Chapter XXI

by Mary Jane Holmes

　　STIRRING EVENTS

　　Great was Mr. Middleton's surprise when informed by Dr. Lacey of hisengagement with Julia. Something in his countenance must have betrayed it,for Dr. Lacey said, "You seem astonished, sir. Are you displeased?"

　　"Certainly not; I am glad," answered Mr. Middleton. "Yet I confess I wassurprised, for I had never thought of such a thing. Once I had hoped youwould marry Fanny, but since Frank Cameron has rendered that impossible,you cannot do better than take Julia. She is intelligent, accomplished andhandsome, and although she has some faults, your influence over her willlead her to correct them."

　　Unlike this was the reception which the intelligence met with from Dr.Lacey's negroes.

　　"What that ar you sayin'," asked Aunt Dilsey of Rondeau, who wascommunicating the important news to Leffie.

　　"You'd better ask," replied Rondeau. "Who do you suppose Marster George isgoin' to fetch here to crack our heads for us?"

　　"Dun know--Miss Mabel, maybe," said Aunt Dilsey.

　　"No, sir; Miss Mabel is bad enough, but she can't hold a candle to thisone," answered Rondeau.

　　"You don't mean Miss July," shrieked rather than asked Aunt Dilsey.

　　"I don't mean nobody else, mother Dilsey," said Rondeau.

　　Up flew Aunt Dilsey's hands in amazement, and up rolled her eyes indismay. "I 'clar for't," said she, "if Marster George has done made such afool of hisself, I hope she'll pull his bar a heap worse than she didJack's."

　　"No danger but what she will, and yours too," was Rondeau's consolingreply.

　　"Lord knows," said Aunt Dilsey, "fust time she sasses me, I'll run awaylong of Jack and the baby. I'll tie up my new gown and cap in ahandkerchief this night."

　　Leffie now proposed that her mother should defer her intended flight untilthe arrival of the dreaded Julia, while Rondeau added, "Besides, Dilsey,if you should run away your delicate body couldn't get further than theswamp, where you'd go in up to your neck first lunge, and all marster'shorses couldn't draw you out."

　　This allusion to her size changed the current of Aunt Dilsey's wrath,which now turned and spent itself on Rondeau. Her impression of Julia,however, never changed, although she was not called upon to run away.

　　Mrs. Lacey, too, received the news of her son's engagement with evidentdissatisfaction; but she thought remonstrance would be useless, and shekept silent, secretly praying that Julia might prove better than herfears. In due course of time there came from Kentucky a letter ofcongratulation from Fanny; but she was so unaccustomed to say or writewhat she did not feel that the letter, so far as congratulations wereconcerned, was a total failure. She, however, denied her engagement withFrank, and this, if nothing else, was sufficient reason why Julia refusedto show it to Dr. Lacey. Julia knew the chain by which she held him wasbrittle and might at any time be broken, and it was not strange that shelonged for the last days of October, when with Dr. Lacey she would returnto Kentucky.

　　They came at last, and one bright, cloudless morning Uncle Joshua got outhis carriage and proceeded to Frankfort, where, as he had expected, he metJulia and his expected son-in-law. His greeting of the former was kind andfatherly enough, but the moment he saw the latter, he felt, as heafterward said, an almost unconquerable desire to flatten his nose, gougehis eyes, knock out his teeth and so forth, which operations woulddoubtless have greatly astonished Dr. Lacey and given him what almostevery man has, viz., a most formidable idea of his wife's relations.

　　He, however, restrained his wrath, and when, at a convenient time, Dr.Lacey, with a few ominous "ahems" and made-up coughs, indicated hisintention of asking for Julia, Uncle Joshua cut him short by saying,"Never mind, I know what you want. You may have her and welcome. I onlywish she would make as good a wife as you will husband. But mind now, whenyou find out what for a fury you've got, don't come whinin' round me, forI give you fa'r warnin'."

　　Here Dr. Lacey thought proper to say that possibly Mr. Middleton did notunderstand his daughter.

　　"Not understand her?" repeated Mr. Middleton. "What's to hinder? She's myown gal, and I like her well enough; but don't I know she's as fiery as abaker's oven?"

　　"She is greatly changed," continued Dr. Lacey. "Don't you give her creditfor that?"

