Tempest and Sunshine

The overseer now approached to ask orders concerning a piece of work in

which the negroes were employed. Mr. Middleton accompanied him to the

field, while Dr. Lacey returned to the house in quest of Fanny. He was

told that she was with Julia, and with an involuntary shudder, he

approached the chamber which contained one who had well nigh been his

wife! His wife! The very idea filled him with loathing when associated

with her, and still he pitied the suffering girl, who, divested of her

bridal attire, now lay moaning in pain. With coming day had come a burning

fever, which increased so rapidly that Dr. Gordon shook his head when

questioned as to the result.

The change of affairs had also wrought a change in Fanny, who seemed and

really was better than she had been for many days. Gladly would she have

stayed with Dr. Lacey, but she felt that duty called her to Julia's

bedside. With unwearying devotion she hung over the pillow of her sister,

who seemed more quiet when she knew Fanny was near. Once she looked

wistfully in her face, and appeared as if anxious to speak, but Fanny

gently laid her hand on her lips, saying, "No, no, Julia; you must not."

She did, however, and the word "forgive" met Fanny's ear. Had Fanny been

less of a Christian, forgiveness might have been hard, but now she

answered sincerely, truthfully, "As I hope for pardon in heaven, so do I

forgive you for the great wrong you have done me."

At the mention of the word "heaven," Julia shuddered, and after a time

repeated, "Heaven! You will find it, but I--never--never!"

Earnestly then did Fanny speak of a Savior's love, which receives all,

pardons all, who come to him. Julia shook her head despairingly, and as

the conversation seemed to annoy her, Fanny ceased talking, while a voice

behind her said, "Teach me, too, the way of life, for I fear I have never

walked in it."

It was Dr. Lacey, who, unobserved by either of the girls, had entered and

been a listener to what Fanny said. As Julia heard the sound of voices she

turned toward him a look so imploring, so full of contrition and entreaty,

that he was moved, and approaching the bedside, took the vacant seat near

Fanny. But he did not, like her, breathe words of forgiveness, for his

heart was full of bitterness toward her. As he sat there, gazing coldly,

sternly at her, she again spoke, "If you can, if you will only forgive

me."