Chapter XVIII

by Mary Jane Holmes

　　FANNY WELCOMED BY MRS. CAMERON

　　Contrary to his first intention, Stanton concluded to come North in July.He had of course learned from Nellie that her mysterious guardian hadproved to be Judge Fulton, his sister's husband. And more recently she hadwritten to him of Judge Fulton's removal to New York City. Mr. Miller wasapprised of Stanton's return by a letter, in which he was also informedthat the wedding would take place in Grace Church on the morning of the22d.

　　Not long after there came invitations for himself, wife and Fanny toattend the bridal party, at the residence of Judge Fulton, on the eveningof July 25. Frank, who was also invited, had his own reason for notwishing his mother or sister to see Fanny until they met her at JudgeFulton's. Consequently he was not sorry when both ladies graciouslyinformed him that Miss Middleton would not be invited by them to visit attheir house. "Of course," said Mrs. Cameron, "we shall invite Kate and herhusband, and shall be glad to see them. If you choose, you can in your ownname invite Fanny, but if she knows anything she will not come."

　　Frank knew there was no possible danger of Fanny's accepting aninvitation, which came simply from himself, but he did not say so, andnext day he started again for his Uncle Wilmot's. To his cousin Kate heimparted a knowledge of his mother's and Gertrude's feelings and also toldof his own plans. Kate readily fell in with them and when Frank returnedto the city he was accompanied by Mr. Miller, Kate and Fanny, who tookrooms at the Astor House. As soon as Mrs. Cameron and Gertrude learnedthat Kate was in the city, they called upon her. Fanny they of course didnot see, neither did they mention her name. Kate expected as much, butnevertheless felt vexed, and when they urged her to spend the remainder ofher time with them, she replied, "I have a young friend from Kentucky withme, and unless you invite her too, I do not feel at liberty to accept yourpolite invitation."

　　In answer to this, Gertrude muttered something about "not wishing toenlarge the circle of her acquaintance," while Mrs. Cameron said nothing,and the two ladies soon swept haughtily out of the room.

　　"Never mind," said Frank, to whom Kate related her adventure, "they willboth sing another tune ere long," and he was right too.

　　The 25th of July at last arrived. Frank had informed Gertrude that shemust look to her father for a beau that evening, as he should be otherwiseengaged; so she was not surprised when her brother, long before sunset,left the house all equipped for the party. She well knew where he wasgoing and for whose society she was deserted. One hour later found herseated in a large armchair before the mirror in her dressing room.

　　Gertrude was a tall, fine-looking girl, but in the expression of herhandsome features there was something wanting. She lacked soul, and no oneever looked on the cold, proud face of Gertrude Cameron, without beingconvinced that she was altogether heartless and selfish.

　　On this occasion, as she sat in the large armchair, she said to herwaiting maid, "I say, Jane, you must do your best tonight to have mesplendidly dressed."

　　"Yes, ma'am, I understand," said Jane, and she proceeded to bedeck heryoung mistress with all sorts of finery. Her dress consisted of a rich,white satin, over which was thrown a skirt of handsomely embroidered lace.All the ornaments of gold and diamonds for which a place could possibly befound were heaped upon her, and when her toilet was completed, she seemedone gorgeous mass of jewelry.

　　"There, that will do," said she, as Jane clasped the last diamond braceleton her arm. "I presume this Fanny Middleton has never dreamed of so costlya dress as I shall appear in tonight."

　　Meanwhile in another part of the city, another toilet was being made, butof a different nature. Kate and Frank both were anxious that for onceFanny should deviate from her usually simple style of dress, and adoptsomething more in keeping with her father's wealth. At first Fannyhesitated, but was finally persuaded, and gave Kate permission to selectfor her anything she chose.

　　As, on the evening of the party, she glanced at the image which her mirrorreflected, she was pardonable for feeling a slight thrill of pleasure.Frank was in raptures, declaring nothing had ever been seen in New York soperfectly lovely. And truly, Fanny was beautiful as she stood therearrayed for the party.

　　She was dressed in a French robe of white tarlatan, embroidered in boquetsof lilies of the valley in silver. A single japonica rested among thecurls of her bright hair, while her neck was encircled by a necklace ofpearls, and costly bracelets of the same clasped her white, slenderwrists.

　　"Why, Fanny," said Mr. Miller, "how beautiful you look. What would yourfather say could he see you now?"

