Tempest and Sunshine

Frank's attention was, however, soon diverted toward Mr. Middleton, who

said, speaking to Stanton, "Were it not for your name and glasses, I would

address 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 of

commendation, and concluded his remarks by saying, "I have recently

purchased a residence, near Lake Pontchartrain, and am beating up recruits

to 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, any

way, and shall be happy to prevail on you, Mr. Stanton, to accompany me

also."

Stanton thanked him for his kind invitation, but at the same time declined

it, saying that business would call him to New York in the autumn. The

deep blush which accompanied these words caused Raymond to burst into a

laugh. Mr. Middleton looked inquiringly at him and he said, "Pardon me for

laughing; I was thinking of the important business which calls Bob to New

York."

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

"Nothing worse than going for a wife," answered Raymond. "He is not suited

with Kentucky girls, but must needs plod back to New York."

"If appearances do not deceive, you, at least, seem likely to be suited by

a Kentuckian," replied Mr. Middleton, at the same time turning his black

eyes on Mrs. Carrington with something of a quizzical expression.

Raymond colored. He did not know how the speech would be received by the

fair lady. She soon satisfied him, however; for tossing her head proudly,

she said, "As far as my experience goes, New Yorkers are more easily

suited than Kentuckians; at least, I find them to be exceedingly

disagreeable."

"I am afraid some of them are so easily suited that they catch a Tartar

sometimes," said Frank, whose feelings were roused at hearing this rude

speech.

Mrs. Carrington gave him a look which she meant should say, "I wonder who

you think you are. I'd thank you to mind your own business."

But Frank thought he was minding his business; for he was looking at

Fanny, who had not taken her eyes from her plate since her uncle had

proposed taking herself and Julia to New Orleans. Her first feeling was

one of joy. She would go, for she would then see Dr. Lacey; but the next

thought was, "No, I will not. He has spurned me, and why should I put

myself in his way?"