But in that
which concerned Thurston Willcoxen alone was Edith interested, and of
him she learned the following facts: Of the five years which Mr.
Willcoxen had been absent in the eastern hemisphere, three had been
spent at the German University, where he graduated with the highest
honors; eighteen months had been passed in travel through Europe, Asia,
and Africa; and the last year had been spent in the best circles in the
city of Paris. He had been back to his native place about three weeks.
Since the death of Fanny Laurie's old guardian, the judge of the
Orphans' Court had appointed him sole trustee of her property, and
guardian of her person. As soon as he had received this power, he had
gone to the asylum, where the poor creature was confined, and hearing
her pronounced incurable, though harmless, he had set her at liberty,
brought her home to his own house, and had hired a skillful, attentive
nurse to wait upon her.
"And you never saw such kindness and compassion, Miss Marian, except in
yourself. I do declare to you, that his manner to that poor unfortunate
is as delicate and reverential and devoted as if she were the most
accomplished and enviable lady in the land, and more so, Miss Marian,
more so!"
"I can well believe it! He looks like that!" said the beautiful girl,
her face flushing and her eyes filling with generous sympathy.
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