　　At the mention of her father's name the teardrops glistened for a momentin Fanny's eye, and she felt how gladly she would have foregone all theexpected pleasure of that night for the pleasure of again seeing herdistant father. She, however, dashed the tears away, and replied, "I fearhe would think his Sunshine wholly covered up and spoiled by trumpery, ashe calls fashionable dress."

　　Frank noticed her emotion when speaking of her father, and he thought howpriceless must be the love of one who thus so truly honored her parents. Afeeling of sadness was blended with his admiration of Fanny, forconstantly in his heart was the knowledge that she never would be his. Andhere Frank showed how truly noble he was, for he could still love andcling to Fanny, although he knew that for him there was no hope.

　　Let us now transport our readers to the elegant residence of Judge Fulton,which was situated upon Fifth Avenue. Stanton, with his fair bride, hadreturned from visiting his parents near Geneva, and now in the largeparlors of Judge Fulton, they were receiving the congratulations of theirfriends, whose numbers each moment increased, until the rooms were filledto overflowing. Frank and his party had not yet arrived. He designed to belate, for he well knew his mother and sister would not be early, and hewished to give them the full benefit of Fanny's introduction into thedrawing room.

　　But a part of his scheme was frustrated, for his mother, who was sufferingwith a violent headache, was obliged to remain above stairs for a time,and Gertrude alone witnessed her brother's triumph. She was standing nearMr. and Mrs. Stanton, carelessly twirling a costly boquet, which one ofher obsequious beaux had given her, when she overheard Nellie say to herhusband, "I do hope she will come, for I am all impatience to see one whomyou have praised until I am half jealous."

　　Gertrude wondered much whom Mrs. Stanton could mean, but her wonder soonceased, for there was a stir at the door. The crowd around it fell back asFrank Cameron walked proudly into the room, bearing upon his arm FannyMiddleton. Her fame had preceded her, for many of those present hadlearned that a Kentucky belle and heiress was stopping at the Astor, andwould be present at the party. As she advanced into the room, Gertrudefelt, rather than heard the murmur of admiration which ran round the room,and her quick ear caught the words, "Yes, that's she; that's the heiress;that's Miss Middleton from Frankfort."

　　Gladly would Gertrude have escaped her brother's eye, which instantlysought her out; but she felt unable to move, and stood watching theanimated face and graceful manners of Fanny, who, in being presented toMrs. Fulton and Stanton, passed near her. Every article of Fanny's dresswas noted, and an estimate made as to its probable cost. "She must bewealthy," thought she, "or she could not dress so expensively." Suddenlyone of Gertrude's acquaintances touched her elbow, and said, "Come, MissGertrude, do gratify our curiosity and tell us about this Kentucky belle.Of course you know her, as she is attended by your brother."

　　Deeply mortified Gertrude was obliged to confess that she had noacquaintance with her. "That's strange," said the lady. "We all supposedshe stopped at your father's with your cousin."

　　A new idea entered Gertrude's mind, and instead of replying to this lastremark, she said, "I shall know her well, though, for Frank has proposedto her."

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

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

　　Ten minutes more and dozens of persons were gossiping about the engagementbetween Frank Cameron and the beautiful Kentuckian. Scores of questionswere poured in upon Gertrude relative to her future sister-in-law, butnone of them could she answer. Vexed at her own ignorance, she ranupstairs to her mother, whom she told to "come down immediately and seewhat fools they had made of themselves."

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

　　"All the city is ready to fall down and worship this Fanny Middleton, whomwe have treated with such neglect," said Gertrude, and then she added whatwas of more consequence than all the rest, "Why, mother, she's the mostelegantly dressed lady in the room!"

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

　　Mrs. Cameron's first emotion, on beholding Fanny and the flatteringattentions she everywhere received, was one of intense mortification, tothink she had not been first to notice and chaperone her. "I will,however, make all possible amends now," thought she, and finding Frank shedesired for herself and Gertrude an introduction to Miss Middleton; butFrank did not feel disposed to grant his mother's request immediately, andhe said, "Pardon me, mother, but you see Miss Middleton is very muchengaged at present with some of her friends, so you must wait awhile."

　　Mrs. Cameron was too proud to ask any one else to introduce her, and itseemed that she and Gertrude were not likely to make Fanny's acquaintanceat all. Toward the close of the party, however, Frank thought proper tointroduce them. Mrs. Cameron determined to do her best, and sheoverwhelmed Fanny with so much flattery, that the poor girl longed forsome way of escape, thinking to herself, "Is it possible that FrankCameron's mother is such a silly woman?" Once Mrs. Cameron went so far asto hint the probability that Miss Middleton would one day be her daughter.

