Chapter XIV

by Mary Jane Holmes

　　FANNY AND JULIA'S UNCLE ARRIVES FROM INDIA

　　It was now the first day of May, and as it was also Fanny's seventeenthbirthday, her school companions determined to celebrate it by a May party,of which Fanny was unanimously chosen queen. The fete took place in ahandsome grove on a hillside which overlooked the city of Frankfort. Allof Mr. Miller's pupils were present, together with most of their parentsand many of their friends. Mrs. Miller had taken great pains that Fannyshould be arrayed becomingly for the occasion, and many and flatteringwere the compliments paid to the youthful queen, who indeed lookedbewitchingly beautiful.

　　Her dress was a white muslin, festooned with wild flowers, some of whichwere fastened here and there by a pearl or brilliant. The gayety of thelittle party was at its height, and when Fanny, gracefully kneeling,received upon her head the crown, and was proclaimed "Queen of the May," astrange voice called out in loud, musical tones, "Viva la Reine." Thewhole company instantly caught up the words, and "Long live the Queen" wasechoed and re-echoed on all sides.

　　When the tumult had somewhat subsided the eyes of those present wereturned toward the spot whence the words "Viva la Reine" had proceeded.Leaning against one of the tall shade trees were two gentlemen, who hadjoined them unobserved. The elder of the strangers was a middle-aged man,in whose piercing black eyes and dark complexion we recognize the Mr.Middleton whom we left with Dr. Lacey in New Orleans. His companion wasmany years younger, and there was something in his appearance whichinstantly interested and attracted the notice of strangers. There was anobleness in the intellectual cast of his high, white forehead, roundwhich his rich brown hair lay in thick masses, as if unwilling to partwith the curl which must have been natural to it in childhood.

　　No sooner did Kate's eyes fall on the young man than she darted forwardwith a cry of recognition and exclaimed, "Why, Frank Cameron, how came youhere?"

　　But before he answers Kate's question, we will introduce him to ourreaders. Frank Cameron was a cousin of Kate Wilmot. His father, who was alawyer by profession, had amassed a large fortune, on the interest ofwhich he was now living in elegant style in the city of New York. Frank,who was the eldest child, had chosen the profession of his father,contrary to the wishes of his proud lady mother, who looked upon allprofessions as too plebeian to suit her ideas of gentility. Thisaristocratic lady had forgotten the time when, with blue cotton umbrellaand thick India rubbers, she had plodded through the mud and water of thestreets in Albany, giving music lessons for her own and widowed mother'smaintenance. One of her pupils was Kate Wilmot's mother, Lucy Cameron.While giving lessons to her she first met Lucy's brother, Arthur Cameron,who afterward became her husband. He was attracted by her extreme beautyand his admiration was increased on learning her praiseworthy efforts tomaintain herself and mother. They were married, and with increasing yearscame increasing wealth, until at length Mr. Cameron was a millionaire andretired from business.

　　As riches increased, so did Mrs. Cameron's proud spirit, until she came tolook upon herself as somewhat above the common order of her fellow-beings.She endeavored to instil her ideas of exclusiveness into the minds of herchildren. With her daughter Gertrude, she succeeded admirably, and by thetime that young lady had reached her eighteenth year, she fancied herselfa kind of queen to whom all must pay homage. But Frank the poor motherfound perfectly incorrigible. He was too much like his father to thinkhimself better than his neighbor on account of his wealth. Poor Mrs.Cameron had long given him up, only asking as a favor that he would notdisgrace his family by marrying the washerwoman's daughter. Frank promisedhe would not, unless perchance he should fall in love with her, "Andthen," said he, with a wicked twinkle of his handsome hazel eyes, "then,my dear Mrs. Cameron, I cannot be answerable for consequences."

　　He had always greatly admired his cousin Kate, and often horrified hismother by declaring that if Kate were not his cousin, he would surelymarry her. "Thank the Lord, then, that she is so near a relative! For nowyou will not stoop to marry a music teacher," said Mrs. Cameron.

　　The old roguish expression danced in Frank's eye, as he said, "Most noblemother Adelaide, will you tell me whether it wrenched father's back muchwhen he stooped to a music teacher?"

　　The highly indignant lady was silent, for Frank had a way of reminding herof the past, which she did not quite relish; so she let him alone,secretly praying that he would not make a fool of himself in his choice ofa wife. He bade her be easy on that point, for 'twasn't likely he wouldever marry, for he probably would never find a wife who would suit him.

