"Because," said he, rather indignantly, "there is no engagement between
us."

"Oh, Frank," said Gertrude, "you told us so."

"I never told you so," answered he, rather warmly. "I told you I had
proposed, and I did propose, and was refused."

"But why didn’t you tell us?" continued Gertrude.

"Because you didn’t ask me," replied Frank. "You supposed, of course, none
could refuse me, so jumped at conclusions and have got yourself into a
fine spot."

There was no need of telling this, for Mrs. Cameron readily saw it and
went off into a fit of hysterics, while Gertrude burst into tears.

"What a strange girl you are!" said Frank. "Once you cried because you
thought I was engaged to Fanny, and now you cry because I am not." So
saying he gave a low mocking whistle and left his mother and sister to
console themselves as best they could.

We will not weary the reader by repeating the conversation between
Gertrude and her mother. We will only say that Mrs. Cameron decided to go
as soon as possible to Saratoga, "and when once there," said she, "I will
use all my influence with Miss Middleton; nay, if necessary, I will even
beg her to marry Frank, for I know she likes him."

Gertrude was delighted with this idea. She had forgotten how determined
she once was not to visit Saratoga with Fanny Middleton. Next morning Mrs.