time she deserted to the parlor, where she found Mr. Wilmot with Julia,
but no Dr. Lacey, neither did he make his appearance at all, and after
waiting impatiently for a time, she was at last obliged to accept the arm
of the poor pedagogue, which was rather unwillingly offered, for Mr.
Wilmot greatly preferred having Julia all to himself. She had become as
dear to him as his own life and, in his opinion, her character was like
her face—perfect. Deluded man! ’Twas well that he died before he had come
to a knowledge of her sinfulness.

But to return to Fanny. After she was left alone by her sister, she threw
herself upon the sofa, and burst into tears; but at length, wiping them
away, she arose and went down to the parlor, determined to have a nice
time practicing her music lesson. It was rather hard and with untiring
patience she played it over and over, until she was suddenly startled by a
voice behind her, saying, "Really, Miss Fanny, you are persevering."
Looking up she saw Dr. Lacey, who had entered unperceived.

"Why, Dr. Lacey," said she, "how you frightened me! Why are you not at the
reading?"

"Because," answered he, "when my lady breaks her engagement, I think I,
too, can remain at home. But why did you change your mind, Miss Fanny? I
thought you were anxious to go."

Fanny blushed painfully, and the tears came to her eyes, but she replied,
"I was anxious to go, but they thought I had better not."

"And who is they?" asked the doctor; "and why did they think you had
better not go?"