly woman?" Once Mrs. Cameron went so far as
to hint the probability that Miss Middleton would one day be her daughter.

"What can she possibly mean?" thought Fanny; at the same time gracefully
excusing herself she ran upstairs after her shawl and veil, as Kate had
signified her intention of returning home. But Mrs. Cameron was not to be
thus foiled. She started in pursuit, and reaching the bonnet room as soon
as Fanny, insisted that she and Kate should stop with her during the
remainder of her stay in the city. As Frank soon appeared and joined his
entreaties with those of his mother, Fanny said she would do just as Mrs.
Miller thought proper. Kate, who had expected a similar denouement,
expressed her perfect willingness to visit at her uncle's.

Accordingly, the next morning they left their rooms at the Astor House and
repaired to Mrs. Cameron's, where they were most affectionately received
by Mrs. Cameron and Gertrude. And now commenced a series of toadyism which
was vastly am