Once or twice it crossed the mother's thought, that Fanny might be tempted to answer the letter of Mr.Lyon, notwithstanding her promise not to do so for the present.

But she repelled the thought instantly, as unjust to her beautiful, loving, obedient child.

Still, Fanny's seclusion of herself weighed on her mind, and led her several times to go into her room.

Nothing, either in her manner or employment, gave the least confirmation to the vague fear which had haunted her.
The sun was nearly two hours above the horizon, when Fanny left the house, and bent her steps towards a pleasant grove of trees that stood some distance away.

In the midst of the grove, which was not far from the entrance-gate to her father's beautiful grounds, was a summer-house, in Oriental style, close beside an ornamental fountain.