CHAPTER 10 TEMPEST FORGES A LETTER AND ITS RESULTS Let us now go back for a few weeks and watch Julia's plot as it progresses. We have learned from Fanny that four letters arrived from Dr. Lacy, but the fifth she was destined never to receive. She was expecting it on Tuesday and was about going to the post office when Julia said, Fanny, I feel just like walking this mornin', suppose you let me run round to the post office and get your expected letter.  I won't, said Julia gaily. You sit down by the window and when I come round the corner on my return home I will hold up your letter and you will know you have won at least a minute before I reach home. So saying she departed and Fanny sat down by the window to await her return. For several days past there had been a change in Julia's department. She was very amiable and kind to the household in general and to Fanny in particular. This was a part of her plan so that in the catastrophe that was about to follow she might not be suspected of foul play. At first Fanny was surprised at her affectionate advances, but it was so pleasant to have a sister who would love her that she did not ask the reason of so sudden a change. And when Julia very humbly asked forgiveness for all her former unkindnesses, the innocent hearted Fanny burst into tears and declared she had nothing to forgive if her sister would only continue to love her always. Julia placed a Judas-like kiss on Fanny's pure brow and gave a promise that she would try to be good, but she thought to herself this seeming change will make a favorable impression on Dr. Lacey when he hears of it. She knew that Fanny was expecting a letter on the Tuesday morning of which we have spoken and fearing that by some means Mr. Dunn might fail of securing it she determined to go herself for the mail. When she reached the post office the sinister smile with which Mr. Dunn greeted her assured her that he had something for her, and she readily conjectured that it was Fanny's expected letter. "'Good mornin', Mr. Dunn,' said she, "'Anything for me this mornin'?' "'Yes, ma'am,' answered Dunn with a very low bow, and casting a furtive glance around to make sure that no one saw him he drew from the pocket a letter on which Julia instantly recognized Dr. Lacey's handwriting. She took it and placed it in the pocket of her dress. On her way home conscious clamored loudly in behalf of Fanny's rites. It said, "'Beware what you do. Give Fanny her letter. It is a crime to withhold it.' But again the monetress was stilled and the crafty girl kept on her way firm in her sinful purpose until she reached the corner which brought her inside of the window where Fanny was impatiently watching for her. The sight of that bright, joyous face as it looked from the window, anxious for the expected sight of her letter, made Julia for a moment waver. She thought how gentle and loving Fanny had always been to her, and involuntarily her hands sought the letter which lay like a crushing weight in her pocket. It was half-drawn from its hiding-place when the spirit of evil which seemed ever to follow Julia's footsteps whispered, "'Let it alone. You have gone too far to retreat. You have Dr. Lacey to win, and it can be done in no other way.' Julia listened to the tempter. Her hand was withdrawn, and Fanny looked in vain for her letter. A faint sickness stole over her for a moment, but she thought, "'Perhaps Julia means to tease me. I will appear very unconcerned and not ask for it.' So when Julia entered the room, she found that her sister's attention was suddenly distracted by something in the street. But Fanny was not accustomed to dissemble, and the rosy flush on her cheek showed how anxious she was. At last Julia said, "'Why do you not ask for your letter, Fanny?' Oh, how eager was the expression of the sweet pale face which was instantly turned toward the speaker. Springing up, she exclaimed, "'Oh, Julia! You have got me one, haven't you? Please give it to me.' "'I will, to-morrow, when it arrives,' said Julia, "'it has probably been delayed.' Fanny's countenance fell, and she said, "'Then you haven't got me a letter. Oh, I'm so sorry.' "'Never mind, sister,' said Julia, "'it will come to-morrow, and will seem all the better for waiting.' Tomorrow came. But with it came no letter, and days wore on until at last it was Saturday night. Alone in her room poor Fanny was weeping bitterly. Was Dr. Lacey sick or dead? This was the question which she continually asked herself. A suspicion of his unfaithfulness had not yet entered her mind. While she was yet weeping an arm was thrown affectionately round her, and a voice whispered in the sweetest possible tones, "'Dear sister, do not weep so. If he were dead, someone would inform you. And now I think of it. Why do you not write to him? There would be no harm in doing so. Come, sit down, and write him a few lines before dark, and I will take them to the office.' So Fanny sat down to her writing desk, and the few lines proved to be a long letter ere she had finished. It was a most touchingly sad letter and ought to have drawn tears from Julia instead of forcing the malicious smile which played around her mouth while reading her sister's affusion. It is needless to say that, although Julia went to the post office, this letter never did, but was placed in a little box by the side of two others which had arrived from Dr. Lacey that week. After Julia returned from her walk that evening, she said, "'Fanny, if I were you, I would not tell anyone that I did not hear from Dr. Lacey. For you know, it's just possible that he may not be sick, and in that case your best way would be to seem quiet as forgetful of him.' "'Forgetful?' said Fanny, "'Why, Julia, what do you mean? You cannot. "'Oh, no, I know you do not think, Dr. Lacey, untrue to me.'  "'I do not like to think so any more than you do,' said Julia. "'But Dr. Lacey is now in the gay city of New Orleans, surrounded by beauty and fashion. And what I, his betrothed, I should not think it's strange if he did not remain true to me.' Fanny answered slowly as if speaking were painful to her. "'Oh, no, no, he cannot be false—anything but that!' It was a new idea to her, and that night a weight of sadness heavier than she had ever known before filled her heart. She thought, "'I will wait and see if he answers my letters before I believe him unfaithful.'" The next day was the Sabbath. About church time Julia announced her intentions of remaining at home on the plea of a violent headache. Fanny immediately offered to stay with her, but Julia declined, saying that sooner than both should be absent from church she would go herself. Accordingly Julia was left alone. She watched her sister until she disappeared down the street. Then she arose and locking the door drew from her pocket a small key, and unlocking a rosewood box took from it one of Dr. Lacey's letters. Going to her writing desk she sat down and commenced imitating his handwriting. She was very skillful in the art of imitation and was delighted to find herself rapidly succeeding in her attempts at counterfeiting. So busily engaged was she that she did not heed the lapse of time until her sister's footsteps were heard ascending the stairs. She sprang hastily up and thrusting her writing materials into the box locked it and had just time to throw herself upon the sofa when Fanny knocked at the door. Julia allowed her to knock twice and then getting up she unfastened the door at the same time yawning and rubbing her eyes as if just awakened from a sound slumber. Why, sister, I woke you up, didn't I?" said Fanny. I am sorry. No matter, answered Julia with another yawn. I feel better. My nap has done my head good. In the afternoon Fanny again went to church and Julia resumed the occupation of the morning. She succeeded so well that before church was out she felt sure that after few more attempts she could imitate Dr. Lacey's writing so exactly as to thoroughly deceive Fanny. But not yet, said she to herself, I do not wish to test my skill yet. It is hardly time. Thus the days glided away. Nearly two weeks passed and there came no answer to Fanny's letter. She did not know that regularly, twice a week, letters had arrived from New Orleans and had been handed to Julia by Mr. Dunn. In the last of these letters Dr. Lacey complained because Fanny had neglected writing so long. We will give the following extract, My Precious Sunshine. Can it be that you are sick? I do not wish to think so. And yet what else can prevent your writing? I have not a thought that you are forgetful of me, for you are too pure, too innocent to play me false. And yet I am sometimes haunted by a vague fear that all is not right, for a dark shadow seems resting over me. One line from you, dearest Fanny, will fill my heart with sunshine again. Thus wrote the doctor, and Julia commented on it as follows, Yes, you are haunted and I'm glad of it. The pill is working well. I'll see whether sunshine as you and my old fool father call her will steal away everybody's love for me. I suppose I'm the dark shadow, for father calls me a spirit of darkness. And yet, perhaps, if he had been more gentle with me, I might have been better. But now it's too late. And the letter was placed in the rosewood box by the side of its companions. Slowly but surely the painful conviction fixed itself upon Fanny's mind that Dr. Lacey was false. It was dreadful to think so. But there seemed no other alternative, and Fanny's heart grew sadder, and her step less joyous and elastic. While her merry laugh was now seldom heard ringing out its clear silvery tones, making the servants stop their work to listen and exclaim, How lonesome it would be without Miss Fanny! She's the life of the house, lo, bless her! The change was noticed and spoken of by the inmates of Mrs. Crane's dwelling. Mr. Miller attributed it to too close application to books, and recommended her to relax somewhat in her studies. Fanny had too much of a woman's pride to allow anyone except Julia to know the real cause of her sadness, and was glad to have her languor ascribed to overexertion. On the night when Kate had found her weeping, she had involuntarily told her secret, but she went to Mrs. Miller the next morning, and won from her a promise not to mention what she had revealed, even to her husband. Mr. Stanton's presence seemed to divert Fanny's mind, and the two weeks following his arrival passed away more pleasantly than she had thought two weeks could pass, unceared by a line from Dr. Lacy. At the end of that time it pleased Julia that Fanny should have a pretended letter from New Orleans. Several days were spent in preparing it, but at last it was completed, folded, sealed, and directed. Mr. Dunn pronounced the deception perfect. He stamped it with the Frankfurt postmark so slightly that one would as soon have called it New Orleans as anything else. Fanny was seated in the parlor in company with Stanton when Julia suddenly entered the room and said, Oh, here you are, sister! I've looked everywhere for you. Here is a letter. One glance at the superscription assured her that it was from Dr. Lacy, a bright, beautiful, flush, suffused Fanny's face, which became irradiated with sudden joy. Asking Mr. Stanton to excuse her, she went to her rooms, so as to be alone when she perused the precious document. After she was gone Julia spoke of Dr. Lacy and asked Stanton if he had ever heard from him. Stanton replied, While Dr. Lacy was in college he spent a part of his vacations at my father's, but I almost always chanced to be absent at school, and consequently we are not much acquainted. He did write to me a few times while I was in college, but our correspondence gradually ceased and I have not heard from him in a long time. I hope he will return to Frankfurt, for I should like to renew our acquaintance. This answer gave Julia great relief. She had feared Stanton might write to Dr. Lacy, and that by some means her scheme might be ruined. But all was safe and in a few moments she arose to go to her room and witness the result of the letter. Let us go before her and see the result for ourselves. On reaching her apartment Fanny sat down on the sofa while a tremulous nervousness shook her frame. She dreaded to open the letter, for a strange foreboding of evil came over her. At last the seal was broken and Fanny's