Besides, he had taken her son to his home and heart, and had given every one to understand that this young Addison Brayton was to be the future possessor of that vast wealth.  To come to the point at once, Mrs. P. Crandall Crane ‘sighted them,’ and mentally appropriated the young gentleman for her own Lucinda.  To that end, she schemed and labored, and, just as the darling prospect seemed about to be brought to a final consummation, fate, in the person of her friend Cynthia, interfered to put a stop to the proceedings by marrying the young gentleman herself!  Words are inadequate to describe the scene that followed upon this denouement.  Mrs. Crane was in absolute despair for a time, until a new idea entered her fertile brain.  Mr. Townsend, in the first paroxysm of rage, had disowned the recreant youth, and turned him from his doors without a farthing of the wealth that was to have been his princely inheritance.  That much abused gentleman had no nearer relations than the far-removed cousin before referred to, and consequently here was a magnificent fortune, with only the encumbrance of a fine-looking, well-preserved gentleman, actually going a begging.  The thing was not to be thought of for a moment.

“‘Many a heart is caught in the rebound.’  ’It would be a pretty piece of revenge!’ soliloquized Mrs. Crane, complacently, ’if Lucinda should yet reign mistress of that mansion, for all Mr. Addison Brayton.  How it would spite Cynthia!’ With renewed energy, but this time more cautiously, the sagacious lady laid her trap for the unwary footsteps of the unconscious Townsend.  He was a frequent visitor at the house, feeling always sure of a warm welcome from the urbane hostess.  The plan worked admirably, and at last the gentleman called to solicit a private interview with the contractor.

     “‘Mr. Crane is not at home,’ said his smiling lady, ’but you can
     leave the message with me.’

“‘Ah, yes!’ said Mr. Townsend, with evident embarrassment; ’no doubt you will do equally as well.  I called, my dear madam, to—­ah—­solicit a great boon at your hands.  You are aware how bitterly I have been betrayed by those whom I trusted.’

     “‘Yes,’ put in Mrs. Crane, sympathetically.

     “‘And you have, I know, felt for my lonely and desolate situation.’

     “‘I have, indeed,’ said the lady.

“’Since I have been intimately acquainted with your charming family, I have learned to value, and, in short, feel a deep attachment, for one whom, I believe, fate intended to fill the place of my lost loves!’

     “‘My own Lucinda!’ interrupted the other, raising her handkerchief
     to conceal her satisfaction.  ’Dear girl, it will be hard to part
     with her.  You cannot realize a mother’s feelings, Mr. Townsend!’