Turning towards the point from whence the noise came, she perceived the form of her mother, who was only a few paces distant.
Mrs.Markland saw the letter in Fanny's hand, and also saw the hasty motion of concealment.

When she entered the summer-house where her daughter, who had risen up hurriedly, stood in the attitude of one suddenly alarmed, she marked with deep concern the agitated play of her countenance, and the half-guilty aversion of her eyes.
"My dear child!" she said, in a low, serious voice, as she laid a hand upon her, "what am I to understand by the singular change that has passed over you, and particularly by the strong disturbance of this moment?
Why are you here alone?
And why are you so startled at your mother's appearance ?" Fanny only bowed her face upon her mother's bosom, and, sobbed violently.
As the wildness of her emotion subsided, Mrs.Markland said:-- "Speak freely to your best friend, my darling child! Hide nothing from one who loves you better than any human heart can love you." But Fanny answered not, except by a fresh gush of tears.
"Have you nothing to confide to your mother ?" inquired Mrs.Markland in as calm a voice as she could assume, after waiting long enough for the heart of her daughter to beat with a more even stroke.
"Nothing," was answered in a voice as calm as that in which the interrogation was asked.
"Nothing, Fanny?
Oh, my child! Do not deceive your mother!" Fanny drew her slight form up into something of a proud attitude, and stood for an instant looking at her mother almost defiantly.

But this was only for an instant.

For scarcely was the position assumed, ere she had flung herself forward, again sobbing violently, into her arms.
But, for all this breaking down of her feelings, Fanny's lips remained sealed.

She was not yet prepared to give up her lover's secret--and did not do so..