heart stood still, and a dizziness crept over her as she read. For the reader's benefit we will look over her shoulder and read with her the following. My once dear and still much admired Fanny, I hardly know how to write what I wish to tell you, if I knew exactly your opinion concerning me I might feel differently. As it is I ardently hope that your extreme youth prevented my foolish but then sincere attentions from making any very lasting impression on you. But why not come to the point at once? Fanny, you must try and forget that you ever knew one so wholly unworthy of you as I am. It gives me great pain to write it, but I am about to engage myself to another. Do not condemn me unheard. There is a young lady in this city who is beautiful, wealthy, and accomplished. Between her father's family and mine there has long existed an intimacy which our fathers seem anxious to strengthen by a union between myself and the young lady I have mentioned. For a time I resisted manfully, for ever between me and attempting bait came the image of a pale, bright-haired girl whose blue eyes looked mournfully into mine and whispered, do not leave me. But at last I yielded, and now, Fanny, will you forgive me? It cost me more anguish to give you up than I hope you will ever feel. Be happy, Fanny, and sometime when I am traveling through Kentucky let me find you the cheerful, contented wife of someone more suitable for you than I am. With kind wishes for your happiness I remain your true friend George Lacey. P.S. It is just possible that the young lady and myself may not become engaged, but if we do not, after what has passed it will be best for you and me to try to forget each other. Give my compliments to your sister Julia. By the way, do you know that I always admired her very much? What a sensation she would make in the fashionable world of New Orleans. But pshaw, what nonsense I'm writing. Alas, for Fanny, she did not need to read the letter twice, for every syllable had burned into her soul, and she could have repeated each word of the cruel message. This, then, was the end of her bright dream of bliss. She did not weep, for she could not. The fountain of her tears seemed dried up. A heavy weight had suddenly fallen on all her faculties. The objects in the room chased each other in rapid circles, while Dr. Lacy stood in the distance mocking her anguish. A faint feeling gathered round her heart. She uttered a low cry and fell heavily forward. When Julia entered the room she found her sister extended on the floor, cold and white as a piece of marble, while the blood was gushing from her nostrils and moistening the curls of her long hair. Julia's first feeling was one of intense horror or fear that her sister might be dead. But a touch assured her that Fanny had only fainted, so she lifted her up and, bearing her to the window, applied the usual restoratives. As Julia looked on the death-like face of her young sister, she murmured, Had I thought she loved him so well, never would I have done so wickedly. But she made no promise to repair the mischief, and stifled all the better impulses of her nature by saying, It is too late now, it is too late.  Her first thought was for her letter, which was still tightly clenched in her hand. Passing it to Julia, she said faintly, Read it, sister. Julia took it, and pretending to read it, burst into a violent passion abusing Dr. Lacy for his meanness and ending by telling Fanny that she ought to consider herself fortunate in escaping from such a man. Fanny seemed disturbed to hear evil spoken of Dr. Lacy, so Julia changed her manner and said, I do not wonder you feel badly, Fanny. You and I can sympathize together now. Fanny looked at her sister in some surprise, but at last answered, Oh no, you cannot know how I feel. Mr. Wilmot loved you to the last. Dr. Lacy is not dead, but Here Julia interrupted her by saying, I do not mean to refer to Mr. Wilmot. I was flattered by his attentions, but I never knew what it was to love until I saw Dr. Lacy. Dr. Lacy. You love Dr. Lacy? said Fanny, and again she fell back cold and motionless. A second time Julia restored her to consciousness, but for an hour she did not speak or scarcely move. At the end of that time calling her sister to her, in a low subdued tone she said, Tell me, oh Julia, I can bear it. I'm calm now. The traitorous kissed her cheek, and taking one of the little hands in hers, told her how truly she had loved Dr. Lacy, and how she had struggled against it when she saw that he loved another. I have, said she, lain awake many a night, and while you slept sweetly dreaming, perhaps of your lover, I have wet bit of tears because I must go alone through the cold world, unloved and uncared for. And forgive me, Fanny, but sometimes I have felt angered at you, because you seem to steal everybody's love from me. Our old father never speaks to me with the same affection, which mocks his manner when addressing you. I know it. I know it, said Fanny. I wish he would not do so, but Dr. Lacy. Dr. Lacy, I never thought you wanted him to love you, if I had. What would you have done? asked Julia, with noticeable eagerness. The voice was mournfully low, which replied, I would have given him up for you. I could not have married one whom my sister loved. And then she suddenly added, It seems doubtful whether he marries that young lady. If anything should happen to prevent it, he may yet make you his wife. And you, what would you do? asked Julia. Oh, it is impossible for me to marry him now, said Fanny. But if you were happy with him, I would try to be happy too. God bless you, sweet sister, said Julia, but it will never be. Fanny did not reply. And after a moment's silence Julia said, Sister, if I were you, I would keep all this a secret. And even if I were unhappy, I would try to assume a forced cheerfulness for fear people would suspect the truth and call me love-sick. Fanny did not reply to this either. She was trying to still the painful throbs of her aching heart. Through all the long weary hours of that night she was awake. Sometimes she would watch the myriad host of stars as they kept on their unwirried course through the clear blue sky and would wonder if there was room beyond them for one so unhappy as she was, and would muse on the past days of happiness now forever gone. And although a choking sensation was in her throat, not a tear moistened her cheek. I shall never weep again, thought she. And why should I? The world would not know what I suffer. I will be as gay and merry as ever. And a fearful laugh rang through the room as she said, Yes, how gaily I'll dance at the wedding! I hold my heart so fast that none shall ever know in how many pieces it is broken. Thus she talked on. Delirium was stealing over her. And when morning broke the rapid moving of her bright eye and the crimson spot which burned on either cheek showed that brain fever was doing its work. A physician was immediately called, and by the means of powerful remedies the progress of the disease was checked so the fanny was seriously ill for only a week. She was delirious a great part of the time, but Julia was delighted to find out that not one word of Dr. Lacey ever passed her lips. At the commencement of her illness her father and mother were sent for, the old man came quickly, for fanny was his idol, and if she should die he would be bereaved indeed. With untiring love he watched by her bedside until the crisis was passed. He would fan her fevered brow, moisten her parched lips, chafe her hot burning hands, smooth her tumbled pillow, and when at last he succeeded in soothing her into a troubled slumber he would sit by her and gaze on her one face with an earnestness which seemed to say that she was his all of earth, his more than all of heaven.  For once her father's manner softened toward her and the tones of his voice were gentle and his words kind while speaking to his firstborn. Could he have known what part she had in causing the illness of his doll in sunshine? All Frankfurt would have shaken with the heavy artillery of oaths and execrations, which would have been disgorged from his huge lungs, like the eruption of some long pent-up volcano. But he did not suspect the truth, and in speaking of fanny's illness he said, It's steady and so close that I held her. As soon as ever she can bear to be moved we'll carry her home and Aunt Cady'll nurse her up quicker. Accordingly, as soon as the physician pronounced it safe to move her, she was taken home, and by her mother's assiduous care and Aunt Cady's skillful nursing, her physical health was soon much improved. But no medicine could reach the plague spot which preyed upon her heart and cast a dark shadow over every feeling of pleasure. As soon as her health was fully restored she asked permission to return to school. At first Mr. Middleton refused, but not long did he ever withstand any request which sunshine made. So at last he consented, on condition that she would give up the study of Latin and promise not to apply herself too closely to anything. To this fanny readily agreed, and in a few days she was in Frankfurt, occupying her a custom seat of Mrs. Crane's and bending over her task in the old schoolroom, which seemed suddenly illuminated by her presence. The schoolgirls welcomed back their young companion with many demonstrations of joy, for they said, the schoolroom seemed dark and lonely when she was absent. Dear little fanny, there was love enough left for her in the hearts of all who knew her, but it did not satisfy. There was still an aching void which one love alone could fill, and that love she thought was lost to her forever. She was mistaken. During her illness she thought much of what Julia had said relative to concealing her disappointment with an assumed gaiety, and she resolved to do so, partly from wounded pride, and partly from love of her dear old father, who seemed distressed whenever anything troubled his sunshine. When she returned to Frankfurt, none but the most acute observer would have suspected that the sparkling eye and dancing footstep were the disguise of a desolate aching heart, and that the merry laugh and witty repartee were but the echoes of a knell of sadness whose deepest tones were stifled ere they reached the ear of the listener. In the darkness of night, however, all was changed, the sunshine was obscured, and Julia alone knew what anguish fanny endured. Still the cruel girl never wavered in her purpose. The worst is Ova, said she, she will not die now, even if she saw him wedded to me. So she suffered her sister's cheek to grow paler, and her delicate form thinner, at the supposed desertion of her lover. Little did Fanny think that he, whose false heartedness she deplored, dreamed each night of his distant dear one, and that each day his warm heart beat more quickly, because no tidings came from her. A few days after Fanny's return there came cards of invitation for a large party at the residence of a Mr. C. The evening was propitious, and at the usual hour Mrs. C.'s parlors were filled with the beauty and fashion of the city. Among all the bells who that evening graced the brilliantly lighted drawing-rooms, none was so much admired as Julia Middleton, who appeared dressed in a rich crimson velvet robe, tastefully trimmed with ermine. Magnificent bracelets, which had cost her father almost as many odes as dollars, glittered on her white, rounded arms. Her snowy neck, which was also uncovered, was without ornament. Her glossy hair, dark as night, was arranged in the most becoming manner. At the time Mr. Middleton had given Julia her bracelets. He had presented Fanny with a bandeau of pearls. But Julia found it an easy task to persuade her sister that pearls were not becoming to her style of beauty. So on the evening of the party they gleamed amid the heavy braids of Julia's hair. Wherever she went she was followed by a train of admirers, who had little thought that that soft smile and beautiful face concealed a heart as hard as the flinty rock. Contrary to all the rules of propriety, the heartless Mrs. Carrington was there, dealing out her fascinating smiles and bland words. She had thrown aside her mourning for the occasion and was arrayed in a dress of black velvet. An elegant lace bertha covered her white, beautiful neck, while one of her fair arms was clasped