Tempest and Sunshine

This journal was interspersed here and there with tears, and was so exact

an imitation of Fanny's writing that Dr. Lacey was completely duped. He,

however, wondered that Julia should show it to him. She had foreseen this,

and as he was reading the last few lines she was looking over her

portfolio. Suddenly springing up, she snatched the paper from his hands,

saying, "Oh, what have I done? I've shown you the wrong part of the

journal. I did not mean you to see this. What shall I do? You'll hate

Fanny and despise me."

"Why despise you?" asked Dr. Lacey.

"Because," replied Julia, "you will dislike me for the foolish thing which

Fan wrote about me. I could not help her writing it."

"And is it true?" asked Dr. Lacey.

"Oh, you must not ask me that--I can't tell--I shan't tell--" and seizing her

portfolio Julia started off toward the house, thinking possibly she should

be pursued. But she was not.

During the reading of the journal Dr. Lacey's heart seemed to go through a

benumbing process, which rendered it perfectly palsied. No emotion either

of love or anger did he feel toward Fanny. She was nought to him.

And how did the knowledge that Julia loved him affect him? Answer, any

man, whether your wounded pride is never soothed by woman's sympathy, and

love, come in what garb it may. And in Dr. Lacey's case it was a being of

wondrous beauty, who knew well what she was about and had marked each inch

of ground ere she trod upon it. What marvel then that Dr. Lacey turned

toward her. You would have done so; ay, perchance sooner than he did.

That evening after supper, as Dr. Lacey was walking upon the veranda,

Florence approached him, saying, "Come, Dr. Lacey, now fulfill your

promise of playing with Julia," at the same time leading him toward the

place where her companions were seated. "Now," said she, placing the

chessboard in his hands, "I am mistress of ceremonies. We will have a fair

understanding. If Julia beats, you shall be hers; if you beat, Mabel and

Lida shall draw cuts for you. Do you agree to it?"

"Certainly," was Dr. Lacey's reply, at the same time seating himself

opposite Julia, who gave him a look of searching inquiry. He understood

her and in a low tone answered, "I am in earnest. Do your best."

And she did her best. With one strong effort of the will she concentrated

all her energies upon that game, which she felt would decide her fate. Dr.

Lacey, too, as if resolved to conquer, played most skillfully. The

bystanders for a time looked on, and as Lida noticed the livid hue of

Julia's face, she said, "Pray, Julia, don't burst a blood vessel, for

maybe Dr. Lacey will have you, even if you do not beat."