"My dear Fanny, what is the matter?"
Fanny did not even lift her eyes from their fixed gaze on the earth.
"Colonel Parker," said I, "for God's sake, tell me what has happened."
"She heard some unpleasant news too abruptly," said Colonel Parker.
"I implore you not to inquire," said Fanny, speaking with evident difficulty. "I would not be left alone this night, and I have been on my knees to entreat Parker to remain with me. He refuses."
"Surely you do not mean to leave her in this state;" said I, addressing Parker.
"I can do her no good. It is all too late, since my word is passed and in ten days I shall be the husband of another. My presence irritates her and does her harm."
"Fanny, my dear Fanny," said I, "can you make yourself so completely wretched for a man who acts without common humanity towards you?"
"Pray, pray, never expect to console me in this way," said Fanny impatiently. "I derive no consolation from thinking ill of the father of my dear child."