by a diamond bracelet. To this bracelet was attached a small locket, which contained the daguria type of him upon whose quiet grave the sons of scarce five months had risen and set. Amid that brilliant scene she had no thought for the dead, but others wondered much that he should be so soon forgotten. She was attended by Raymond, who scarcely left her side during the whole evening, although she made several ineffectual attempts to shake him off, for she did not care to be too much noticed by a po yankist schoolmaster. Henry Ashton was also there, but his attention was wholly engrossed in the bright eyes and sunny face of Florence Woodburn, who had recently returned from Philadelphia, where she had been attending for the last two years. Florence was the only daughter of the Mr. Woodburn, who was mentioned in the first chapter of this narrative. Her father lived several miles from the city, but she had friends in town and spent much of her time there. She was very handsome and very agreeable, and as she would probably be quite an heiress, her appearance in the fashionable world created a great sensation. During the evening, as she was standing by Ashton and commenting on Julia's wondrous beauty, she said, Where is the young Miss Middleton? Is she as handsome as her sister? Ashton replied, She is not called half as beautiful, but she is much more amiable. But see, there she comes, continued he, as Fanny entered the room, leaning on Stanton's arm. She was so pale that her skin seemed almost transparent, but the excitement of the evening brought a bright glow to her cheek, which greatly enhanced her loveliness. She was simply attired in a plain white muslin, low at the neck, which was veiled by the soft curls of her silken hair. Her arms were encircled by a plain band of gold, and a white, half-open rosebud was fastened to the bosom of her dress. As she entered the room, many admiring eyes were turned toward her, and Miss Woodburn explained, Oh, how lovely she is! Her sister seems more like the flashing diamond, while Fanny's beauty is like the soft luster of the pearl. But tell me, she continued, Is she not engaged to adopted Lacy of New Orleans? Yes, or that is, it was so rumored, answered Ashton. But he's gone now, and since then I've heard nothing of it. Young Stanton seems very attentive. I should not wonder if something grows out of it. Always making matches, Mr. Ashton, said Mrs. Carrington, who for a moment rid herself of Raymond, and now came near Ashton and Florence. She had heard them speaking of Dr. Lacy and Fanny, and as she knew Florence was soon going to New Orleans, she wished to give her a little Frankfurt gossip to take with her. Oh, Mrs. Carrington, said Mr. Ashton, bowing politely, allow me to introduce Miss Woodburn. We were just talking of the probability of Miss Fanny's being engaged to Dr. Lacy. Perhaps you can enlighten us. Oh, said Mrs. Carrington, I assure you I know but little about the matter. It is rather uncertain who Miss Fanny likes or dislikes. It is currently reported that she was in love with a Mr. Wilmot who died, and who was known to be engaged to her sister. Since then Dr. Lacy has flirted with her, whether seriously or not, I cannot tell. I should rather think not, however, for Mr. Stanton now seems to be the favored one. Oh, said Mr. Ashton, I never supposed Fanny was so much of a coquette. Neither do I think she is, said Florence, whose heart warmed toward Fanny as soon as she saw her. Perhaps she is not, said Mrs. Carrington. Fanny is very young yet, but when fully matured will perhaps make a noble woman. But she has not the solidity of her sister, who tries hard to keep her from assuming the appearance of a flirt. Then, turning to Florence, she said, I believe you are soon going to New Orleans? Yes, madam, answered Florence. You will probably meet Dr. Lacy there, continued Mrs. Carrington. Perhaps you had better say nothing to him about Fanny's flirtation with Stanton, for he would hardly believe it. Florence merely nodded, thinking to herself that she should do as she chose about it. From the first she had been attracted toward Fanny, there was something in her face, and in the expression of her eye which interested Florence. It seemed to her that Fanny would gladly have left the scene of gaiety, and going out by herself would have poured out all her soul in tears. She earnestly desired an introduction, and at last it was obtained. There must have been some secret magnet which attracted these young girls towards each other. For in a few moments they were arm in arm, talking familiarly upon different topics as though they had been acquainted a lifetime. Florence was a warm-hearted, affectionate girl, and after a time she said, Miss Middleton, I am going to New Orleans soon. I believe you have an acquaintance there. If I see him, what shall I tell him? Fanny's voice trembled slightly as she answered. Tell whom? Oh, Miss Middleton, said Florence, laughing gaily.  Tell whom? Why, whom should it be but Dr. Lacy, who everybody except Mrs. Carrington said is engaged to you? The fire shot into Fanny's eyes, but one look of the open face at her side assured her, and she answered, I am not answerable for what the world pleases to say of me. I am to consider the report true then, persisted Florence. A momentary struggle took place in Fanny's mind. Love and resentment strove for the mastery. The latter conquered, and the voice was calm and decided which replied, I assure you, Miss Woodburn, that Dr. Lacy bears no relation to me except that of a common acquaintance. Indeed, said Florence, I am sorry, for I was anticipating much pleasure in describing Dr. Lacy's intended lady to the New Orleans girls. Fanny did not answer, and as Stanton just then approached and asked her to go to the music room, she took his arm readily, glad to escape so painful a conversation. She is a strange girl, thought Florence, and yet I know I should love her. I wonder what makes her so sad. Can it be that she really loved that Mr. Wilmot? At any rate, I am sorry for her, and hope she will marry Mr. Stanton, who seems much pleased with her. This was the impression left on Florence's mind, which was productive of much mischief. At a late hour the company dispersed. Fanny returned home. Weary and sick at heart. Her conversation with Florence had awakened painful reminiscences of the past, and the gray daylight was beginning to streak the eastern horizon, ere her heavy lids closed in slumber. In a few days Florence Woodburn departed for New Orleans, where her mother's brother resided. We will take passage with her and pay a visit to Dr. Lacey in his southern home. A Glance and New Orleans Society The house which Dr. Lacey occupied was situated on one of the pleasantest streets of New Orleans. It was a large airy structure which had formerly been owned by a wealthy French gentleman, who had spared neither money nor pains to adorn it with every elegance which could minister to the luxurious habits common to a southern climb. When it passed into the hands of Dr. Lacey's father, he gratified his northern taste and fitted it up with every possible convenience, molding it somewhat ancient aspect into a more modern style. When Dr. Lacey reached the age of twenty-one, his father made him the owner of the house. He himself were moving to another part of the city. At the time of which we are speaking, nothing could exceed the beauty of the house and grounds. The yard which surrounded the building was large and laid out with all the taste of a perfect connoisseur. In its center was a fountain whose limpid waters fell into a large marble basin, while the spray which constantly arose from the falling stream seemed to render the heat of that sultry climate less oppressive. Scattered throughout the yard were the numerous trees and flowering shrubs which grew in profusion at the sunny south. Here the beautiful Magnolia shook its white blossoms in the evening breeze and there the dark green foliage of the orange trees formed an effectual screen from the midday sun. The building was surrounded on all sides by a double piazza, the slender pillars of which were entwined by the flowering honeysuckle and luxuriant passionflower which gave the house the appearance of a closely wreathed arbor. Within the piazza was filled with rare tropical plants, the beautiful oleander, magnificent rose and sweet scented geranium. Here united their fragrance while the scarlet verbenum and brilliant heliotrope added beauty to the scene. The interior of the building corresponded with the exterior. The rooms large and airy were carpeted with velvet and adorned with costly marble and rosewood furniture. The windows which were constructed in the French style, that is reaching to the floor, were curtained with richly embroidered lace. Let us ascend the winding staircase and enter the dressing room of the owner of all this splendor. Half reclining on a crimson lounge sits Dr. Lacey, dressed in a fashionable brocade mourning gown. On first glancing at him we think there is no change in his countenance since we last saw him on Mrs. Crane's steps in Frankfurt. But as we note the expression on his face, we can perceive a shade of anxiety resting there. At last he rises and rather impatiently pulls the bellrope. His summons is immediately answered by an exquisite dandy, who is neither African, European, French, nor Spanish, but an odd mixture of the four. He is dressed in the extreme of fashion, and on entering the room bows most gracefully, at the same time casting an admiring glance at himself in the large mirror, and passing his hand carelessly through his perfumed locks. With the utmost deference he awaits the commands of his master. Well, Rondo, said Dr. Lacey, haven't you finished breakfast yet? Yes, master, answered Rondo with a very low bow. I've got through a moment since. What can I do for you? Will you ride this morning? No, answered Dr. Lacey. I do not wish to ride, but I want you to go to the post office and back immediately. Remember now, and not stop to gossip. Certainly not, said the negro. When master's in a hurry, Rondo is never fooling away. Time, and don't stop more than an hour in the kitchen to talk to Luffy. Do you understand? continued the doctor. Oh yes, I won't, said Rondo, extending his mouth into a broad grin at his master's allusion to Luffy, a bright-looking handsome mulatto girl, whom next to himself Rondo thought was the prettiest creature in the world. At last he bowed himself out of the room, and proceeded to execute his master's commands. On passing the kitchen he just looked in a little, and the sight of Luffy's bright eyes and rosy lips made him forgetful of his promise. Going up to her he announced his intention of kissing her, a violent squabble ensued in which the large china-dish which Luffy held in her hand was broken, two pickle jars thrown down, chairs upset, the baby scalded, and the dog Tasso's tail nearly crushed. At last Aunt Dilsey, the head cook and mother of Luffy, interposed and seizing the soup ladle as the first thing near her, she laid about her right and left, dealing no very gentle blows at the well-oiled hair of Rondo, who was glad to beat a retreat from the kitchen, amid the loud laughter of the blacks who had witnessed the scene. Leaving the house he was soon on his way to the post-office, and having procured his master's mail he started for home. At length, slackening his pace, he took from his pocket the letters and carefully scrutinized the inscriptions of each. He was in the habit of going to the post-office, and after his master's return from Kentucky, he had noticed two or three letters written in what he called a mighty-fan-ified hand, and he had whispered to Luffy, as a great secret that, to where his private opinion musta was going to marry some Kentucky girl. Recently he had noticed the absence of those letters, and also the absence of his master's accustomed cheerfulness. Rondo was pretty keen, and putting the two circumstances together, he again had a whispered conference with Luffy, whom he told that most probably the Kentucky girl had flung, for Marsta didn't have a letter in ever so long, and every time he didn't get one he looked as blue as a wet stone. Glad on it, said Luffy, hoping he won't have any your foreigners. All he did wish he'd have Miss Mortimer. Next to old