now; and no relative, except her young cousin, Thurston Willcoxen, who
has been abroad at a German University these five years past, and who,
in event of Fanny's death, would inherit her property. We must get her
here, if possible. I will go in and send Jenny after her. She will
probably overtake her in the forest, and may be able to persuade her to
come back. At least, I shall tell Jenny to keep her in sight, until she
is in some place of safety."

"Do, dear Edith!"

"Are you not coming?" said Edith, as she led her little girl toward the
house.

"In one moment, dear; I wish only to bind up this morning-glory, that
poor Fanny chanced to pull down as she ran through."

Edith disappeared in the cottage.

Marian stood with both her rosy arms raised, in the act of binding up
the vine, that with its wealth of splendid azure-hued, vase-shaped
flowers, over-canopied her beautiful head like a triumphal arch. She
stood there, as I said, like a radiant, blooming goddess of life and
health, summer sunshine and blushing flowers.

The light tramp of horse's feet fell upon her ear. She looked up, and
with surprise lighting her dark-blue eyes, beheld a gentleman mounted on
a fine black Arabian courser, that curveted gracefully and capriciously
before the cottage gate.

Smilingly the gentleman soothed and subdued the coquettish mood of his