In the mean time, Fanny proceeded on her long and cheerless journey, without however meeting the slightest adventure.
Her own sweet and gentle manner everywhere won her civility, and, after two very fatiguing days, she arrived safely in London, where the house-keeper was waiting to meet her. She was a quiet, civil person, very careful of her young charge, and a coach, which was soon procured, conveyed them to Mr. Bennett's house in Harley Street. She was shown at once to her own room, but had scarcely time for either rest or refreshment before she was summoned to tea.
With a beating heart and a faltering step, she entered the magnificent drawing-room, where every-thing swam before her eyes. She was a little re-assured by Mr. Bennett coming kindly forward, and taking her hand: he led her to a lady who was thrown back in a large arm chair. "This, my dear, is Miss Beaumont, of whom I have had so much pleasure in talking to you."