Marston, young master Lacey, her father's a top-ness man in Orleans, and it's a pity for young Marsta to stoop. After examining all the letters closely, Rondo came to the conclusion that the right one wasn't there, and he thought, well, Luffy'll be glad, and Marsta'll be sorry, and hang me if I ain't sorry, too, for Marsta's a plaguey-fan chap, and deserves anybody there is in Kentucky. Meanwhile, Dr. Lacey was anxiously awaiting Rondo's return, and when he caught sight of him coming at an unusually rapid pace toward the house he thought, surely Rondo would never hurry so if he had not good news for me. But the next thought was, how should he know what it is I'm so anxious to get? Still he waited rather impatiently for Rondo to make his appearance. In a moment he entered the room and commenced pulling the letters from his pocket, saying, I've got a heap this time, master. He then laid them one by one on the marble dressing table, counting them as he did so. There's one, there's two, there's three, there's four. Stop counting them, can't you? And give me all you have directly, said Dr. Lacey, as his eye ran hurriedly over the superscription of each, and found not the one he sought. That's just what I've done, master, said Rondo, bowing. The one you want wasn't there. Dr. Lacey glanced hastily at his servant, and felt assured that the quick-witted negro was in possession of his secret. You may go, said he, and mind. Never let me hear of your comment in about my letters. No, master, never. Strews on live, said Rondo, who left the room and went in quest of Luffy. But he did not dare to repeat the scene of the morning. For Aunt Dilsie was present, bending over a large tub of boiling suds, and he felt sure that any misdemeanor on his part would call forth a more affectionate shower bath than he cared about receiving. So he concluded to bring about his purpose by complimenting Aunt Dilsie on her fine figure. She weighed just two hundred. Aunt Dilsie, said he, appears to me you have an uncommon good phone, for one as plump and healthy like as you are. Aunt Dilsie was quite sensitive whenever her size was alluded to, and she replied rather sharply, you get along, you bear-zile skullcap. Don't be healthy for you to poke fun at me. Paul my word, said the mischievous Rondo, I ain't poking fun at you. I do really think so. I thought of it last Sunday, when you had on that new gown that becomes you so well. Which one? said Aunt Dilsie, a little mollified. The blue and yellow one? The same, answered Rondo. It fits you good. Your arm looks real small in it. Luffy was nearly convulsed with laughter, for she had tried the experiment and found that the distance around her mother's arm was just the distance around her own slender waist. Dutel, said Aunt Dilsie, stopping from her work and wiping the drops of perspiration from her shining forehead. Dutel, it feels dreadful, sleek on me, but my old man claim says it's too tight. Not an atom too tight, answered Rondo, at the same time getting near and nearer to Luffy and laying his hand on her shoulder. Before she was aware of his intention, he stole the kiss he was seeking for.  Don't make fool yourself. Assured by this speech, Rondo turned and kissing Aunt Dilsie herself was off just in time to escape a basin of hot suds, which that highly scandalized lady hurled after him. I'll tell Mars to this minute, said she, and see if he ain't got nothing to set the lazy loud of doing. So saying, the old lady waddled into the house and going upstairs knocked at Dr. Lacy's door. Come in, said the doctor, and Aunt Dilsie entered. In a very sad tone, she commenced telling how that Tarnell Rondo was raising King in the kitchen. He's kissed Luffy and me too. Kissed you, has he, said Dr. Lacy. Yes, sir, he done that at our very thing. Spring on the mouth, said Dilsie. Well, Dilsie, said the doctor with a roguish twinkle of the eye. Don't you think he ought to be paid? Aunt Dilsie began to cry, and said, I never thought that Mars would laugh at old Aunt Dilsie. Neither will I, said the doctor. Then tossing her a picayune, he said, Take that, Aunt Dilsie. I reckon it will pay for the kiss. I'll see that Rondo does not repeat his offense. On you, at least. Aunt Dilsie went back to the kitchen, thinking that Mars to George was the funniest and best master on earth. While Rondo was carrying on his flirtation in the kitchen, Dr. Lacy was differently employed. Hope deferred had well nigh made his heart sick. What can be the reason, thought he, that Fanny does not write. I have written repeatedly for the last two months, and I have had no answer. Then, as a new idea struck him, he added, Yes, I'll write to Mr. Miller and ask him what has happened. Suiting the action to the word, he drew up his writing desk, and in a short time a letter was written and directed to Mr. Miller. He arose to summon Rondo to take it to the office, but ere he had touched the bell rope, Pride whispered, Don't send that letter. Don't let Mr. Miller into your private affairs. If Fanny was sick, someone would write to you. So the bell was not rung, and during the next half hour, Dr. Lacy amused himself by mechanically tearing it into small fragments. Oh, Dr. Lacy, it was a sorry moment when you listened to the whispering of that Pride. Had that letter been sent, it would have saved you many sleepless nights of sorrow. But it was not to be. That night there was to be a large party at the house of Mr. Mortimer, whom Leffey had mentioned as second to the Lacy's in wealth. Mr. Mortimer was the uncle at whose house Florence Woodburn was visiting, and the party was given in honour of her arrival, and partly to celebrate Mabel Mortimer's birthday. Mabel was an intelligent, accomplished girl, and besides being something of a beauty, was the heiress expectant of several hundred thousand. This constituted her quite a bell, and for three or four years past she and Dr. Lacy had been given to each other by the clever gossips of New Orleans. Mr. Lacy Sr. was also rather anxious that his son should marry Mabel. So Julia was not far out of the way when she wrote to Fanny that Dr. Lacy's parents wished to secure a match between him and a New Orleans bell. Had Dr. Lacy never seen Fanny, he possibly might have wedded Mabel. But his was a heart which could love but once, and although the object of his love should prove untrue, his affections could not easily be transferred to another, so that it was all in vain that Mabel Mortimer, on the evening of the party, stood before her mirror arranging and rearranging the long curls of her dark hair, and the folds of her rich white satin, wondering all the while if Dr. Lacy would approve her style of dress. Turning to Florence, she said, Cousin, did you see Dr. Lacy while he was in Frankfurt? No, I did not, answered Florence, but I do hope he will be here tonight, for I am all impatient to see this lion who has turned all your heads. A slight shade of displeasure passed over Mabel's fine features, but quickly casting it off, she said, Why are you so anxious, Florence? Have you any designs on him? If you have, they will do you no good, for I have a prior claim, and you must not interfere. Dear me, how charmingly you look, said Florence, but fair cause, do not be too sanguine. Suppose I should tell you that far off in old Kentuck, as the Negroes say, there is a golden-haired little girl who has Stop, stop, said Mabel, you shall not tell me, I will not hear it. At that instant the doorbell rang, and in a moment several young girls entered the dressing room, and in the chattering and laughing and fixing which followed, Mabel forgot what her cousin had been saying. After a time the young ladies descended to the spacious drawing rooms, which were rapidly filling with the elite of the city. Mabel's eye took in at a glance all the gentlemen, and she felt chagrin to find Dr. Lacey absent. What if he should not come, thought she. The party would be a dreadfully dull affair to me. Sometime after she missed Florence and two or three other girls, and thinking they were in the parlor above, she went in search of them. She found them on the balcony not far from the gentleman's dressing room, the windows of which were open. As she approached them they called out, Oh, here you are, Mabel. Florence is just going to tell us about Dr. Lacey's sweetheart. Dr. Lacey's sweetheart, repeated Mabel. Who is Dr. Lacey's sweetheart? Pray. Do not blush, though, Mabel. We do not mean you, said Lita Gibson, a bright-eyed woody girl with the sprinkling of malice in her nature. Of course you do not mean me, said Mabel, laughingly, but come, cousin, what of her? And the young girls drew nearer to each other and waited anxiously for Florence's story. Little did they suspect that another individual with flushed brow, compressed lip and beating heart was listening to hear tidings of her whom Florence had designated as his sweetheart. Dr. Lacey had entered the gentleman's dressing room unobserved. He heard the sound of merry voices on the balcony, and was about to step out and surprise the girls when he caught the sound of his own name, coupled with that of Fanny Middleton. His curiosity was aroused and he became a listener to the following conversation. Come, Florence, said Lita. Do not keep us in suspense any longer.  But first, said Mabel, tell us how you know she is anything to Dr. Lacey. That is what I don't know, said Florence. I am only speaking of what has been. Well then, said Mabel, more gaily, go on. This Fanny Middleton, said Florence, looks just as you would imagine a bright angel to look. How Dr. Lacey blessed her for these words. But, continued Florence, there is a singularly sad expression on her marble face. I never observed it, thought Dr. Lacey. What makes her sad, asked Lita. That is a mystery to me, answered Florence. Report says that she loved Mr. Willman, who was engaged to her sister. Engaged to her sister, repeated Mabel, how strange, but won't it make trouble? It cannot, said Florence. Mr. Willman is dead, and it is whispered that Fanny's heart was buried with him. I should not be surprised if it was so, for Fanny has the saddest face I ever saw. It made me want to cry when I looked at her. I should have pitted her more, however, had she not been so well cared for by a Mr. Stanton of New York. Large drops of perspiration stood thickly on Dr. Lacey's forehead, and his hands, convulsively clasped, were pressed against his heart. Still he did not lose a syllable as Florence continued. I did not blame her for lacking Stanton, for he would break half your hearts and turn the rest of you crazy. But the sister, asked all the young ladies, how was she affected to think Fanny loved her betrothed? Oh, that sister, said Florence, you ought to see her. She is beautiful beyond anything I can describe. She eclipsed everything and everybody. And she is as agreeable as handsome? Asked Mabel, whose fears were aroused that Julia might be the rival, instead of Fanny. Florence replied, I was told that she was formally very passionate, so much so that her father nicknamed her Tempest. Within a few months she has entirely changed, and is now very amiable, but I like Fanny's looks the best. But Dr. Lacy, what had he to do with Fanny? asked Lita. It was said they were engaged, but I do not think they are. In fact, I know they are not, from what Fanny said herself, for she assured me that Dr. Lacy was nothing to her more than a common acquaintance. And the sad but sweet smile which broke over her face whenever she raised her soft blue eyes to Stanton's animated countenance confirmed what she said. So, Mabel, you can have the doctor after all, said Lita. You know you used to say that it was all settled, for your parents and his had arranged it. Dr. Lacy waited for no more. He knew of a back stairway down, which he could escape into the open air unobserved. In a moment he stood alone in Mr. Mortimer's garden, but the evening breeze, although it cooled his brow, failed to calm his excited feelings. Suddenly it occurred to him that his absence for Mr. Mortimer's would excite attention in those who saw him enter, so he made a desperate effort to be calm, and retracing his steps was soon in the drawing room with Mabel Mortimer on his arm, much to that young weighty satisfaction. As they passed near a group of girls in the centre of which