stood
Florence Woodburn, Mabel suddenly said, "Oh, Dr. Lacey, let me introduce
you to cousin Florence. She has just come from Frankfort and knows some of
your acquaintances there."

So saying, she drew him toward Florence, who had all the evening been
waiting for an introduction to him. Dr. Lacey rather wished to avoid
making Florence's acquaintance, fearing that she might say something to
him of Fanny. But there was no escape, and he greeted Florence with a
smile and a bow, which, to use her own words, "nearly drove every idea
from her head."

Once during the evening he found himself standing with Florence, alone,
near an open window. Florence improved her opportunity, and raising her
bewitching hazel eyes to the doctor's face, said, "Why do you not ask me
about your Kentucky friends, Dr. Lacey?"

Had Florence observed her companion closely, she would have noticed the
pallor which for an instant overspread his face. It passed away, and he
replied with an assumed gayety, "How should I know that we have any
acquaintances in common in Frankfort?"

Before Florence had time to reply, Mabel joined them. She was unwilling to
risk a tete-a-tete between the doctor and her fascinating cousin, and as
soon as she found them standing alone she went up to them. Her example was
followed by several other young ladies, among whom was Lida Gibson, who
began by saying, "Doctor, do you know that Miss Florence has told us all
about your love affairs, and also described the Golden Fairy? Now, why
didn't you fall in love with her sister? Florence says she is far more
beautiful."

Dr. Lacey answered calmly, "What reason has Miss Woodburn to think I am in
love with either."

"No reason," said Mabel, quickly; "neither does she think you are in love
with her either."

"Dear me," said Lida. "Of course you do not wish me to think so, and we
all know why; but never mind frowning so dreadfully, Mabel; I won't tell!"
and the mischievous girl glided away, laughing to think that she had
succeeded so well in teasing Mabel Mortimer.

After a moment, Dr. Lacey turned to Florence and said "It seems you saw
Julia Middleton. Do you not think her very handsome?"

"Yes, very," answered Florence; "but I liked Fanny's looks the best."

A pang shot through Dr. Lacey's heart at the mention of Fanny's name, but
he continued to inquire concerning his friends in Kentucky. Before the
party closed, Florence, Mabel and Lida had each managed to repeat to him