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was seated in the centre of a group who were discussing the events of the morning, and in the gaiety of youthful spirits, extracting mirth out of the merest trifle, when the door of the school room opened suddenly, and "Miss Beaumont, you are wanted," broke up the little circle.

Fanny hurried away, amid the exclamations of the girls, "We hope you will soon be back again."

To her great surprise she met Mrs. Cameron in the passage, who, looking pale and agitated, caught Fanny's hand, and led her into the parlour where her mother's maid was standing, looking even yet more pale. "What is the matter, my father, my mother!" exclaimed Fanny, fearing she knew not what,