stood Florence Woodburn, Mabel suddenly said, Oh, Dr. Lacy, let me introduce you to cousin Florence. She has just come from Frankfurt and know some of your acquaintances there. So, saying, she drew him toward Florence, who had all the evening been waiting for an introduction to him. Dr. Lacy rather wished to avoid making Florence's acquaintance, fearing that she might say something to him a fanny. But there was no escape, and he greeted Florence with a smile and a bow, which, to use her own words, nearly drove every idea from her head. Once during the evening he found himself standing with Florence, alone near an open window. Florence improved her opportunity, and raising her bewitching hazel eyes to the doctor's face said, Why do you not ask me about your Kentucky friends, Dr. Lacy? Had Florence observed her companion closely, she would have noticed the pallor which for an instant overspread his face. It passed away, and he replied with an assumed gaiety. How should I know that we have any acquaintances in common in Frankfurt? Before Florence had time to reply, Mabel joined them. She was unwilling to risk a tet-a-tet between the doctor and her fascinating cousin, and as soon as she found them standing alone, she went up to them. Her example was followed by several other young ladies, among whom was Lita Gibson, who began by saying, Doctor, do you know that Ms. Florence has told us all about your love affairs, and also described the golden fairy? Now, why didn't you fall in love with her sister? Florence said she is far more beautiful. Dr. Lacy answered calmly, What reason has Ms. Woodburn to think I am in love with either? No reason, said Mabel quickly. Neither does she think you are in love with her, either. Dear me, said Lita, Of course you do not wish me to think so, and we all know why, but never mind frowning so dreadfully, Mabel, I won't tell. And the mischievous girl glided away, laughing to think that she had succeeded so well in teasing Mabel Mortimer. After a moment, Dr. Lacy turned to Florence and said, It seems you saw Julia Middleton. Do you not think her very handsome? Yes, very, answered Florence, but I liked Fanny's looks the best. A pang shot through Dr. Lacy's heart at the mention of Fanny's name, but he continued to inquire concerning his friends in Kentucky. Before the party closed, Florence, Mabel, and Lita had each managed to repeat to him all the conversation which he had overheard in the first part of the evening, never once thinking how desolate was the heart which beat beneath the calm manner and gay laugh of him who listened to their thoughtless railery. At length the party drew to a close. Dr. Lacy was among the first that left. He longed to be alone with his troubled thoughts, mechanically bidding Mabel good night. He ran down the marble steps and stepping into his carriage ordered Claib the coachman to drive home as soon as possible. There was no particular necessity for this command, for Claib had been fretting for the last hour about white folks setting up all night and keeping niggas awake. Darn if he didn't run the horses home like Satan and sleep over next day too. With such a driver the horses sped swiftly over the smooth road and a very few minutes Dr. Lacy was at home alone in his room. Then the full tide of his sorrow burst forth. He did not weep. He was scorned to do that. But could one have seen him as he hurriedly paced the apartment? He would have said his was a sorrow which could not vent itself in tears. Occasionally he would whisper to himself, My fanny, false, she whom I believed so truthful, so loving, so innocent, and she loves another, one too whom it were almost a sin to love. Fool that I did not see it before, for what but love could have drawn such devotion to him on his deathbed? And yet she assured me that I was the first, the only one she had ever loved, and I believed it, and gave her the entire affiction of my heart. Then came a reaction, resentment toward fanny for thus deceiving him mingling with his grief. But he had loved her too deeply, too truly, to cherish an unkind feeling toward her long. Throwing himself upon the sofa and bearing his face in his hands, he went back in fancy through all the many happy hours he had spent in her society. While doing this sleep descended upon him, and in his dreams he saw again his darling fanny, not false and faithless as he had feared, but arrayed in a spotless bridal robe, she stood by his side as his own wedded wife. Was that dream ever realized? We shall see. The next morning Rondo waited for a long time for his master's usual orders that he should go to the post office, but no such commands came, and as Dr. Lacy had not been heard moving in his room yet, Rondo concluded to go at all events.  Accordingly he again started for the post office, thinking to himself, I hope that master'll get a letter this time, for he don't seem no more like the wide awake chap he did when he first come from Kentucky than nothing. I don't want him to have Miss Mabel know-how, for then niggas say she's awful spunky. By the time this soliloquy was ended, he had reached the office, the clerk handed him two letters, both of which Rondo eyed sharply. On looking at the second, the cavity between the ears widened to an enormous extent, and he gave vent to his joy by uttering aloud, Cracky, this is just a thing. What's the matter, Rondo? Can you read writing? Asked the clerk in some surprise. No sir, not but little, said Rondo, but I know this hand right, I reckon. In a twinkling he was in the street. This is the fine moanen, thought he. I've got the right letter this time, so I won't hurry home, for Master ain't gonna find any fault if I don't get there till noon. So the next hour was spent in gossiping with all the blacks which could be found lounging round the streets.  Rondo instantly started for home, where he was greeted by Aunt Dilsey with a torrent of abuse, that good lady raiding him soundly for being gone too long. Wasn't he ashamed to be fooling away his time? It wasn't his time, another, it was Master's time. Was that our fulfilling descriptor? Which says, we must be all eye-servants, which means you must all keep close where your masters can see you. How long Aunt Dilsey might have gone expounding scripture is not known, for Rondo interrupted her by saying, don't scold so old lady, Master ain't gonna care for I've got him something this time better than victuals or drink. What is it? Said Lefie, coming forward, have you got him a letter from Kentucky? I ain't got nothing else, Miss Lefie Lacy, if you please. Said Rondo, snapping his fingers in her face, and giving Aunt Dilsey's elbow a slight jostle, just enough to spill the oil with which she was filling a lamp. Rondo, I clear fort. Said Aunt Dilsey, setting down her oil can. If Master don't crack your head, my old man clave shall, if he ever gets up again. There he is in his bunks, snoring like he was a steamboat, and Master sleep upstairs, I reckon. Well, taint no way to live. Things would go to rack and ruin if I didn't sweat and work to keep him right and up, certain. Aunt Dilsey was really a very valuable servant, and had some reason for thinking herself the main, spoke in the wheel which kept her Master's household together. She had lived in the family ever since Dr. Lacy's early recollection, and as she had nursed him when an infant, he naturally felt the great affection for her, and entrusted her with the exclusive management of the culinary department, little negroes and all. His confidence in her was not misplaced, for from morning till night she was faithful to her trust, and woe to any luckless woolly head who was found waste in Marvster's sweet meats and pickles. On the first hand Aunt Dilsey was very sensitive, for being naturally active and stirring herself, she, to use her own words, couldn't bear to see folks lazing round like there was nothing to do, but to get up and stuff themselves till they fit to bust. She also felt annoyed whenever her young Master indulged himself in a morning nap. Odd be up, she said, and air in his self. On the morning following the party, her patience was severely taxed in two ways. First, Claib, her husband, had adhered to his resolution of sleeping over, and long after the clock struck eleven he was sleeping profoundly. He had resisted all Aunt Dilsey's efforts to rouse him. Her scolding, sprinklings with hot and cold water, punching with the carving fork, had all proved ineffectual, and, as a last resort, she put the baby on his bed, thinking that was surely fetch him up, standing, for it wasn't in nature to sleep with the baby walloping and mowing over him. Her Master too troubled her, why he couldn't get up, she couldn't see. His breakfast was as cold as a gravestone, and she didn't care if it was. She had enough to do tendon to other affairs, without keeping the niggers and dogs from porking their noses in it. At a late hour Dr. Lacey awoke from his uneasy slumber. The return of mourning brought comparative calmness to his troubled spirit. Hope whispered that what he had heard might be a mistake. At least he would wait for further confirmation. He did not know how near that confirmation was. Rondo had been waiting for his Master summons until his patience was exhausted. So, relying on the letter to counteract any apparent disrespect, he stalked upstairs and knocked at Dr. Lacey's door, just as that gentleman was about ringing for him. As soon as he entered the room he called out, Here, Master, I've got him this time, at the same time extending a letter, the superscription of which made Dr. Lacey turn pale, for he recognized, as he supposed, Fanny's delicate writing. You may leave me alone, Rondo, said he, and I will ring for you when I want you. So Rondo departed with the remaining letter in his pocket. He had forgotten to deliver it, but it was not missed. Oh Rondo, Rondo, it was very unfortunate that you forgot that letter, and suffered it to remain in your pocket unheeded for so many days. Its contents would have scattered the dark, desolating tempest which was fast gathering over your young Master's pathway. As soon as Dr. Lacey was alone he sat down, anxious, yet fearing to know the contents of his letter. At last he resolutely broke the seal, thinking to himself, It cannot contain anything worse than I already know. One glance at the beginning and end of the letter confirmed his fears, and for a few moments he was unable to read a line. Then, summoning all his remaining courage, he calmly read the letter through, not omitting a single word, but comprehending the meaning of each sentence. It was as follows. Frankfurt, March 25th, 18 Dr. Lacey, Sir, have you, during some weeks past, ever wondered why I did not write to you? And in enumerating to yourself the many reasons which could prevent my writing, has it ever occurred to you that possibly I might be false? Can you forgive me, Dr. Lacey, when I tell you that the love I once fancied I bore for you has holy subsided, and I now feel for you a friendship which I trust will be more lasting than my transient, girlish love? Do you ask how I came to change so suddenly? I can only answer by another confession still more painful and humiliating to me. When I bade you a do, I thought I loved you as well as I ever could again. I say again for, but how shall I tell you? How confess that my first affection was not given to you? Yes, ere I had ever seen you, I loved another, and one too whom some would say it was sinful to love. But why harrow my feelings by awakening the past? Suffice it to say that he whom I loved is dead. We both saw him die, and I received upon my lips his last breath. Trulia, if he was Julia's in life, he was mine in death. Did you never suspect how truly I loved Mr. Wilmot? You were blinded by your misplaced affection for me, if you did not. Julia, my noble-hearted sister, Julia knew it all. I confessed my love to her, and all my knees begged her not to go to him, but to let me take her place at his bedside. She complied with my request, and then bravely bore in silence the reproaches of the world for her seeming coldness. Dear Julia, she seemed strangely changed recently, and you would hardly know her. She is so gentle, so obliging, so amiable. You ought to have heard her plead your cause with me. She besought me almost with tears not to