　　"What can she possibly mean?" thought Fanny; at the same time gracefullyexcusing herself she ran upstairs after her shawl and veil, as Kate hadsignified her intention of returning home. But Mrs. Cameron was not to bethus foiled. She started in pursuit, and reaching the bonnet room as soonas Fanny, insisted that she and Kate should stop with her during theremainder of her stay in the city. As Frank soon appeared and joined hisentreaties with those of his mother, Fanny said she would do just as Mrs.Miller thought proper. Kate, who had expected a similar denouement,expressed her perfect willingness to visit at her uncle's.

　　Accordingly, the next morning they left their rooms at the Astor House andrepaired to Mrs. Cameron's, where they were most affectionately receivedby Mrs. Cameron and Gertrude. And now commenced a series of toadyism whichwas vastly amusing to their acquaintances, many of whom had witnessed Mrs.Cameron's manner at the party and had since learned a part of the story.It was strange how soon Mrs. Cameron and Gertrude discovered how many finequalities Fanny possessed. Even the "odious scarecrow of a father" wastransformed into an "odd old gentleman," and in speaking of him to one ofher acquaintances, Mrs. Cameron said "he was a very generous, wealthy, buteccentric old man, and was one of the first citizens in Frankfort." Thegood lady forgot that Uncle Joshua did not reside in Frankfort, but twelvemiles from that city! Her word, however, was not questioned, for of courseshe would know all about the family of her son's intended wife.

　　Meanwhile the report of Frank's engagement was circulated freely, and thewhole matter would undoubtedly have been arranged, marriage ceremony andall, had not Frank put an end to the matter by utterly denying the story.Some young gentlemen were one morning congratulating him on his futureprospects, and declaring their intention of going to Kentucky, if therewere any more Fannys there, when Frank asked upon whose authority theywere repeating a story for which there was no foundation.

　　"Why," answered one of them, "my sister heard it from your sisterGertrude."

　　"From Gertrude!" said Frank in amazement, "from Gertrude! Well, I cannotanswer for what Gertrude says, but I assure you I am not engaged to MissMiddleton, and have never been."

　　This was in the morning, and that evening when Frank entered the sittingroom where his mother and sister were, they beset him to know why he haddenied his engagement with Fanny.

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

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

　　"I never told you so," answered he, rather warmly. "I told you I hadproposed, 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, nonecould refuse me, so jumped at conclusions and have got yourself into afine spot."

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

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

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

　　Gertrude was delighted with this idea. She had forgotten how determinedshe once was not to visit Saratoga with Fanny Middleton. Next morning Mrs.Cameron proposed to her guests that as the weather was getting warm, theyshould start directly for the Springs. The visitors of course could makeno objections, and as Mr. and Mrs. Stanton, who were to accompany them,also acquiesced in the plan, two days more found our friends at Saratoga,together with crowds more of the fashionable from the north, south, eastand west.

　　On the first day of their arrival, Fanny noticed seated opposite her atthe dinner table, a dark-eyed, sprightly looking girl, whose eyes soconstantly met hers, that at last both blushed and the stranger girl halfsmiled. By her side sat a gentleman, whom Fanny concluded was the younglady's brother. Something in their appearance interested Fanny, and shecould not help thinking that they were from the South. That evening as shewas walking alone upon the piazza, she was suddenly joined by the unknownlady, who accosted her with, "Pardon me, ma'am, but am I not speaking toMiss Middleton from Kentucky?"

　　Fanny was too much surprised to answer immediately, but soon recoveringher self-possession, she answered, "You are, but I have not the pleasureof knowing you."

　　"I presume not," said the lady. "We have never met before, and yet I knewyou instantly."

　　"Knew me! How?" asked Fanny.

　　"From description," replied the lady. "You have been so accuratelydescribed to me by our mutual friend Miss Woodburn, of New Orleans, that Icould not mistake you."

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

　　To all these questions the stranger answered "Yes," continuing, "and nowlet me introduce myself. I am Lida Gibson, but I might as well be JohnSmith 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 thecity, I made your sister's acquaintance. When she learned I was comingthis way, she said I might possibly see you, and made me the bearer ofmany messages of love."

