"Is it possible?" said Julia, affecting much surprise.
"Yes," answered Fanny. "You know father thinks him dead. But come, he is
anxious to see you."
Julia arose to go with her sister, and said, "Isn't there a young man with
him?"
"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 Julia
thought proper to be seized with a fit of modest indifference, and
hesitated a moment before entering the room. Her uncle, however,
immediately came forward, and relieved her from all embarrassment by
saying, "And this, I suppose, is Julia. My brother is a happy man to be
father of such charming girls."
Julia received him graciously, but rather haughtily offered him her cold
white hand. "I will not kiss him," thought she; "Fanny did that. It's too
childish. I'll he more dignified." Could she have known the contrast which
her uncle was drawing between her own and Fanny's reception of him she
would not have felt much flattered; but before her uncle had time to say
anything further, Fanny introduced her to Frank, whose keen eye had read
her character at a glance, and read it aright, too. His ideas and words
were 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 you
well, ma'am."--"I'd laugh to see her trip and fall flat."
Such were Frank's thoughts while undergoing the ceremony of an
introduction to Julia, who never for a moment doubted she was making an
impression upon the handsome young stranger, his supposed wife to the
contrary notwithstanding. The introduction being over, Julia seated
herself on the sofa, while Fanny took a seat on a low ottoman near her
uncle, but partially behind him. She had chosen this place, because she
fancied 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 or
heard of Dr. Lacey. Her curiosity was soon gratified, for, at the mention
of New Orleans, as if suddenly recollecting himself, said, turning to
Fanny, "I saw two of your acquaintances in New Orleans, and one of them
gave me a most glowing description of you."