A new idea entered Gertrude’s mind, and instead of replying to this last
remark, she said, "I shall know her well, though, for Frank has proposed
to her."

"Did she accept him?" asked the lady eagerly.

"Of course," was Gertrude’s haughty answer. "Do you think he would offer
himself unless sure of success?"

Ten minutes more and dozens of persons were gossiping about the engagement
between Frank Cameron and the beautiful Kentuckian. Scores of questions
were poured in upon Gertrude relative to her future sister-in-law, but
none of them could she answer. Vexed at her own ignorance, she ran
upstairs to her mother, whom she told to "come down immediately and see
what fools they had made of themselves."

"Why, what is the matter, child?" said Mrs. Cameron, much alarmed at
Gertrude’s excited looks and manners.

"All the city is ready to fall down and worship this Fanny Middleton, whom
we have treated with such neglect," said Gertrude, and then she added what
was of more consequence than all the rest, "Why, mother, she’s the most
elegantly dressed lady in the room!"

In a moment Mrs. Cameron was descending the broad staircase. There was the
sound of the piano and someone singing. Gertrude pressed forward until she
caught sight of the singer, then pulling her mother’s sleeve, she
whispered, "This way, mother; that is Miss Middleton playing."

Mrs. Cameron’s first emotion, on beholding Fanny and the flattering