CHAPTER XXVI.
IT was not until the middle of the succeeding week that Mr.Markland returned from New York.

He had a look of care that did not escape the observation of his wife.

To her inquiries as to the cause of his prolonged absence, he replied vaguely, yet with reference to some business of vast magnitude, in which he had become interested.

Two days passed without allusion, on either side, to the subject of their daughter's relation to Mr.Lyon, and then, to some question of Mrs.Markland, her husband replied in so absent a way, that she did not press the matter on his attention.

Fanny was reserved and embarrassed in the presence of her father, and evidently avoided him.
More than a week went by in this unsatisfactory manner, when, on returning one day from the city, Mr.Markland showed an unusual elation of spirits.