prove unfaithful to you, and when I convinced her that it was impossible for me to love another, as I had Mr. Wilmot, she insisted on my writing, and not keeping you in suspense any longer. Dr. Lacey, if you could transfer your affection from me, but no, why should I speak of such a thing? You will probably despise all my family. Yet do not, I beseech you, cast them off for your poor, fanny sin. They respect you highly, and Julia would be angry if she knew that I am about to tell you how she admires a certain southern friend, who probably by this time thinks with contempt of little Fanny Middleton. There was no perceptible change in Dr. Lacey's manner after reading the Heartless Forgery, but the iron had entered his soul, and for a time he seemed benumbed with its force. Then came a moment of reflection. His love had been trampled upon, and thrown back as a thing of not, by her who had fallen from the highest pedestal, on which he had enthroned the idol of his heart's deepest affection. I could have pitted, and admired her too, thought he, had she candidly confessed her love for Mr. Wilmot, but to be so basely deceived by one whom I thought incapable of deception is too much. Seizing the letter he again read it through, and this time he felt his wounded pride somewhat soothed by thinking that the beautiful Julia admired and sympathized with him. But, sure, he exclaimed, most likely Julia is as hollow-hearted as her sister, and yet many dark spots on her character seem wiped away by Fanny's confession. Throwing the letter aside he rang the bell, and ordered his breakfast to be sent up to him. That afternoon he called on Mabel Mortimer and her cousin. He found the young ladies in the drawing-room, and with them a dark, fine-looking middle-aged gentleman whom Mabel introduced as Mr. Middleton. Something in the looks as well as name of the stranger made Dr. Lacey involuntarily start was surprised, and he secretly wondered whether this gentleman was in any way connected with the Middletons of Kentucky. He was not kept long in doubt. For Florence, who was very talkative, soon said, We were just speaking of you, Dr. Lacey, and Mr. Middleton seems inclined to claim you as an acquaintance on the ground of your having been intimate with his brother's family in Kentucky. Indeed, said Dr. Lacey, then turning to Mr. Middleton, he said, Is it possible that you are a brother of Mr. Joshua Middleton? Yes, sir, returned the stranger eyeing Dr. Lacey closely. Joshua is my brother, but for more than twenty years I have not seen him or scarcely heard from him. Ah, answered Dr. Lacey in some astonishment, and then as he fancied there was something in Mr. Middleton's former life which he wished to conceal, he changed the subject by asking Mr. Middleton if he had been long in the city. Only two weeks, he replied, and he proceeded to speak of himself, saying, For many years past I have been in the Indies. About the time my brother Joshua married, my father died, when his will was opened I thought it a very unjust one, for it gave to my brother a much larger share than was given to me. In a fit of anger I declared I would never touch a penny of my portion, and leaving college where I was already in my senior year, I went to New York, and getting on board a vessel bound for the East Indies I tried by amassing wealth in a distant land, to forget that I ever had a home this side of the Atlantic. During the first years of my absence my brother wrote to me frequently, and most of his letters I answered, for I really bore him no malice on account of the will. I had not heard from him for a long time, until I reached this city. Are you going to visit Kentucky? asked Dr. Lacy. It is my present intention to do so, answered Mr. Middleton. But first I wish to purchase a summer residence near the lake, and after fitting it up tastefully I shall invite my nieces to visit me. You are acquainted with them, I believe. Dr. Lacy answered in the affirmative, and Mr. Middleton continued. I am told by Miss Woodburn that they are very beautiful, especially one of them, and quite accomplished. Is it so? Dr. Lacy replied very calmly. The world, I believe, unites in calling Miss Julia beautiful. But what of the other one? asked Mr. Middleton. I am prepossessed in her favour, for she bears the name of the only sister I ever had. Dr. Lacy sighed, for he remembered the time when he was drawn toward Fanny, because he fancied she resembled the only sister he ever had. Mr. Middleton observed it, and immediately said, Does it make you sigh just to mention Fanny? What is the matter? Has she jilted you? If she has, she does not partake of the nature of the Middletons, for they could never stoop to deceit. Here Florence came to Dr. Lacy's relief by saying, Why Dr. Lacy, Mr. Middleton wants you to repeat what I have already told him, that Julia is exceedingly beautiful, and that Fanny is as lovely as a hoary, and has the saddest, sweetest face I ever saw, and the softest, mildest blue eye. Dr. Lacy laughingly said, Thank you, Miss Florence. Mr. Middleton will please take what you have said is my opinion concerning his fancies. Mr. Middleton bowed and then said, How does my brother appear? He used to be very rough and abrupt in his manner. Dr. Lacy laughed. He could not help it. His risible faculties were always excited when he thought of Joshua Middleton, and he answered that although he highly esteemed Mr. Middleton, he feared his manners were not much improved. Death ain't not, said the brother. When he was at home he was always saying things which our mother called impolite, our father outlandish, and the blacks. Right down he vanished. However, with all his roughness I believe there never was a more truly honorable man, or a more sincere friend. After a few moments of general conversation Mr. Middleton said, turning to Dr. Lacy, I feel some anxiety about this summer residence which I intend purchasing. I am told that you have fine taste, both in selecting a good locality and in laying out grounds.  Dr. Lacy thanked Mr. Middleton for the compliment paid to his taste, and he politely expressed his willingness to assist his friend in the selection of a country seat. By the way, continued he, you are stopping at the St. Charles, I believe. Suppose you exchange your rooms at the hotel for a home with me, and become my guest until you leave the city for Kentucky. Mr. Middleton accepted Dr. Lacy's invitation willingly, and the three weeks which he spent at his residence passed rapidly and pleasantly away. During that time Dr. Lacy met with a gentleman who owned a very handsome villa near the lakeshore. This he wished to dispose of, and Mr. Middleton and Dr. Lacy went down to inspect it. They found it every way desirable, and Mr. Middleton finally purchased it at an enormous price, and called it the Indian Nest. Here, said he, speaking to Dr. Lacy, here I shall at last find that happiness which I have sought for in vain during forty years. I shall have both my nieces with me, besides Ms. Mortimer and Ms. Woodburn. I suppose I shall have to invite some other young gentleman besides yourself, for the girls will hardly fancy the old Indian for a bowl. Dr. Lacy did not reply.  But now all was changed, and the thought of again meeting Fanny afforded him more pain than pleasure. Mr. Middleton noticed his silence, and as he was slightly tinctured with the abruptness which characterized his brother, he said, Why, young man, what is the matter? Have you been disappointed, or what makes you manifest so much indifference to spending the summer, or a part of it with four agreeable girls? Dr. Lacy saw the necessity of rousing himself from his melancholy mood, and assuming a gaiety he did not feel, he said, I feel very much flattered, Mr. Middleton, with the honor you confer upon me, but I have for some time passed been subject to low spirits, so you must not mind if I am not always gay. Come, let us go into the garden and see what improvements are needed there. So, saying, they turned together into the large terraced garden, while they were engaged in walking over the handsome grounds which surrounded the Indian nest, Rondo, who had accompanied his master, was differently occupied. Strolling down to the lakeshore, he amused himself for a time by watching the waves as they dashed against the pebbly beach, and by fancying that each of them reflected the image of Leffy's bright round face. Then, buttoning up his coat, he would strut back and forth admiring his shadow, and thinking how much more the coat became him than it did his young master. It had been given to him by Dr. Lacy, with the order not to wear it out in two days, so Rondo had not worn it before, since the morning when he gave his master one letter, and forgot the other. He had brought it with him to the lake, and was trying the effect of his elegant appearance. Chancing to thrust his hand in his pocket, he felt the long forgotten letter and drew it forth. Then, looking at it with wide open eyes and mouth, gave vent to his surprise as follows. Who'd have believed it? Here's this letter been in my pocket two weeks. I deserved to be cracked over the head, and anybody but master would do it. I'll run and give it to him now. No, I won't, said he, suddenly slackening his pace. I've heard him say he could always trust me, and if I own up this time, he'll lose his, what's the word, conference? Yes, conference in me. I don't believe this letter's of any account, for it's a great big letter, just like a man's handwriting. Anyway, I'll wait till I get home and consult Lefe. The letter was accordingly put in his pocket, and in a few moments he rejoined his master and Mr. Middleton. The next day they returned home. Rondo's first act was to draw Lefe aside, and after winning from her various strong promises of secrecy, he imparted to her the astounding fact that he had found one of master's letters in his trousers, no, his coat pocket. It had been there two weeks, and he didn't know what he came to do with it. If he gave it to master now, Twin make him lose faith in him, and so forth. Lefe heard him through, and then fully agreed with him that it was best not to tell master at this late hour. But, said she, I'd put it out of the way, so Twin be popping out in sight sometime. Shall I burn it? asked Rondo. Oh no, said Lefe, keep it so master can have it, if he ever hears of it. There's your cigar box, take it and bury the letter in it. Said Rondo with a prolonged whistle. It takes you women to calculate anything cute. The cigar box was brought out, and in a few moments the poor letter was lying quietly under a foot and a half of earth. There, said Lefe, as Rondo laid over the spot a piece of fresh green turf. Nobody'll ever have any idea whose grave this is.  