"I shall be ready in due season," was the answer.
There was a select company assembled at Dr. Prague's mansion, enjoying the evening in music and conversation. Annie had just sung a song that elicited much applause, and Sheldon had contrived to draw her aside to whisper some word of tenderness in her ear.
"Frank," said she, "I feel strangely to-night."
"Why, Annie, are you not happy?"
"Yes, but I tremble; I'm frightened. I feel as if some awful danger were impending."
As she Spoke thus, the door opened, and Esq. Hardin, and his friend, Mr. Sumpter, were announced. They mingled with the company and soon approached the group in which Sheldon and Annie had chosen a place. Hardin presented his friend to the several ladies and gentlemen composing the circle, and passed on, leaving Sumpter sitting opposite Annie. Glancing casually toward him, she found his gaze riveted on her face.
"May I ask, miss," he said, "if you are not from the eastern country?"
She replied in the affirmative.
"Well, I thought I could not be so much mistaken. How are you contented away out here?"
"Very well, sir," she answered.