Tempest and Sunshine

Kate could not help feeling that, possibly, "tomorrow" might not do as

well; but she said no more on the subject, and waited patiently for the

morrow, 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 favorably of 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, gayly, "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 under ground.

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 deign 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."