　　Fanny had never heard of Lida Gibson, but it was sufficient that she knewher uncle and Julia, so her hand was immediately offered, and theremainder of the evening the two young girls promenaded the piazza arm inarm, 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 werespending 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 isnothing improper about that, for Dr. Lacey's father was then absent, andhis mother, for the time, stayed with her son. I fancied it was not at allunpleasant either to Dr. Lacey or Julia, that they were thus throwntogether, and I should not wonder if the doctor should one day call yousister!"

　　Lida Gibson, whom our readers will recollect as having met at MabelMortimer's party in New Orleans, was a thoughtless, but kind-hearted girl,and never felt happier than when employed in canvassing matches. On themorning when the Cameron party arrived at the Springs, she had sent herbrother to learn the names of the newcomers. On his return he mentionedFanny Middleton as being one of the new arrivals, so 'twas not surprisingthat Lida should so readily recognize her.

　　As days passed on Lida too heard of the supposed engagement between Fannyand Frank Cameron, and for once kept silent upon the subject, at least inFanny's presence. Dearly as she loved to discuss such matters, she feltthere was something in the character of her new friend which forbade anapproach to anything like jesting about so personal an affair as one's ownengagement. She, however, fully believed the report, for everything shesaw tended to confirm it, and she was anxious to return home that shemight carry the important news to Julia and Dr. Lacey. Poor Fanny! Theclouds were gathering darkly about her, but she, all unconscious of theconsequence, talked, laughed, rode and sang with Frank, never thinkingthat she was thus confirming Lida in a belief which would tend to removeDr. Lacey farther and farther from her. Could Lida have heard aconversation which one evening took place between Mrs. Cameron and Fanny,different, very different would have been the report which she carriedback.

　　One evening as Fanny, Lida and Gertrude were walking upon the piazza, aservant came, saying that Mrs. Cameron desired to see Miss Middleton inher room. Fanny immediately obeyed the summons, and as soon as she wasgone, Lida laughingly congratulated Gertrude upon the project of having sopleasant a sister. Gertrude smilingly received Miss Gibson'scongratulations. "For," thought she, "even if Fanny does not marry Frank,Miss Gibson will probably never know it, as she is to leave in a fewdays."

　　Let us now with Fanny repair to Mrs. Cameron's room, but not like herwondering why she was sent for. We well know why, and consequently areprepared for the look of mingled indignation and astonishment whichappeared on Fanny's face when she learned that Mrs. Cameron was pleadingthe cause of her son! Fanny answered, "Madam, I have always entertainedthe highest respect for your son, but I must confess it is lessened if itis with his knowledge you are speaking to me."

　　Mrs. Cameron, who had at first intimated that it was Frank's request thatshe should thus intercede for him, now saw her mistake, and veering about,declared what was indeed true, that Frank was wholly ignorant of thewhole. Then followed a long, eloquent speech, in which Mrs. Cameron byturns tried to coax, flatter, importune, or frighten Fanny into acompliance with her wishes, but Fanny could only repeat her first answer."I cannot, Mrs. Cameron, I cannot marry Frank. I acknowledge that I likehim, but only as I would love a brother. Further remonstrance is useless,for I shall never marry him."

　　"And why not?" asked Mrs. Cameron. "Do you love another? Are you engagedto another?"

　　"I cannot answer these questions," said Fanny. "Frank knows my reason andhas my permission to give it to you." Then rising, she added, "I supposeour conference is now ended, and with your leave I will retire."

　　Mrs. Cameron nodded her head in assent, and Fanny immediately left theroom. A moment after she quitted the apartment, Gertrude entered, allimpatient to know her mother's success.

　　"Baffled, baffled," was Mrs. Cameron's reply to her interrogatories. "Ican do nothing with her. She is as stubborn as a mule, and we shall eitherhave to conjure up for some reason why the engagement was broken off, orelse run the risk of being well laughed at among our circle in New York."

　　A few days after this, Lida Gibson started for the South, promising Fannythat she would see Julia as soon as possible after her return home. Erelong Mrs. Cameron too was seized with a desire to return to the city. Theremainder of the party made no objections, and accordingly Mr. and Mrs.Stanton, Mrs. Cameron, Frank and Gertrude were soon in New York.

　　Soon after their return, Mrs. Cameron said, in speaking of Fanny, "that'twas quite doubtful whether Frank would marry her or not. She was soyoung, and had, too, so many suitors in Kentucky that she probably wouldsoon forget him, and for her part she was pleased to have it so!"