EARNESTLY as Fanny Markland strove to maintain a calm exterior before her mother and aunt, the effort availed not; and so, as early in the evening as she could retire from the family, without attracting observation, she did so.

And now she found herself in a state of deep disquietude.

Far too young was the maiden to occupy, with any degree of calmness, the new position in which she was so unexpectedly placed.

The sudden appearance of Mr.Lyon, just when his image was beginning to take the highest place in her mind, and the circumstances attending that appearance, had, without effacing the image, dimmed its brightness.

Except for the interview with Mr.
Allison, this effect might not have taken place.