Mrs. Smith whisked herself out of the room, and Fanny was again alone to contemplate the dread realities of her position. Still undecided, still reluctant to adopt either of the alternatives which she had canvassed over, but keenly alive to the necessity of a speedy decision, she yet sought to avert the crisis, if only for a few days; and having made a bundle of a silk dress and a handsome shawl which Edwards had given her, she left the house to obtain the means of liquidating the week’s rent, that would be due on the ensuing day. ‘Mrs. Edwards,’ said a female voice behind her, as she stood before the window of a pawnbroker’s shop, unable to summon courage to enter; and turning round she beheld a young girl, stylishly dressed and possessed of considerable pretensions to beauty, whom she instantly recognized as a fellow-lodger with whom she had once or twice exchanged civilities when they had met upon the stairs or in the passage. ‘I have renounced that name forever, Miss Jessop,’ said she ‘and would forget all the associations belonging to it.’ ‘Ah, I heard that Mr. Edwards had gone to Sacramento,’ observed Miss Jessop. ‘You knew it, then, before I did,’ returned Fanny, with a slight bitterness of accent. ‘Indeed!’ rejoined Miss Jessop. ‘But do not think of going to the pawnbroker’s, for I am sure that is where you are going.—’ ‘Who told you that I was going to the pawnbroker’s?’ inquired Fanny, coloring, and speaking in a tone of mingled vexation and surprise. ‘Nay, do not be angry!’ said Miss Jessop, whose manner was kind and conciliating. ‘I was sure of it, as soon as I saw you, and you cannot deny it; but do not look vexed because I have penetrated your intentions. I see that you want a friend, and it was because I felt convinced that you were going into the shop that I accosted you.’ ‘I do indeed want a friend, Miss Jessop,’ returned Fanny, sighing, ‘I never felt the want of one so much as at this moment.’ ‘Then come home, if you have no where else to go to, and we will have a little chat together,’ said Miss Jessop, in a very friendly tone. ‘I am older than you in years, and still older in experience, for all that you now see dimly louring upon the horizon, I have long ago passed through.’ Fanny was in that frame of mind which prompts the seeker after guidance or consolation to be communicative and to give confidence wherever friendship is proffered, and she walked home with Miss Jessop, whom she invited into her own sitting-room. ‘You are very comfortable here,’ said the young lady, as she glanced round the apartment. ‘I hope you do not think of leaving?’ ‘I have thought of many things, but as yet have been able to decide upon nothing,’ returned Fanny, with a faint smile.