Tempest and Sunshine

Contrary to his first intention, Stanton concluded to come North in July.

He had of course learned from Nellie that her mysterious guardian had

proved to be Judge Fulton, his sister's husband. And more recently she had

written to him of Judge Fulton's removal to New York City. Mr. Miller was

apprised of Stanton's return by a letter, in which he was also informed

that the wedding would take place in Grace Church on the morning of the

22d.

Not long after there came invitations for himself, wife and Fanny to

attend the bridal party, at the residence of Judge Fulton, on the evening

of July 25. Frank, who was also invited, had his own reason for not

wishing his mother or sister to see Fanny until they met her at Judge

Fulton's. Consequently he was not sorry when both ladies graciously

informed him that Miss Middleton would not be invited by them to visit at

their house. "Of course," said Mrs. Cameron, "we shall invite Kate and her

husband, and shall be glad to see them. If you choose, you can in your own

name invite Fanny, but if she knows anything she will not come."

Frank knew there was no possible danger of Fanny's accepting an

invitation, which came simply from himself, but he did not say so, and

next day he started again for his Uncle Wilmot's. To his cousin Kate he

imparted a knowledge of his mother's and Gertrude's feelings and also told

of his own plans. Kate readily fell in with them and when Frank returned

to the city he was accompanied by Mr. Miller, Kate and Fanny, who took

rooms at the Astor House. As soon as Mrs. Cameron and Gertrude learned

that Kate was in the city, they called upon her. Fanny they of course did

not see, neither did they mention her name. Kate expected as much, but

nevertheless felt vexed, and when they urged her to spend the remainder of

her time with them, she replied, "I have a young friend from Kentucky with

me, and unless you invite her too, I do not feel at liberty to accept your

polite invitation."

In answer to this, Gertrude muttered something about "not wishing to

enlarge the circle of her acquaintance," while Mrs. Cameron said nothing,

and the two ladies soon swept haughtily out of the room.

"Never mind," said Frank, to whom Kate related her adventure, "they will

both sing another tune ere long," and he was right too.

The 25th of July at last arrived. Frank had informed Gertrude that she

must look to her father for a beau that evening, as he should be otherwise

engaged; so she was not surprised when her brother, long before sunset,

left the house all equipped for the party. She well knew where he was

going and for whose society she was deserted. One hour later found her

seated in a large armchair before the mirror in her dressing room.