The Good Time Coming

distant-she had believed-when the heart-strings of her daughter would tremble in musical response to the low-breathed voice of love-and now that time had come. Alas! that i

mother, her face was paler than usual, and her eyes drooped under the earnest gaze that sought to read h

she had no fear that her daughter would act in opposition to them. Most anxiously did she await her husband's return. Thus far in life they had, in all important events, "seen eye

pointed her considerably; and it was as much as she could do to keep from going to her room during the evening. Sundry times she tried to discover whether Mrs. Markl

, was as a remote as possible from the subject that occupied most nearly their thoughts. Aunt Grace tried in various ways to lead them in the direction she would have them go; but it was all in vain that she asked questions to

at the bottom o

ly toward her, and a crimson spot burned on her cheek. But no word passe

ith in the

uard; but she was mistaken. The colour deepened on

he's done with him, I'm no prophet," added A

sked Mrs. Markland, who

had from the beginning, as you are very

nder basis than mere opinion, or, to speak m

o wonder so many stumble and fall, when so few use their eyes. There isn't that man living who does not bear, stamped

nner so passionless, that even the sharp-sighted aunt was deceive

the core." Aunt Grace was tempted by the unruffled exterior of her niece to speak thus strongly. Her words went deeper than

e see them," she said quickly, and in a voice considerably distu

edium, and not in the object?" said A

I certainly do," answere

ue in your case as in mine. Neither of us may see the object in

, y

ou see it in a

seemed a lit

he countenance of Fanny, until her eyes drooped to the

l. What need for thee to assume for the maiden, far too young yet to have the deeper chords of womanhood awake

n her voice to make her sister-in-law conscious that she was going too far. "Perha

word had been said to her touching the contents of Fanny's letter, and in that fact was indicated a want of confidence that considerably annoy

he evening circle was formed as usual, how dimly burned the hearth-fire, and how sombre were the shadows cast by its

nswer the letter of Mr. Lyon, notwithstanding her promise not to do so for the present. But she repelled the thought instantly, as unjust to her beautiful, loving, obedient child. Still, Fanny's sec

e favourite resort of the maiden, and thither she now retired, feeling certain of complete seclusion, to lose herself in the bewildering mazes of love's young dream. Before the eyes of her mind, one form stood visible, and that a form of manly grace and beauty,-the very embodiment of all human excellence. The disparaging words of her aunt had, lik

in fell back in rainbow showers, ruffling the tiny lake beneath, and filling the air with a low, dreamy murmur. Never had that lovely creation of art, blend

here it was that the maiden had come to hide herself from observation, and dream her waking dream of love. What a world of enchantment was dimly opening before her, as her eye ran down the Eden-vistas of the future! Along those aisles of life she saw herself moving, beside a stately one, who leaned tow

! Fanny! do I

n they flushed to deep crimson. But her lips were seale

he avenue, to have a look at this charming spot, so

one of her hands tightly in his, while he gazed

rtled me!" said Fanny, as soon

Had I known you were here, I should not have approached so abruptly. But how

New York," r

t shade crossed the face of Mr. Lyon, who sp

terd

receive a le

rooped under the earnest g

s my letter. This is a little unfortuna

r father retur

not

emained abstracted; and Fanny experienced a slight feeling of timid

ase, I shall at o

to-morrow,"

ight," answe

made a motion to rise. "My mother will be grati

ced a hand upon

out meeting any other member of your family. Did you receive my l

and his quick eye read her h

ramme of operations about to be adopted, through your father's agency. Fearing that a second letter might be delayed in the mails, I deemed it wisest to come on with the greatest speed myself. But I find that I am a day too late. Your father has acted promptly;

mother I have no conc

mean; for the interests that might suffer are mine alone. But let me explain a little, that you may act understandingly. When I went South, your father very kindly consented to transact certain business left unfinished by me in New York. Letters received on my arrival at Savannah, advised me of the state of the business, and I wrote to your father, in what way to arrange it for me; by the next mail other letters came, showing me different aspect of affairs and rendering a change of plan very desirable. It was to explain

in the business, to which you refer?"

. Lyon, confidently. "Say, then, Fanny,"-his voice was insinuating, and there was something of the serpent's fascinatio

next moment, "Farewell!" rung hurriedly in her ears. As the retiring form of the young adventurer stood in the door of the summer-house, there came to her, with a distinct utterance, these confidently spoken words-"I trust you without fea