But how have you been since my brief absence?
And how is your good father and mother ?" "Father is in New York," replied Fanny.
"In New York! I feared as much." And a slight shade crossed the face of Mr.Lyon, who spoke as if off of his guard.

"When did he go ?" "Yesterday." "Ah! Did he receive a letter from me ?" "Yes, sir." Fanny's eyes drooped under the earnest gaze that was fixed upon her.
"I hoped to have reached here as soon as my letter.

This is a little unfortunate." The aspect of Mr.Lyon became grave.
"When will your father return ?" he inquired.
"I do not know." Again Mr.Lyon looked serious and thoughtful.

For some moments he remained abstracted; and Fanny experienced a slight feeling of timidity, as she looked upon his shadowed face.

Arousing himself, he said: "This being the case, I shall at once return South." "Not until to-morrow," said Fanny.
"This very night," answered Mr.Lyon.
"Then let us go to the Lodge at once," and Fanny made a motion to rise.