Some months before she had left school, but was still taking lessons in music and French, and devoting a portion of time to practice in drawing, for which she had a decided taste.
On the day after Mr.Claire's interview with Jasper, Mrs.Claire said to Fanny, with a seriousness of tone and manner that brought a look of surprise to her face-- "Come to my room with me, dear.

I have something to say to you." Fanny moved along by her side, wondering to herself what could be in her mother's mind.

On entering the chamber, Mrs.Claire shut the door, and then, as she sat down, with an arm around the young girl's waist, she said, in a thoughtful, earnest voice-- "Fanny, I want you to tell me the first thing you recollect in life." "The first thing, mother ?" She smiled at a request so unexpected, and Mrs.Claire smiled in return, though from a different cause.
"Yes, dear.

I have a reason for asking this.

Now, let your thoughts run back--far back, and recall for me the very first thing you can recollect." The countenance of Fanny grew thoughtful, then serious, and then a half-frightened look flashed over it.
"Why, mother," said she, "what can you mean?
What do you want to know ?" "Your first recollection, dear ?" returned Mrs.Claire, with an assuring smile, although her heart was full, and it required the most active self-control to prevent her feelings from becoming manifest in her voice.
"Well, let me see! The first?
The first?
I was playing on the floor with a dear little baby?
It was our Edie, wasn't it ?" "Yes--so far your memory is correct.