　　Such was Frank Cameron. Business for his father had taken him toLouisville, and he determined to visit his cousin Kate ere he returnedhome. He took passage in the Blue Wing, on board of which was Mr.Middleton, who soon made his acquaintance. As they were bound for the sameplace, they kept together, and on reaching Frankfort, went immediately toMrs. Crane's, where they were entertained by Mrs. Carrington, who wonderedmuch who the distinguished looking strangers could be. Concluding that theolder one must of course be married, she turned her attention to Frank,who was much amused at her airs and coquettish manners. He had inquiredfor Mrs. Miller, and at length Mrs. Carrington asked if she were anacquaintance of his.

　　"Yes, ma'am," answered Frank with great gravity, "she is my wife'scousin."

　　In an instant Mrs. Carrington's coquetry vanished, and rising upon herdignity, she soon gave the gentlemen directions where to find the Mayparty. As they were proceeding thither, Mr. Middleton said, "Why, Cameron,I understood you to say on the boat that you were not married."

　　"Neither am I," answered Frank. "I merely wished to get a dissolving viewof that lady's maneuvers. Besides, I was actually afraid of beingannihilated by her eyes and smiles. I'll manage to let her know that youare marketable, and then she'll turn her artillery toward you."

　　"But was it quite right," said Mr. Middleton, "to give her a wrongimpression?"

　　"No, I suppose not," answered Frank. "But if I ever marry, Kate will be mywife's cousin."

　　By this time they had reached the entrance of the grove and caught sightof the fair queen. "The fates protect me!" said Frank, suddenly stoppingand planting himself against a tree. "It would be suicide to advanceanother step. And she is your niece, you say. Pray intercede for me, or inless than a month I shall be making faces through the iron grating of somemadhouse."

　　Mr. Middleton did not reply. His eyes were riveted on Fanny, whose faceand figure recalled to his remembrance his only sister, who was theplaymate of his childish years. Many long years had rolled away since thatbright summer morning, when with a sad heart he bade adieu to that sister,who, a young happy bride, was leaving her native land for a home on aforeign shore. Weeks passed, and there came intelligence that theill-fated vessel in which she embarked was a total wreck. Among the lostwere his sister and her husband, who now slept quietly beneath the billowysurf of the Atlantic.

　　Fanny so strongly resembled her Aunt that it was not strange Mr. Middletonfor an instant fancied he again looked on the features of his long-lostsister. But the illusion soon vanished, and when Kate bounded forward andsaluted her cousin, his eye was wandering over the group of young girls inquest of his other niece. He, however, looked in vain. Julia was notthere. When urged to attend the party, she had tossed her head in scornsaying that she unfortunately had no taste for child's play. She preferredremaining at home, where she could spend her time more profitably. Oh,Julia, Julia! It is a pity you did not assign your true reason forabsenting yourself from the party. Of this reason we will speak hereafter.We are not quite through with the May party.

　　We left Kate interrogating her cousin as to how he chanced to be there,and the remainder of the company looked in wonder upon the strangers, whoseemed so suddenly to have dropped in their midst. After Frank hadanswered his cousin's question, he introduced his companion and said, "Hehas two nieces here, I believe. He has recognized one of them in yourcharming queen. Will you please point out the other and introduce him?"

　　"I am sorry to say Julia is not present," answered Kate. "But come withme, Mr. Middleton," continued she, "and I will present you to Fanny." Thenturning to Frank, she added, "I remember you to be a woman-hater, masterFrank, so you can remain where you are."

　　"I'd laugh to see myself doing it," answered Frank, as he followed his gaycousin to the spot where Fanny was standing. All eyes were upon them,while Kate introduced the tall, distinguished-looking gentleman to Fannyas her uncle.

　　"My uncle!" said Fanny, in some surprise. "My uncle!"

　　A slight shade of disappointment was visible on Mr. Middleton's face, ashe took the offered hand of his niece, but he said, "Yes, your uncle. Didyou never hear your father speak of his brother Bill?"

　　"Oh, yes, yes," said Fanny joyfully. "I do know you now. You are my UncleWilliam from the Indies. Father will be delighted to see you, for he haslong feared you were dead." At the same time the affectionate girl againtook her uncle's hand and raised it to her lips.

　　The tears started to Mr. Middleton's eyes, but hastily dashing them away,he said, "I suppose the fair Queen Fanny knows that bad bills alwaysreturn?"

　　Fanny replied by again kissing the sunburned hand of her uncle. "KingFerdinand!" thought Frank, "I'd endure the rack for the sake of being inthe old fellow's boots." Frank had been standing near Fanny, fixing uponher a gaze so intensely earnest that when she at last raised her eyes tohis she blushed deeply, for there was no mistaking the look of deepadmiration with which he regarded her.