Lefe answered him by a sound box on his ear, at the same time threatening to expose his wickedness at the next class meeting. Aunt Dilsie's voice was now heard calling out, Lefe, Lefe, is you stung deaf and blind now that fetched Rondo's done gone home? Come here this minute. Rondo and Lefe returned to the house, leaving buried a letter, the readings of which would have changed the tenor of their master's feelings. For a knowledge of its contents, as well of its author, we must go back for a time to Frankfurt once it came, promising that Mr. Middleton will follow us in a few days. End of Chapter 12. Recording by Jadopi www.publicdomainaudiobooks.blogspot.com Chapter 13. Of Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Jadopi. Chapter 13. Letters written but never received. In order to keep the threads of our narrative connected it is necessary that we go back for a time and again open the scene in Frankfurt on the 24th of March several days after the party at which Florence Woodburn met Fannie Middleton. Seated at her work table in one of the upper rooms of Mrs. Crane's boarding house is our old friend Kate Miller. Her dazzling beauty seems enhanced by the striking contrast between the clearness of her connection and the sable of her robe. On a low stool at her feet sits Fannie. Her head is resting on Mrs. Miller's lap and she seems to be sleeping. She has been excused from school this afternoon on account of a sick, nervous headache to which she has recently been frequently subject. Finding the solitude of her own chamber rather irksome, she had sought Mrs. Miller's room where she was ever a welcome visitor. To Kate she even imparted a knowledge of the letter which she supposed Dr. Lacey had written. Mrs. Miller's sympathy for her young friend was as deep and sincere as was her resentment against the supposed author of this letter. As yet she had kept Fannie's secret in violet and not even her husband had ever suspected the cause of Fannie's failing strength. But this afternoon as she looked on the fair girl's sad white face, which seemed to grow whiter and thinner each day, she felt her heart swell with indignation toward one who had wrought this fearful change. Surely thought she if Dr. Lacey could know the almost fatal consequence of his faithlessness he would relent and he must, he shall know it. I will tell Mr. Miller and he I know will write immediately. Then came the thought that she had promised not to betray Fannie's confidence, but she did not despair of gaining her consent that Mr. Miller should also know the secret. For a time Fannie slept on sweetly and quietly, then she moved uneasily in her slumber and finally awoke. How was your head now? asked Mrs. Miller at the same time smoothing the disordered ringlets which lay in such profusion over her lap. Oh, much better, said Fannie. I had a nice sleep and so pleasant dreams, too. Did you dream of him? asked Mrs. Miller in a low tone. Quick as though the crimson tide stained Fannie's cheek and forehead, but she answered somewhat bitterly. Oh, no, no, I never dream of him now, and I am trying hard to forget him. I do not think I love him half as well now as I once thought I did. Poor little Fannie, how deceived she was. After a time Mrs. Miller said, Fannie, Mr. Miller seems very anxious about your altered and languid appearance. May I not tell him the truth? He will sympathize with you as truly as I do, for he feels for you almost the affection of a brother. At first Fannie objected. I know, said she, that Mr. Miller would only think me a weak silly girl. Mrs. Miller, however, finally gained permission to tell everything to her husband.  You say he likes me, I know he did once, but since the time when he visited my father's more than a year ago, he has not treated me with the same confidence he did before. I never knew the reason, unless it was that foolish romping mistake which I made one afternoon by riding into the schoolhouse. With many tears and some laughing, for the remembrance of the exploit always excited her mirth. Fannie told a part of what we already know concerning Mr. Miller's visit at her father's, the winter previous. She related the adventure of the sled ride and said that the morning after she noticed a change in Mr. Miller's manner toward her. The unsuspecting girl little thought what was the true reason of that change. While she was yet speaking, Mr. Miller entered the room. On seeing Fannie there and weeping he said, What? Sunshine in tears? That is hardly the remedy I would prescribe for headache. But come, Fannie, tell me what is the matter? Oh, I cannot! I cannot! said Fannie, and again she buried her face in Kate's lap. Mr. Miller looked inquiringly at his wife, who had not yet ceased laughing at Fannie's ludicrous description of her sled ride, but overcoming her merriment, she at length found voice to say, Fannie is crying because she thinks you do not like her as well as you used to. Kate had never dreamed that her husband had once felt more than a brother's love or the weeping girl before her, and she did not know what pain her words inflicted on his noble heart. Neither did she think that there was the least ground for Fannie's supposition, and she desired her husband to say so. I cannot say so until the truth, said Mr. Miller, but I can assure you that Bill Jeffery's sled had nothing to do with it. What was it then, asked Kate and Fannie, both in the same breath. Mr. Miller drew Fannie toward him with the freedom of an elder brother, and in a low, earnest tone said, Did nothing else occur during my visit, which could have changed my opinion of you? Fannie lifted her large, blue eyes to Mr. Miller's face, with so truthful, wondering aghaze that he was puzzled. Can it be, thought he? That I did not hear, right? That I was deceived? I will, at least, ask her how she spent that evening. So he said, Fannie, do you remember where you were, or how you were occupied during the last evening of my stay at your father's? At first Fannie seemed trying to recall the events of that night. Then she said, Oh yes, I remember now perfectly well. You and Mr. Wilmot had led us to ride, and went to your room early, while father and mother went to one of the neighbors, leaving Julia and me alone in the sitting room. Did you both remain in the sitting room during the evening? continued Mr. Miller. Yes, said Fannie, or that is, I stayed there all the time, but Julia was gone a long time, and when she returned, she would not tell me where she'd been. But were not you and Luce in your room at all that evening? continued Mr. Miller. Luce, said Fannie, I do not remember having seen her once that night. Neither was I in my room until bedtime. There was so much frankness and apparent truth in Fannie's face and manner that Mr. Miller never for a moment doubted her. His first feeling was one of intense happiness at finding that Fannie was, indeed, all he had once fancied her to be. Back through the channels of his heart rolled for an instant, the full tide of his once secretly nurtured affection for her. It was for an instant, however, for one look at the beautiful Kate, convinced him that the love he once bore the gentle timid girl at his side was not, when compared with the deep ardent affection which he now felt for his own cherished wife. Fannie, said he, I have wronged you in thought, but never in word or deed, to my knowledge. I was, however, grossly deceived, although I can see no object for the deception. What can you mean? asked Kate rather anxiously. Do explain yourself and not deal in mysteries any longer. What dreadful thing did you imagine Fannie had done? Set the stables on fire or abuse the blacks? Which? Mr. Miller did not immediately answer, and Fannie said, Come, Mr. Miller, it is not fair to suspect me of evil and not tell me what it is. You should be more frank. I will tell you, said Mr. Miller, and in as few words as possible he repeated to Fannie the conversation which he had overheard between loose and herself, as he supposed. When he finished speaking both Kate and Fannie were silent for a moment, then Kate said, It was Julia. I know it was. Did you ever notice how much like their voices are? And besides, I once heard Julia lay a wager with Mr. Raymond that she could imitate her sister's voice so exactly that one not seeing her would be thoroughly deceived. Oh, Mrs. Miller, said Fannie, it cannot be. Why should Julia wish to do so wicked a thing? And yet I now remember that when I was sick, loose came to me one night and asked me to forgive her for everything bad she had ever done to me. I assured her I knew of nothing to forgive, and then she cried and said I did not know all she did about her wickedness. She must have referred to that night.  But how could my own sister do me so great a wrong, and what could have been her object? Here Fannie burst into tears, while Kate gave vent to her indignation by expressing her opinion pretty freely of Miss Julia. I can see, said she, what Julia's object was. I fancy she was always fearful lest my brother should like Fannie the best, and she probably took this method to make you both think meanly of Fannie. Your idea is probably the correct one, said Mr. Miller, who would have added more, but Kate interrupted him by saying yes, I think I understand it all now. Julia is probably at the foundation of Dr. Lacey's neglect. Most likely she's been writing him some face falsehood. Dr. Lacey's neglect, repeated Mr. Miller, what do you mean? Kate commenced an explanation, but Fannie started up saying, please, Mrs. Miller, wait until I'm gone. She then quitted the apartment and sought her own room, of which Julia had been sole occupant for more than an hour. On her return from school this hopeful young lady was pleased to find her sister absent. Seating herself near the window with paper and pencil, she began the composition of that letter, which, as we have said, widened the breach between Dr. Lacey and Fannie. This unhallowed work cost her a world of pains. Many times were the lines crossed out and rewritten, before they quite suited her. The letter was but half completed when Fannie was heard coming slowly through the upper hall. Springing up, Julia darted through the window out upon the balcony, and by the time Fannie reached the room she was seated at the furthest end of the veranda, busily engaged with her forgery. When she was at last returned to the room and tried to converse with her sister, she observed that Fannie shrank from her approach, and that she had been weeping. In a very ironical tone Julia said, What now is the matter?  I wouldn't be such a crybaby anyway, and make so much fuss about one good-for-nothing doctor. Fannie replied very calmly and without once taking her eyes from her sister's face. If you think I've been crying about Dr. Lacey, you are mistaken. Pray, what did you cry for? said Julia, laughingly. Did somebody look sideways at you or omit to call you by some pet baby name? I cried, said Fannie, because I feared you had been acting very wickedly toward me. In an instant Julia's assurance left her. The bright color forsook her cheek, which became perfectly white. Fannie noticed the change, and it confirmed her fears. She did not know that the circumstances to which she alluded had long since faded from Julia's memory, and that her present agitation arose from the fear that she might have been detected in her work of deception, and that, after all, she might be foiled and entangled in her own meshes.  Has the wretch dared to betray me? Fannie supposed she referred to Luce, and her first feeling was to save the helpless servant girl from Julia's displeasure. So she said, Do not condemn Luce. She did not tell me. I received my information from our teacher, Mr. Miller. Luce! Mr. Miller! What do you mean? asked Julia, her eyes lessening to their usual size, and the color again coming to her cheeks and lips. This sudden change in her sister's appearance puzzled Fannie, but she proceeded to relate what she had just heard from Mr. Miller. Julia was so much relieved to find her fears unfounded, and her darling secret safe, that she burst into a loud laugh which she continued for some time. During this fit of laughter she was determining whether it were best to confess the whole and seemed sorry for it, or to strenuously deny it. Finally she decided on the former, but resolved not to give the right reason for her conduct. So she said with an air of great penitence, Yes, Fannie, I am guilty. And I'm glad you know it too. I have been on the point of acknowledging it too many times, but shame kept me silent. How could you do it? And what did you do it for? asked Fannie. Julia replied. Truth compels me to say that I feared your influence over Mr. Wilmot. I knew how much he admired amiability in females, and I wished to make him think you were no more amiable than other people. And yet you say you never cared for his love, continued Fannie. Miss Julia was getting cornered, but her evil genius did not forsake her, and she answered, true, I did not care much for him, but I felt flattered with his attentions, and I audently desired to have one person prefer me to you. I know it was wicked in me to do what I did, but you will forgive me, will you not? And I will promise never again to act so deceitfully toward you. Always sincere in what she said herself, Fannie could not think her sister otherwise, so her hand was extended in token of forgiveness. Julia took it, and raising it to her lips kept it there for an instant, in order to conceal the treacherous smile of exultation which played round her mouth. I shall yet triumph, thought she, and in the exuberance of her joy she kissed again the soft hand which she held in her grasp. Could Fannie have looked into the heart of her sister, and beheld all its dark designs she would have fled from her presence as from a poisonous serpent. But though she was deceived there was one, the