He was then much occupied with his own thoughts, and entered but little into conversation.

Fanny was absent-minded, a fact that did not escape the mother's observation.
Aunt Grace noted the change which the stranger's coming and departure had occasioned, and, shaking her wise head, spoke thus within herself-- "He may be very handsome, but he casts a shadow, for all that.

I don't see what Edward was thinking about.

He'd better let Fanny go right into the world, where she can see dozens of handsome young men, and contrast one with another, than hide her away here, until some attractive young Lucifer comes along--a very Son of the Morning! How can the girl help falling in love, if she sees but one man, and he elegant, accomplished, handsome, and full of winning ways, even though his hidden heart be black with selfishness ?" But Aunt Grace always looked at the shadowy side.

Even if the sun shone bright above, she thought of the clouds that were gathering somewhere, and destined ere long to darken the whole horizon.
On the day following, Mr.Markland went again to the city, and was gone until late in the evening.