r me," said Gertrude, "I will not go to Saratoga, and be
obliged to see Frank make a dolt of himself with this plebian Kentuckian.
If she were only rich and accomplished, why, it would be different, and
the fact of her being from Kentucky would increase her attractions. But
now it is too bad!" And Gertrude actually cried with vexation and
mortified pride. Poor creature! How mistaken she was with regard to Fanny
Middleton, and so she one day learned.

But as the reader is doubtless anxious to hear of Fanny's introduction to
Mrs. Cameron and Gertrude, we will give a description of it in the next
chapter.

CHAPTER XVIII

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 had
proved to be Judge Fulton, his sister's husband. And more recently she had
written to him of Judge Fulton's removal to New York City. Mr. Miller was
apprised of Stanton's return by a letter, in which he was also informed
that the wedding would take place in Grace Church on the morning of the
22d.

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

Frank knew there was no possible danger of Fanny's accepting an
invitation, which came simply from himself, but he did not say so, and
next day he started again for his Uncle Wilmot's. To his cousin Kate he
imparted a knowledge of his mother's and Gertrude's feelings and also told
of his own plans. Kate readily fell in with them and when Frank returned
to the city he was accompanied by Mr. Miller, Kate and Fanny, who took
rooms at the Astor House. As soon as Mrs. Cameron and Gertrude learned
that Kate was in the city, they called upon her. Fanny they of course did
not see, neither did they mention her name. Kate expected as much, but
nevertheles