　　"Changed?" replied Mr. Middleton. "So's lightnin' changed! It's one of hertricks. Depend on it, you'll find it so." And Mr. Middleton walked off insearch of his promising daughter.

　　Strange as it may seem, the old man's remarks had no other effect on Dr.Lacey than to cause him to pity Julia, who he fancied was misunderstoodand misused. He believed her reformation to be sincere, and could not helpfeeling that Mr. Middleton was mistaken in his opinion of both hisdaughters.

　　After tramping all over the house, banging doors and shouting at least adozen times, "Ho, Tempest, whar for gracious sakes are you?" Mr. Middletonat length found his daughter in Mrs. Miller's room consulting with Kateabout her bridal dress. Kate, too, was wholly deceived by Julia'sgentleness and apparent frankness of manner, and readily complied with herrequest that she should be with her the two days preceding the marriage,for the purpose of assisting in the arrangement of affairs. This beingsettled, Mr. Middleton and his daughter started for home, which theyreached about sunset.

　　Julia leaped gayly from the carriage, and running into the house, embracedher mother, and received the blacks as affectionately as Fanny herselfcould have done; then missing her sister, she asked, "Where is Fan? Whydoes she not come to meet me?"

　　Mrs. Middleton looked inquiringly at her husband, who replied, "No, Ihain't told her, jest because she didn't ask me. Sunshine is sick--sick inbed, and has had the potecary three times."

　　"Fanny sick," said Julia. "Where is she? In her room? I will go to herimmediately."

　　But in going to Fanny, it was necessary to pass the parlor, and Juliacould not resist the temptation to look in and see "if the old man hadfixed up any."

　　"Oh, how neat, how pleasant!" was her first exclamation, and truly thecheerless old room had undergone a great renovation. It had beenthoroughly cleaned and repainted. The walls were hung with bright,cheerful-looking paper. A handsome carpet covered the floor, whilecurtains of corresponding beauty shaded the windows. The furniture,tastefully arranged, was nearly all new, and in the waxen flowers, whichfilled the vases on the mantelpiece, Julia recognized the handiwork of hersister.

　　Yes, Fanny's love had wrought this change. At first her father had refusedto do anything. "No, I won't," said he. "It's good enough, and if it don'tsuit Lady Tempest, she can go to the hoss barn; that's just fit for 'em."

　　"Then, father," said Fanny, "do it for my sake. It would please me to havea pleasanter parlor."

　　This was sufficient. A well-filled purse was placed in Fanny's hands, withliberty to do as she pleased. Then with untiring love, aching heart andthrobbing temples, she worked on day after day, until all was completed,parlor, bridal chamber and all. The hangings and drapery of the latterwere as white and pure as was she who so patiently worked on, while eachfresh beauty added to the room pierced her heart with a deeper anguish, asshe thought what and whom it was for. When her mother remonstrated againstsuch unceasing toil, she would smile a sweet, sad smile and say, "Don'thinder me, dear mother, 'tis all I can do to show my love for Julia, andafter I am gone they will perhaps think more kindly of me, when they knowhow I worked for them."

　　At last all was done; the finishing stroke was given, and then came areaction. Fanny took her bed, and her father, instantly, alarmed, calledthe nearest physician. Dr. Gordon readily saw that Fanny's disease was inher mind, and in reply to Mrs. Middleton's inquiries, he frankly told hisopinion, and said that unless the cause of her melancholy could beremoved, the consequence might be fatal.

　　"Don't tell my husband," said Mrs. Middleton, "his life is bound up inFanny, and the day that sees her dead will, I fear, also make me a widow."Accordingly, Mr. Middleton was deceived into a belief that Fanny's illnesswas the result of over-exertion, and that she would soon recover.

　　In a day or two she seemed better, but was not able to come downstairs.Instead, she had no desire or intention of doing so until after thewedding, for she felt she could not, would not, see Dr. Lacey for theworld. Since the receipt of her sister's letter she had been given aholier love, a firmer faith, than aught on earth can bestow, and she wasnow under the influence of religion; of lasting, true religion. This thenwas the reason why she welcomed her sister so affectionately, and felt noemotion either of resentment or anger toward those who were thus tramplingon the bleeding fibers of her heart.

