He did not clearly understand the meaning of this sentence, for, in the low tones that gave it utterance, there seemed to his ear a prophecy of change.

Then he remembered his recent conversation with her father, and light broke in upon his mind.

The absence of Mr.
Markland had, in all probability, following the restless, dissatisfied state, which all had observed, already awakened the concern of his family, lest it should prove only the beginning of longer periods of absence.
"Business called your father to New York," said Mr.Allison.
"Yes; so he wrote home to mother.

He went to the city in the morning, and we expected him back as usual in the evening, but he sent a note by the coachman, saying that letters just received made it necessary for him to go on to New York immediately." "He is about entering into business again, I presume." "Oh, I hope not!" replied Fanny.
Mr.Allison remained silent for some moments, and then said-- "I thought your visitor, Mr.Lyon, went South several days ago." "So he did," answered Fanny, in a quickened tone of voice, and with a manner slightly disturbed.
"Then I was in error," said Mr.Allison, speaking partly to himself.
"I thought I passed him in the road, half an hour ago.

The resemblance was at least a very close one.