　　Kate immediately introduced him. Fanny received him very politely, butsaid playfully, "I was in hopes, Mr. Cameron, that you would prove to bemy cousin."

　　Mr. Middleton immediately answered, "No, dear Fanny, he is not yourcousin, but he seems very desirous of becoming my nephew."

　　Fanny did not apply this to herself, but answered very demurely, "I don'tknow what he'll do, uncle. You'll have to talk the matter over with sisterJulia, who unfortunately is not here."

　　"You are a modest little puss," said Mr. Middleton. "But do you give upeverything so quietly to Julia?"

　　Fanny answered somewhat sadly, "I've nothing to give."

　　Here Mr. Miller joined them, and said it was time to make preparations forreturning' home. Accordingly in a short time the company were dispersing.When our party reached Mrs. Crane's, Fanny went directly to Julia, whomshe found most becomingly dressed, and apparently anxiously awaiting herreturn.

　　That excellent young lady had heard from Mrs. Carrington of the strangers'visit, and she was impatient to know who they were and had dispatched anegro girl to reconnoiter and report. The girl soon came back, her eyesprojecting like coffee saucers, and the little braided tags of her hairseemingly standing upright.

　　"Oh, Miss Julia!" said she, "that ar' tall, black man--no, I ax yer pardon,miss--that ar' tall, yaller man, done shook hands 'long of Miss Fanny, whokissed him, and called him Uncle William. She said how he done been withthe Injuns."

　　"Her Uncle William!" repeated Julia, in amazement. "And who is the otherman? His son?"

　　"Yes, reckon so," said the negro. "They done call him Mr. Camel, orCamlet, or suthin. I tell you he's han'some; and I reckon he's tuk withMiss Fanny. Jiminy hoecake! Ain't she pooty? She looked a heap han'somerthan you--no, I don't mean so--I axes pardon agin." And the negro bobbed outof the door just in time to dodge a ball of soap which Julia hurled at herhead.

　　"It's no use fretting so," said Mrs. Carrington, who was present. "Theyoung man is married, for he spoke of his wife."

　　Julia did not answer, and Mrs. Carrington soon after left the room. Whenshe was gone, Julia muttered to herself, "Uncle William, from the Indies;rich as Croesus, of course. What a fool I was not to go to the party. Mostlikely Fanny has won his good graces by this time. However, I'll dressmyself and surprise him with my beauty, if nothing else."

　　Accordingly, the next hour was spent in decorating her person, and whenFanny came for her she was ready to make an assault upon the good opinionof her rich uncle. Not a thing was out of place, from the shining braidsof her dark hair to the tiny slipper on her delicate foot.

　　Fanny's first exclamation on entering the room was, "How beautiful youlook, Julia! It is exceedingly fortunate that you are dressed sobecomingly; for, will you believe it, Uncle William is down stairs!"

　　"Is it possible?" said Julia, affecting much surprise.

　　"Yes," answered Fanny. "You know father thinks him dead. But come, he isanxious to see you."

　　Julia arose to go with her sister, and said, "Isn't there a young man withhim?"

　　"How did you know that?" asked Fanny, in some astonishment.

　　"I saw them from the window," was Julia's ready reply.

　　Fanny did not think of doubting her sister, and she answered, "It is a Mr.Cameron. He is cousin to Mrs. Miller."

　　By this time they had reached the parlor, which was open. Here Juliathought proper to be seized with a fit of modest indifference, andhesitated a moment before entering the room. Her uncle, however,immediately came forward, and relieved her from all embarrassment bysaying, "And this, I suppose, is Julia. My brother is a happy man to befather of such charming girls."

　　Julia received him graciously, but rather haughtily offered him her coldwhite hand. "I will not kiss him," thought she; "Fanny did that. It's toochildish. I'll he more dignified." Could she have known the contrast whichher uncle was drawing between her own and Fanny's reception of him shewould not have felt much flattered; but before her uncle had time to sayanything further, Fanny introduced her to Frank, whose keen eye had readher character at a glance, and read it aright, too. His ideas and wordswere after the following fashion:

　　"Pshaw! What a bundle of pride and stuck-up-ishness! She's handsome,though, but it isn't to be named the same day with Fanny,"--"How do you do,Miss Middleton?"--"What an affected little courtesy!"--"Hope to see youwell, ma'am."--"I'd laugh to see her trip and fall flat."

　　Such were Frank's thoughts while undergoing the ceremony of anintroduction to Julia, who never for a moment doubted she was making animpression upon the handsome young stranger, his supposed wife to thecontrary notwithstanding. The introduction being over, Julia seatedherself on the sofa, while Fanny took a seat on a low ottoman near heruncle, but partially behind him. She had chosen this place, because shefancied it would screen her somewhat from Frank's eyes, which she felt,rather than saw, were fixed upon her constantly.