　　As Julia kissed the almost transparent brow of her sister, and clasped herthin, white fingers, tears gathered in her eyes and she thought, "Thisruin have I wrought, and for it I must answer"; but not long did she eversuffer her conscience to trouble her, and the next hour she was chattingaway to Fanny about the preparations for her wedding, which was to takeplace one week from that day. Fanny listened as one who heard not. She waspraying for more grace, more strength to endure yet a little longer.

　　Slowly to Julia dragged the days of that week, while to Fanny they sped onrapid wing. And now everything within and without the house betokened thecoming event. Servants scampered hither and thither, thinking they weredoing it all, while in reality they were doing nothing. Mrs. Middletonscolded the blacks, and Uncle Joshua scolded Mrs. Middleton, at the sametime walking mechanically from the kitchen to the parlor, from the parlorto Fanny's sick room and from Fanny's sick room back to the kitchen,occasionally kicking from his path some luckless kitten, dog or blackbaby, which latter set up most lusty yells, just to vary the scene.

　　In the midst of all this Fanny lay calmly and quietly on her low bed,counting each succeeding sun as it rose and set, bringing nearer andnearer a day she so much dreaded. True to her promise, Kate Miller cametwo days before the wedding. Fanny was asleep when she entered the room tosee her, but on the white, wasted face Kate's tears fell as she said,"Poor Fanny! I did not know she was so ill."

　　Mr. Middleton, who was present, muttered: "Yes, cursed be the one who madeher so!" He knew not that he cursed his own child.

　　The next day Mr. William Middleton arrived, bringing the intelligence thatFlorence and Mabel had accompanied him, and would next evening be presentat the wedding. Slowly the last rays of a bright October sun faded in thewest, giving no sign of the stormy day which was to succeed. Long aftermidnight a lone watcher sat by the window in Fanny's room, gazing at thestars, which looked so quietly on from their distant homes, and praying,not for herself, but for Dr. Lacey, that he might be happy with her he hadchosen. At last, chilled with the night air, she crept shivering to herpillow, nor woke again until aroused by the fierce moaning of the autumnwind, which shook the casement, and by the sound of the driving rain whichbeat against the pane. Yes, the morning which dawned on Julia's bridal daywas wild and stormy, but before noon the clouds cleared away and theafternoon was dry, hot and oppressive, a precursor to the mightier andmore wrathful storm which followed.

　　About five o'clock there was a noise in the yard, and Kate, who was inFanny's room, arranging her young friend's hair, looked from the windowand said, "It is Dr. Lacey. Julia has looked for him for more than threehours."

　　Quickly Fanny hurried to the window. She could not meet Dr. Lacey face toface, but she wished to look at him once more. She was too late, however.He had entered the house, and soon the sound of his voice reached her ear.He had not been there long ere he asked for Fanny.

　　On being told she was sick, he seemed rather disturbed. Possibly, however,he felt relieved to know she would not be present when he took upon himvows which should have been breathed to her. Ashton, Florence and Mabelnow arrived, and soon after came Mr. and Mrs. Stanton, accompanied by Mrs.Carrington, who had been invited because it would not do to slight her,and who came because she had a mind to!

　　The ceremony was to take place at seven o'clock, and guests each momentarrived, until the parlor seemed almost full. Alone in her chamber satFanny, listening to the sounds of mirth, which grated on her ear. Night,dark and stormy, was gathering over the earth, but a darker night layround the heart of the young girl, as she watched from her pillow a dense,black pile of clouds, which had appeared in the west, and now increaseduntil the whole sky was overspread, as with a pall of darkness, whiledistant peals of muttered thunder announced the coming storm.

　　And now louder roared the howling wind and brighter the glaring lightningflashed, while fiercer grew the conflict in Fanny's bosom. Her faith wasweak, and well nigh blotted with tears of human weakness. But He, whosepower could stay the storm without, could also still the agony within, ando'er the troubled waters of that aching heart there fell a peaceful calm.

　　Suddenly the door opened and a creature of wondrous, dazzling beautyappeared. It was Julia, in her bridal robe. She would fain have hersister's blessing ere she descended to the parlor. The struggle was overand the blessing which Fanny gave her sister was sincere, but when Juliaasked forgiveness for all the evil she had ever done, the reply wasprevented by a crash of thunder so terrific that Julia trembled withterror, and hastily left the room.