all-seeing one whose eye was ever upon the sinful girl. And though for a while she seemed to prosper, the same mighty power so ordered it that after a time she who had sown the tempest reaped the whirlwind, and the clouds which hung so heavy and dark around the pathway of her innocent victim afterward burst with terrific violence upon her own head. We will now return to Mrs. Miller, whom we left relating to her husband the supposed neglect of Dr. Lacey. She finished her narrative by saying, I cannot help thinking that by some means Julia is at the foundation of all this mischief. You and Dr. Lacey were good friends. Suppose you write to him, and then we shall at least know the truth of the matter. Yes, I will, said Mr. Miller, to-morrow. But why not write to-night, asked Kate, who was in a hurry, because, answered Mr. Miller, I shall be engaged to-night, and to-morrow will do as well. Kate could not help feeling that possibly to-morrow might not do as well. But she said no more on the subject, and waited patiently for the moral, when true to his promise her husband commenced the important letter. We have said that Mr. Miller had never liked Julia. In this letter, however, he spoke as favourably as her as he could, but he told how basely she had once deceived himself and Mr. Wilmot with regard to Fanny, and also hinted his own and his wife's suspicion that in some way or other Julia was connected with Dr. Lacey's long silence, as well as with the heartless letter which Fanny had received from New Orleans. Yes, this will do, said Kate, as she read what her husband had written. But she added, I cannot help feeling sorry that it was not sent yesterday. Oh, Kate, said Mr. Miller Gailey, your anxiety for Fanny has made you nervous, and now you are almost superstitious. One day can make no possible difference in the result of this letter. Afterward, when it was too late, he learned how much difference the delay of one day caused. By its means, that letter, which would have set all right, was sent in the same package with Julia's amiable production, and as we have seen, was not received by its owner, but was safely stowed away in a cigar box underground. Soon after Mr. Miller deposited his letter in the post office, a young girl closely veiled entered the same building, and looked anxiously round until her eye fell upon her accomplice, Mr. Dunn. That worthy young man instantly came forward, grinning and bowing, and almost upsetting another clerk who was also hastening to wait upon the beautiful Miss Middleton. Good morning, Miss Julia, said Mr. Dunn. Glad to see you. Fine morning. Julia did not dane to reply for Mr. Dunn's familiarity was exceedingly disgusting to her. She, however, handed him her letter, which he looked at in some surprise, and said in a low tone, Is this letter from Fanny or you? From me, send it, answered Julia at the same time managing to slip an eagle into the hands of the honest clerk. Leaving the office, the young lady proceeded homeward, thinking to herself, There, that will settle him, I hope. I am getting on swimmingly. When Mr. Miller entered his room on his return from the office, Kate said, In the course of two weeks you or Fanny or both will hear from Dr. Lacey. Do not be too sanguine, Katie, answered Mr. Miller. You may be disappointed. Well, continued Kate, If he pays no attention to your letter I shall be satisfied that he really is under serving of Fanny's esteem. I'll not tell her that you have written for fear of the consequence. So days came and went, week followed week, in rapid succession, until five weeks were numbered with the past, since Mr. Miller's letter had been dispatched. Kate had waited and watched until even her sanguine nature had ceased to hope. For there had come no tidings from the far-off Crescent City, and both she and her husband had unwillingly come to the conclusion that Dr. Lacey was really false. Kate manifested her disappointment by an increased tenderness of manner toward Fanny, whom she sincerely loved, and by a more gracious deportment toward Julia, whom she began to fear she had wronged by suspecting her of being accessory to Dr. Lacey's conduct. End of Chapter 13, Recording by Jadapi www.publicdomainaudiobooks.blogspot.com


Sticker shock, sending shock waves across Main Street and Wall Street, shoppers are filling it, investors are clearly spooked by it in a new report showing that we could be stuck with it for a while. The Fox Business Network Susan Lee with the very latest Susan. Hey Charles, so whether it's at the pump or at the grocery store, Americans are paying up more. Inflation, as it's called, or higher prices has already arrived. So if you walk into the supermarket these days, you'll notice the seafood prices are up five percent, eggs are costing more, along with oranges, lettuce, chickens and canned vegetables. Now that's not all, larger items like appliances are also more expensive these days, not to mention paying up at the pump. We have national gas prices sitting at their highest now since 2014, close to breaking three dollars a gallon for the first time in seven years. The colonial pipeline shutdown means prices are skyrocketing of eight cents the past week and for every penny the gas prices go up, that's a billion dollars less in consumers spending, which hurts the U.S. economy. A reason inflation fears spooked the stock market today. The worst day in two months for the Dow Jones industrials, Wall Street is also concerned that the Federal Reserve might be forced to raise interest rates in order to keep prices under control. And we'll find out tomorrow just how much more we're paying with the April consumer price reports. Americans though are already bracing for the fastest price hikes in nearly a decade, predicting that prices will go up by three and a half percent in a year's time. But here's the good part, is that rising prices are usually indicative of a recovering economy. We saw another sign of that this morning, a record eight million plus job openings in the month of March, the most of manufacturing, construction and hospitality. But Charles appoints, and the problem here is that finding the people to fill the jobs is the hard part. Well, it certainly is. Susan Lee, thank you very much. Now, of course, those spikes on Main Street at Wall Street Investors running for cover today, as more Americans are filling the pinch. The question everyone's asking is, are these prices going to pinch our economy? Let's give the read from our money gurus, Larry Glazer, what does Gary B. Smith and Melissa R. Mill. Larry, let me start with you. Just break it all down for us. You know, Charles, you don't have to be a financial expert to see that these rising costs and these soaring inflation, spiking everywhere we look, is really already having an impact on the consumer. Rising milk prices, rising chicken prices. How's that barbecue going to feel on Memorial Day when you can't get food for the grill? Gas prices through the roof. There's already shortages. It's everywhere we look, Charles. Wall Street is beginning to get worried. Consumers are worried. It's affecting labor shortages, it's affecting material shortages. We can't get all the things we need. Nothing will crush consumer confidence more than a big spike in gas prices. And that's what I fear could happen this summer. Charles, look, we've had a lot of good things to celebrate this year. Let's keep it up, but inflation could kill this biggest soaring price increase since the Jimmy Carter administration. That's not good news for any of us. Melissa, the Fed says, yeah, it's going to spike, but it's going to be transitory. So don't panic. You agree? Well, I wouldn't panic because the markets had a beautiful, beautiful bullish run up. But that being said, I think we could see some more selling even as early as tomorrow or in the next few days. So people need to be aware of the fact that we could see more selling. So just plan ahead. And if you want to take profits, if you're up, you can take profits. I think inflation, the economy has to get back going. Last week, we had bad unemployment data and we have to open up. New York City is not fully open up until we open up again. If people go out and spend money, we're going to have a problem with the economy. It's going to create a long-term problem if we don't start to open up as a country as a whole. People got to get back to work. They do. Well, I'm not as sanguine as Melissa is. I think inflation is here. When you have corn prices doubling, lumber prices doubling, as Melissa pointed out, gas prices just doubling again. You can't, now companies, because the government has sprinkled so much money around, it's tough to hire people because they want to stay on these unemployment benefits. So what's going to happen? The Fed is going to have to raise rates. Now they did a silly thing a few months ago and said, oh my gosh, we're going to stand pat into what? 2024? Charles? I think they're going to have to jump in now and turn kale. That's going to create a bigger crisis in the market. I think the best of times we've seen the market are over. Charles, we have the biggest labor shortage ever. We have jobs going unfilled in this country. Small businesses can't afford to eat these inflationary pressures. They pass it through to the consumer. It becomes a regressive tax hitting working families in this country. Once you let the inflation genie out of the bottle, you can't get the genie back in. And that's what's going to happen this summer. And that's what I worry about for working families in this country. Then let me build on that because this morning we learned that there are 8.1 million jobs out there. That is the most ever. Those are jobs that are opening in March. And yet you go back to Friday and we couldn't get anyone to fulfill those jobs. So Melissa, it has the government just sprinkled too much money out there. Are too many STEMI checks, extra 300 bucks and everything else really going to be another thing that conspires to destroy this economic rebound that we had enjoyed. I think it depends on the industry. There are certain industries like here, example in New York. If I want to order something from Amazon, I can't get it. That's crazy. There's food available from Whole Foods. It's because they can't get the drivers to work. They can't get people to come in to work at Whole Foods to put my grocery order together. So there are specific industries where people are actually earning more money to stay at home. Why would you go to work if you can make more money at home? Because at the end of the day, all you care about is your bottom line. Until they stop the stimulus, all across with these extra bonuses, people are not going to go back to work. Right. And to your point, we lost 77,000 career jobs last month, lost. So Gary B, we're dealing with this, all of this cash that's come in to help prop up the market. It's made a lot of people wealthy, at least on paper. Now we've got to face the tax consequences. President Biden is pretty serious about lifting our taxes across the board and that's something the market's going to have to grapple with as well, right? Yeah, absolutely. Look, he's talking about raising the corporate tax. I am certain that with all the programs he's housed out there, infrastructure and some of the other things, he's going to have to raise tax on quote, unquote, the middle class. Look, taxes are going to go up on everyone. So that's another, you know, like inflation, which is a tax, as Larry pointed out. And we're going to have more income taxes. There's going to be more money out of the pocket. I just, you know, we faced the pandemic, the biggest health crisis. Now I think we're about to face the biggest economic crisis. Most certainly that this bed has ever seen and probably this government has ever seen is this tsunami of bad, you know, things coming all too ahead. I'm, I wish I was as optimistic as Melissa. Yeah. Hey, you know, what a year from now, I wouldn't be surprised if we were talking about deflation. No, not inflation. It could be because of these points you just brought up. You were a fantastic panel. See you all very soon. Meanwhile, it's off to the races from Medina spirit at the pretense this weekend, but only under a strict set of conditions. Trainer Bobby Bafford's attorney is with us. He's next