I do not ask an answer; yet I will say, that I know nothing that would give me more pleasure than such a favour from your hand.
"Remember me in all kindness and esteem to your excellent parents.
"Sincerely yours, LEE LYON." The deep breath taken by Mrs.Markland was one of relief.

And yet, there was something in the letter that left her mind in uncertainty as to the real intentions of Mr.Lyon.Regret that he should have written at all mingled with certain pleasing emotions awakened by the graceful compliments of their late guest.
"It's a beautiful letter, isn't it, mother ?" "Yes, love," was answered almost without reflection.
Fanny re-folded the letter, with the care of one who was handling something precious.
"Shall I answer it ?" she inquired.
"Not now.

We must think about that.

You are too young to enter into correspondence with a gentleman--especially with one about whom we know so little.

Before his brief visit to Woodbine Lodge, we had never so much as heard of Mr.Lyon." A slight shade of disappointment crossed the bright young face of Fanny Markland--not unobserved by her mother.
"It would seem rude, were I to take no notice of the letter whatever," said she, after reflecting a moment.
"Your father can acknowledge the receipt for you, when he writes to Mr.Lyon." "But would that do ?" asked Fanny, in evident doubt.
"O yes, and is, in my view, the only right course.