　　In a moment there was a light step upon the stair. Fanny knew it was Dr.Lacey, for he soon returned with Julia, and as they passed her door sheheard the merry laugh of Florence, who was bridesmaid. In an instant theywere in the parlor, throughout which a general gloom seemed to reign.Perhaps it was owing to the wildness of the storm, which each momentincreased in fury. The bridal party took their places and Uncle Joshuashut his eyes, while the marriage ceremony commenced.

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　　The reader may now accompany me to the border of yonder wood, where standsa low-roofed building, the property of Mrs. Dunn. There in a darkened roomlay the widow's only son, raving in the madness of delirium. The feverflame burned in each vein, and as he tossed from side to side he wouldshriek out, "Quick, I tell you or you are too late. She must not wed him.Don't you know she's doubly, trebly steeped in guilt? Go quick, I tellyou, and stop it."

　　Mrs. Dunn could only weep, for she knew not, dreamed not, what her soncould mean. Soon he grew calm, and fell into a deep sleep. When he awokeBilly Jeffrey, who lived near, was sitting by him. To Mrs. Dunn's delight,Joseph was sane, and calling her to him he said, "Isn't Julia Middleton tobe married tonight?"

　　"She is," answered his mother.

　　"At what hour?"

　　"At seven."

　　"What time is it now?"

　　"Half-past six," replied Mrs. Dunn.

　　"It must not be," said Joseph, and turning to Bill he added, "listen,William, to what I have to tell, then speed along on the lightning's wing,and tear her from the altar--take her from his side, I say, and put therethe other one, the pale, golden-haired one"; then, as he noticed thevacant look on Bill's face, he added, "oh, no, you can't tell it. Youwouldn't understand it. Mother, bring me a pen and some paper."

　　The paper was brought, and as soon as possible Joseph wrote a confessionof his own and Julia's guilt. "Now, Bill," said he, "run for your life,and give this to Dr. Lacey. Do it for the sake of Fanny."

　　Bill needed no second bidding. His obtuse intellect had gathered that insome way Fanny was in danger, and away he flew over bushes, briers, rocksand ditches. But alas! The way was long and dark, and ere he was aware ofit, he was precipitated into one of the sink holes which are so common inthe limestone soil of Kentucky. The fall sprained his ankle, but gatheringhimself up, he continued on, slowly and painfully.

　　Meantime delirium had again crept over Joseph Dunn, and he forgot that hesent Billy, but concluded he must go himself. Watching a time when hismother was from the room, he rose, and throwing on his double gown, wentforth into the storm, and was soon far on his road toward Mr. Middleton.

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　　The man of God had scarcely finished the second paragraph of the Episcopalceremony, beginning with, "I require and charge you both," etc., when ashriek, wild and unearthly and horrid, rent the air. It was succeeded by athunder crash so deafening that the ladies paled with terror. The largemaple tree, which stood by the front door, and which Julia had calledhers, was shivered by lightning, but no one heeded it, for again was heardthat fearful, maniacal shriek, and this time could be distinguished thesound as of some one struggling with the blacks, who were huddled togetherin the hall.

　　"Let me go, I tell you," said the voice. "It shall not go on!"

　　All eyes turned toward the door, as Joseph Dunn appeared, shouting, "Stopit! Stop it! She forged those letters. She broke her sister's heart. Stopit, I say!" Every person in the room seemed terror-stricken at the wildspectacle he presented. His face, wasted to a mere skeleton, was ghastlywhite, while his long yellow hair hung in matted locks about his brow, anda look of wild frenzy was in his eye, as darting toward the paralyzedJulia, he seized her as with a lion's grasp and shook her most furiously.

　　Bill Jeffrey was close behind. He had lost his hat and the rain had soakedhis thick hair until it clung closely to his head, giving him, too, astrange appearance. Mr. William Middleton now came forward to ask anexplanation of Joseph, who, chancing to see Bill, said, "He's got theletter--my confession. Read that--I am too exhausted," and he fell upon thefloor.

