Fanny answered, "Mrs. Carrington and Julia said I was too young to go out
with—"

"With such a bad man as I am," said Dr. Lacey, laughing.

"Oh, no," said Fanny; "they do not think you bad; they said with any
gentleman."

"Too young, are you?" said Dr. Lacey. "How old are you, Fanny?"

"I was sixteen last May," she replied.

"Sixteen; just as old as Anna was when she died, and just as old as my
mother was when she was married; so it seems you are not too young to die,
or to be married either, if you are too young to go out with me," said Dr.
Lacey.

Fanny did not reply; and he continued, "Whom would you have gone with if
you had not spent your money this morning for those old aunts?"

Fanny started; and giving him a searching look, was about to reply, when
he anticipated her by saying, "Yes, Fanny, I overheard your conversation
this morning, and I cannot sufficiently admire your generous self-denial.
I have heard Fanny Kemble two or three times, so I did not care to hear
her again; but I decided to go for the pleasure of having you hear her;
but as you did not choose to go, I have remained here with you, and wish
to have you tell me something about your parents and your home, and also
wish you to ask me to go there some time."

Fanny answered, hesitatingly, "I am afraid you would not like to go there,