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
nevertheless felt vexed, and when they urged her to spend the remainder of
her time with them, she replied, "I have a young friend from Kentucky with
me, and unless you invite her too, I do not feel at liberty to accept your
polite invitation."
In answer to this, Gertrude muttered something about "not wishing to
enlarge the circle of her acquaintance," while Mrs. Cameron said nothing,
and the two ladies soon swept haughtily out of the room.
"Never mind," said Frank, to whom Kate related her adventure, "they will
both sing another tune ere long," and he was right too.
The 25th of July at last arrived. Frank had informed Gertrude that she
must look to her father for a beau that evening, as he should be otherwise
engaged; so she was not surprised when her brother, long before sunset,
left the house all equipped for the party. She well knew where he was
going and for whose society she was deserted. One hour later found her
seated in a large armchair before the mirror in her dressing room.