　　No one noticed him, for all gazed intently at Bill, who drew from hispocket a paper and presented it to Dr. Lacey. In a calm, clear voice, Dr.Lacey read aloud the confession, in the midst of thunder, lightning,groans, cries and oaths, the latter of which were the spontaneousproduction of Uncle Joshua, who sat still in his chair until theconfession was read through; then with one bound he reached Julia, andraising her from the floor, said, "Speak, Satan, and tell if this istrue!"

　　Julia was overtaken, surrounded on all sides, and there was no way ofescape. Mechanically, she answered, "I am guilty," while a burst ofexecration ran round the room. A stifled moan of agony came from Dr.Lacey's parted lips, and he asked in a voice which plainly told hissuffering, "Oh, why was I suffered to go thus far? Why, why did no onewrite?"

　　"I did," answered Mrs. Miller.

　　"And I, too," repeated Mrs. Carrington, "but you spurned my letter andtreated me with contempt."

　　"Never, never," scarcely articulated Dr. Lacey. "I never received them;but call Rondeau; he must know something of it."

　　Rondeau, who had accompanied his master, was called. Explanation followedexplanation, testimony crowded upon testimony, and Julia acknowledged all,until at length Dr. Lacey, frantic with the sense of wrong done him,turned to her and said, "Base woman, why have you done this? Your sin hasfound you out ere it was too late; for, thank God, you are not my wife,nor ever will be!"

　　Julia now lost all command of herself. Tearing the bridal veil from herbrow, she rent it in twain; then from her arm she snatched her diamondbracelet, and trampled it under her feet, while a stream of blood issuedfrom her mouth and stained her white satin dress. A moment more, and shetoo was extended on the floor by the side of her ally.

　　Where during this exciting scene was Fanny? The direful sounds had reachedher ear, and now at the head of the stairs she listened to the Babel whichreigned in the parlor. High above all other voices she distinguished herfather's, who, in his uncontrollable fury, was calling to use all theoaths he had ever heard of, besides manufacturing some expressly for theoccasion! Then there was a heavy fall, accompanied by a cry from Mrs.Middleton of, "Lift her up--carry her out. Don't you see she is dying?"

　　Fanny hesitated no longer, but quickly descending the stairs, she forcedher way through the blacks into the parlor, where she stood appalled atthe scene before her. On the floor lay Julia, who a few moments beforestood there resplendent in beauty. Near her sat the maniac, Joseph Dunn.He had recovered from his fainting fit, and was now crouching over theprostrate form of Julia, laughing in delirious glee, as he wiped from herlips the red drops of blood! In a corner of the room a group had gathered,near an open window, through which they were bearing an inanimate object.It was Florence, who had fainted, and as it seemed impossible to effect apassage through the hall, so filled was it with terrified servants, theyhad sought the window as the best means of egress.

　　Suddenly over that excited assembly there came a deep silence. It wascaused by the appearance of Fanny, who, with her loose white muslinwrapper, and long curls, which floated over her shoulders, seemed likesome being from another world, come to stay that storm of passion. Mabel,who was occupied with her cousin, looked back as the calm hush fell uponthem, and then and there she first saw Fanny Middleton. The scene was toomuch for Fanny, and she, too, would have fainted had not Dr. Lacey caughther in his arms. Clasping her slight form passionately to his bosom, heexclaimed, "My own--my Fanny--my wife, for such you are, and such you willbe!"

　　Mr. William Middleton and Mr. Miller, who were bearing Julia from theroom, now passed them. Dr. Lacey glanced once at the corpse-like face overwhich the heavy braids of long black hair had fallen, then with a shudderhe again strained Fanny to his heart, saying, "Thank God, thank God, Iescaped her in time!" Then turning to the minister, who all this time hadstood looking on in mute astonishment, he added, in an authoritativemanner, "Go on with the ceremony, sir, and make her my wife." But a newthought entering his mind, he released Fanny, and said, "Pardon me, dearFanny; sorrow has well nigh bereft me of my senses. In my first joy infinding you innocent, I forgot that you could not be mine, for you belongto another--to Mr. Cameron."

　　"Cameron go to Thunder!" exclaimed Uncle Joshua, who was still standingnear. "That's another of Tempest's lies. She never was engaged to him;never loved him, or any other mortal man, save yourself."