　　During the conversation which followed, Julia, as if by mere accident,mentioned New Orleans. She was anxious to know whether her uncle saw orheard of Dr. Lacey. Her curiosity was soon gratified, for, at the mentionof New Orleans, as if suddenly recollecting himself, said, turning toFanny, "I saw two of your acquaintances in New Orleans, and one of themgave me a most glowing description of you."

　　"I wonder if it were a gentleman," thought Frank.

　　Julia's thoughts were similar, and she bit her lip, while Fanny's cheekglowed with unwonted brilliancy as she quietly asked, "Pray, who was ituncle?"

　　"It was Miss Woodburn who praised you so highly," answered Mr. Middleton.

　　Julia immediately asked, "And who was the other acquaintance?"

　　"Dr. Lacey," answered her uncle. "I spent three weeks at his house."

　　Without knowing it, Fanny drew nearer to her uncle and laid her hand onhis. He seemed dearer to her from the fact that he had spent so much timewith one whose image was ever before her, and whom she vainly fancied shewas trying to forget.

　　Frank noticed Fanny's manner, and interpreted it according to his fears."There's mischief here," thought he. "I hope this doctor lives in a goodlocality for yellow fever."

　　"Is Dr. Lacey about to be married?" asked Julia.

　　"Married," repeated Mr. Middleton; "I should say matrimony was very farfrom his thoughts at present. I fancied he had met with somedisappointment and I sometimes feared lest the fair, deceitful one wereone of my nieces. Can any one set me right on the subject?"

　　Mr. Middleton had no idea how painfully his words affected her who sat byhis side, and looked up so imploringly in his face, as if begging him tostop. There was an embarrassing silence, which Julia presently broke, bysaying, "While Dr. Lacey was here, he and Fanny got up a flirtation; butnothing serious will result from it, I reckon."

　　"It's Fanny's own fault, then, I imagine," said Mr. Middleton, laying hishand on the head which had drooped lower and lower, until at last itrested heavily on his knee.

　　Fanny made no reply; but when she lifted up her head there was somethingso sad in the expression of her face that Mr. Middleton immediatelysurmised that there was, or had been, something between Dr. Lacey andFanny more serious than a mere flirtation; so he very kindly changed theconversation, which now turned upon indifferent subjects, until the supperbell rang out its summons, when they all repaired to the dining room.

　　At the supper table Mr. Middleton and Frank were introduced to Mrs.Carrington, Mr. Stanton and Raymond. Mrs. Carrington acknowledged herintroduction to Mr. Cameron merely by a haughty, disdainful bow. She hadlearned from Kate that he was not married; and feeling indignant at thedeception he attempted to practice upon her, she resolved to treat himwith contempt. Accordingly, although seated opposite him, she deigned himneither look nor word, but divided her time between laughing andcoquetting with Raymond, and trying the power of her charms upon Mr.Middleton, who, she had been told, was a bachelor, and possessed ofunbounded wealth. With the old Indian, however, she made but littleheadway; and Frank was right when he thought, "You'll get tired of thatplay, madam; the game is too old to be caught with chaff." With Raymondshe succeeded better. He was delighted with her unusually flatteringnotice; and ere supper was over he had, in Frank's estimation, made aperfect fool of himself.

　　Frank's attention was, however, soon diverted toward Mr. Middleton, whosaid, speaking to Stanton, "Were it not for your name and glasses, I wouldaddress you as Dr. Lacey. Are you related to him?"

　　Stanton replied, "Yes, sir; he is my cousin. I think I must resemble him,as I have been told so frequently."

　　Mr. Middleton then spoke of Dr. Lacey in the highest terms ofcommendation, and concluded his remarks by saying, "I have recentlypurchased a residence, near Lake Pontchartrain, and am beating up recruitsto spend the summer there with me. I am sure of Dr. Lacey, Miss Woodburn,and her cousin, Miss Mortimer. My nieces I shall take back with me, anyway, and shall be happy to prevail on you, Mr. Stanton, to accompany mealso."

　　Stanton thanked him for his kind invitation, but at the same time declinedit, saying that business would call him to New York in the autumn. Thedeep blush which accompanied these words caused Raymond to burst into alaugh. Mr. Middleton looked inquiringly at him and he said, "Pardon me forlaughing; I was thinking of the important business which calls Bob to NewYork."

　　"Nothing bad, I hope," said Mr. Middleton.

　　"Nothing worse than going for a wife," answered Raymond. "He is not suitedwith Kentucky girls, but must needs plod back to New York."

