And home, you know, dear Edward, is where the heart is, and the loved ones dwell." But not so calmly could Fanny bear this announcement.

She had tried hard, for her father's sake, to repress her feelings; but now they gave way into hysterical weeping.

Far beyond his words her thoughts leaped, and already bitter self-reproaches had begun.

Had she at once informed him of Mr.Lyon's return, singular interview, and injunction of secrecy, all these appalling consequences might have been saved.

In an instant this flashed upon her mind, and the conviction overwhelmed her.
"My poor child," said Mr.Markland, sadly, yet with great tenderness,--"would to heaven I could save you from the evil that lies before us! But I am powerless in the hands of a stern necessity." "Oh, father!" sobbed the weeping girl, "if I could bear this change alone, I would be happy." "Let us all bear it cheerfully together," said Mrs.Markland, in a quiet voice, and with restored calmness of spirit.