　　Here, Fanny, who, it will be remembered, was all this time ignorant of thetruth, asked if some one would not explain what she saw and heard. "Iwill," said Dr. Lacey, "it is my duty to do so," and he led her to awindow, where he hurriedly told her all--everything which he himself knew,intermingling his words with so much passionate embraces that his sanitywas much to be doubted. He had scarcely finished his story when Kateapproached him, saying, "For humanity's sake, Dr. Lacey, if you have anyskill, exert it in behalf of Julia, who seems to be dying."

　　Dr. Lacey arose, and winding his arm about Fanny, as if afraid he mightlose sight of her, moved toward the room where Julia lay. They had borneher to the bridal chamber, which Fanny had arranged with so much care, andas Dr. Lacey appeared at the door, Uncle Joshua met him and said, "I knowshe sarved you mean, but I would not have her die. She is my own child,and you must save her if you can." At the same time he pointed to Julia,who lay in the same death-like trance, with the blood still issuing slowlyfrom her livid lips. All that Dr. Lacey could do, he did, but when Dr.Gordon arrived, he gladly gave up his charge to him, and turned hisattention toward Fanny, who, overcome by what she had seen and heard, hadfainted, and been carried to her own room, where she was surrounded byMrs. Carrington, Florence and Mabel. These ladies ran against each other,upset the camphor bottle, dropped the lamp and spilled half the cologne,in their zealous efforts to take care of their patient!

　　In the midst of their confusion Dr. Lacey entered, and they immediatelygave up to him the task of restoring her. This he soon did, for it wouldseem that his very voice had a power to recall Fanny's suspendedfaculties. Slowly her eyes unclosed; then, as if wearied out, she againclosed them, and for a time slept sweetly, calmly, on Dr. Lacey's bosom.

　　The guests now began to depart, and Bill Jeffrey, who had been sent toinform Mrs. Dunn of her son, returned with some of the neighbors, andcarried Joseph away. Owing to the darkness of the night, the company fromFrankfort remained until morning, but no eyelid closed in sleep. Withmaternal solicitude, Mrs. Middleton sat by the bedside of her daughterJulia, whose eyes opened once, but on seeing Dr. Lacey standing near by,she closed them again with a shudder, and a faint wail of anguish escapedher. She had ruptured a small blood vessel, but Dr. Gordon said there wasno danger if she could be kept quiet for a few days.

　　Uncle Joshua thus relieved from alarm concerning her, walked back andforth from her room to Fanny's swearing that he "knew the devil was letloose that night for his special benefit, and that he had come up there tosee how much of a row he could get up!"

　　"He succeeded admirably, I think," said Florence, who, having recoveredfrom her first fright, was now ready to extract whatever fun could begathered from the surrounding circumstances.

　　In the kitchen the blacks canvassed the matter after their fashion. AuntJudy lamented because none of the tempting supper in the dining room wastouched, while Bob did not fail to turn his usual round of somersaults,thus evincing his joy that so many good things were left for him to eat,"'Cause," said he, "in course we allus has all that comes off the table."

　　Aunt Katy took occasion to lecture the young black girls on the awful sinof "conceit," as she called it, pointing them for an example to Julia,"who," she said, "would most likely have to live an old maid all herdays." She couldn't have threatened a worse punishment, for many of thenegresses had already their own preferences in favor of certain mulattoboys on their master's plantation and others adjoining.

　　Rondeau seemed to think his sympathy was only needed by his young master,whom he looked upon as a much-abused man. From the first he had felt greatcontempt for the old house, its master, servants and all; and had come tothe conclusion that "they were of no 'count anyhow." This opinion woulddoubtless have been reserved for Leffie's ear had not affairs taken sounexpected a turn. Now, however, Rondeau felt at liberty to express hismind so freely that Ike considered it his duty to resent the insult.

　　A regular negro fight ensued, in which Aunt Katy, who was not very active,was thrown down, and as she loudly protested, "every atom of breath waskicked out of her."

　　The big chicken pie was also turned over into Rondeau's new hat, greatlyto the satisfaction of Tiger and the other dogs, who had mingled in thefracas! The riot was finally quelled by Mr. William Middleton and Dr.Lacey, Uncle Joshua declaring he "wouldn't interfere that night if theniggers all fit till they killed themselves."