　　"If appearances do not deceive, you, at least, seem likely to be suited bya Kentuckian," replied Mr. Middleton, at the same time turning his blackeyes on Mrs. Carrington with something of a quizzical expression.

　　Raymond colored. He did not know how the speech would be received by thefair lady. She soon satisfied him, however; for tossing her head proudly,she said, "As far as my experience goes, New Yorkers are more easilysuited than Kentuckians; at least, I find them to be exceedinglydisagreeable."

　　"I am afraid some of them are so easily suited that they catch a Tartarsometimes," said Frank, whose feelings were roused at hearing this rudespeech.

　　Mrs. Carrington gave him a look which she meant should say, "I wonder whoyou think you are. I'd thank you to mind your own business."

　　But Frank thought he was minding his business; for he was looking atFanny, who had not taken her eyes from her plate since her uncle hadproposed taking herself and Julia to New Orleans. Her first feeling wasone of joy. She would go, for she would then see Dr. Lacey; but the nextthought was, "No, I will not. He has spurned me, and why should I putmyself in his way?"

　　Julia's feelings were different. She could scarcely conceal her delight.Her artful mind took in the future at a glance. She felt sure that Fannywould not go; but she would, and could thus make Dr. Lacey believe thatshe, of all others, was just suited for him. Here we may as well giveJulia's real reason for absenting herself from the May party. She hadbegun to fear that all her fine scheming might come to naught; for in allprobability Dr. Lacey would not return to Kentucky in a long time. Whatcould she do? She would write him a letter in her own name. In it shewould modestly express her opinion of Fanny's conduct; sympathize with himin his disappointment, and end by inviting him to Frankfort, saying shehoped he would not absent himself from his friends on Fanny's account; forthere were many who would welcome him back to Kentucky with pleasure. Itwas for the sake of manufacturing this letter that Julia had remained athome. But now there was no need of sending it, for she was going to NewOrleans herself. She would win him. He would yet be hers.

　　On returning to the parlor after supper she seated herself close to heruncle, upon whom she lavished so many caresses that he wondered much whathad come over her, and began to think that he was mistaken in supposingher to be cold-hearted and indifferent to him. As he looked at herbeautiful, animated face, and the sparkling brilliancy of her eyes, hefelt a moment's vanity in thinking how proud he would be to introduce heras his niece among the fashionables of New Orleans.

　　During the evening Mr. Ashton called. He had heard of the arrival of a Mr.Middleton from the Indies, and he had his own particular reason forwishing to see him. Soon after entering the room, he addressed Mr.Middleton, saying, "Were you in Calcutta twelve years ago?"

　　"Yes, sir; I was there twenty years ago," answered Mr. Middleton.

　　"Do you remember transacting business with the captain of the Englishvessel 'Delphine'?"

　　Mr. Middleton thought a moment and then answered, "Yes, I remember thatvessel and its captain well."

　　"And do you remember a poor cabin boy, who was sick and worn out with theship fever?" continued Mr. Ashton.

　　"Oh, yes, yes; I remember him well," said Mr. Middleton. "I had himremoved to my own house, and nursed him until he was nearly well; andthen, he one night ran away from me. I have never heard from him since;but there was an American vessel anchored near the shore, and I alwayssupposed he went on board and sailed for home. I would give much to knowwhat became of him."

　　"He stands before you," said Mr. Ashton, rising and grasping Mr.Middleton's hand. "He is here to thank you for your kindness, and is bothable and willing to repay you for the care you took of him who was aloneand friendless in a distant land."

　　"Can it be," said Mr. Middleton, with much emotion, "that you really areHenry Ashton? I should never have recognized you."

　　"I presume not," answered Ashton. "Twelve years have transformed the pale,emaciated youth into the tall, full-grown man. But I should have known youanywhere."

　　Here Raymond called out, "Why Ashton, have you been to the Indies? Why didyou never tell us?"

　　"Because," replied Ashton, "there was so much of homesickness andsuffering attending that voyage to India that I never like to speak ofit." Then turning to Mr. Middleton, he said, "I have met your brotheroften, but never suspected him to be a relative of yours. Have you seenhim yet?"

　　"I have not," answered Mr. Middleton. "I intend visiting him tomorrow, andshall be glad, to take as many of you with me as are willing to go. I wishto be introduced to him as a Mr. Stafford from New Orleans."

　　After some further conversation it was arranged that Mr. Miller, Ashton,Stanton, Raymond and Cameron should all accompany Mr. Middleton on hisprojected visit to his brother. Soon after Mr. Ashton departed for hisboarding place, and the remainder of the company separated for the night.