He had not only wrongly interpreted her silence, but had assumed the acceptance of another lover as confidently as if he knew to an certainty that such was the case.
This was a serious matter and might result in the very thing he had been so ready to assume--the rejection of his suit.
Arriving at length, in Albany, Mr.Florence sought out the residence of Miss Weldon.
"Is Colonel Richards at home ?" he inquired.
On being answered in the affirmative he sent up his name, with a request to see him.

The colonel made his appearance in short time.
He was a tall, thoughtful looking man, and bowed with a dignified air as he came into the room.
"How is Miss Weldon ?" asked Florence, with an eagerness he could not restrain.
"Not so well this morning," replied the guardian.

"She had a bad night." "No wonder," thought the young man, "after receiving that letter." "She has been sleeping, however since daylight," added Colonel Richards, "and that is much in her favor." "She received my letter, I presume," said Florence, in a hesitating voice.
"A letter came for her yesterday," was replied; "but as she was more indisposed than usual, we did not give it to her." "It is as well," said the young man, experiencing a sense of relief.
An hour afterwards he was permitted to enter the chamber, where she lay supported by pillows.

One glance at her face dispelled from his mind every lingering doubt.

He had suffered from imaginary fears, awakened by the whispers of a troubled conscience..