A nearer approach corrected my error; and a brief conversation with our new neighbour, gave me a strong prepossession in his favour." Before this sentence was completed, Fanny had arisen and gone quietly from the room.

For a few moments after her departure, the father's and mother's eyes rested upon the door through which her graceful form had vanished.

Then they looked at each other, sighed, and were silent.
The moment Fanny was beyond the observation of her parents, wings seemed added to her feet, and she almost flew to her chamber.
"Bless the child! What's the matter?
She looks frightened to death!" exclaimed Aunt Grace, who met her on the way, and she followed her quickly.

But, when she tried to open the chamber door, she found it locked within.
"Fanny! Fanny, child!" She rattled at the lock, as she thus called the name of her niece.
But no sound came from within.
"Fanny! Fanny!" The sound of feet was on the floor.
"Fanny!" "What is wanted, aunt ?" said a low, husky voice, close to the door within.

It did not seem like the voice of Fanny.
"I wish to see you for a few moments.