"Florence Woodburn! New Orleans!" exclaimed Fanny. "And are you from New
Orleans, and do you know Florence, and have you seen Julia?"

To all these questions the stranger answered "Yes," continuing, "and now
let me introduce myself. I am Lida Gibson, but I might as well be John
Smith for any idea my name will convey. However, I am from New Orleans,
and know Florence and your Uncle William well. Just before I left the
city, I made your sister’s acquaintance. When she learned I was coming
this way, she said I might possibly see you, and made me the bearer of
many messages of love."

Fanny had never heard of Lida Gibson, but it was sufficient that she knew
her uncle and Julia, so her hand was immediately offered, and the
remainder of the evening the two young girls promenaded the piazza arm in
arm, talking of their distant homes and absent friends.

"Where did you see Julia?" asked Fanny.

"Your uncle’s house was not quite ready, consequently he and Julia were
spending a few days at the residence of Dr. Lacey," answered Lida.

"Dr. Lacey!" said Fanny, in some surprise. "Julia at Dr. Lacey’s?"

"Yes, why not?" said Lida, laughing merrily at Fanny’s manner. "There is
nothing improper about that, for Dr. Lacey’s father was then absent, and
his mother, for the time, stayed with her son. I fancied it was not at all
unpleasant either to Dr. Lacey or Julia, that they were thus thrown
together, and I should not wonder if the doctor should one day call you
sister!"