Tempest and Sunshine

Fortune seemed to favor her, for after supper her father and mother

announced their intention of spending the evening at one of the

neighbors', and soon after they left Mr. Wilmot, who had letters to write,

retired to his room, together with Mr. Miller. As soon as they were gone

Julia repaired to the negro quarters and, by dint of threats, flattery and

promises of reward, finally prevailed upon Luce to join with her in her

dark plot. They then went to Julia's sleeping room and carefully opened

the closet door, so that every word of their conversation could be heard

in the adjoining room.

Julia's voice was strangely like her sister's, and by means of imitating

her she hoped to deceive both Mr. Wilmot and Mr. Miller, who were startled

by a loud, angry voice, exclaiming, "Come, you black imp, no more lies,

you know you've stolen it, so just confess, and tell me where it is."

The young gentlemen looked at each other in surprise, for the voice was

like Fanny's, and yet it was so unnatural for her to be in such a passion

that they thought it impossible. Their fears were, however, soon confirmed

by Luce, who said, "Oh, Miss Fanny, Lor' knows I never tached it. Now,

sartin I knows nothin' 'bout it."

"Hold your jaw, or I'll slap your mouth for you, you lying thief!" said

Julia (alias Fanny). "Of course you've got it, for no one else has been in

here; so tell where you hid it."

"Lordy massy! How can I tell, when I dun know nothin' whar 'tis," said

Luce.

"There, take, that to brighten up your ideas," said Fanny, and at the same

time there was, the sound of a blow, which was followed by an outcry from

Luce, who exclaimed, "Oh--oh--oh--Miss Fanny, don't go for to whip me, 'case

I haint nothin to tell; if I had I'd tell right off. I haint seed your

hankercher 'tall. Mebby you've done drapped it somewhar."

Just then the door opened, and Julia, again speaking naturally, was heard

to say, "Why, Fanny, what are you doing just as soon as mother is gone?

Luce, what is the matter?"

"Oh, Miss Julia," replied Luce, "Miss Fanny done lost her fine hankercher,

and she say how I stole it, but I haint."

"What makes you think Luce has got your handkerchief, Fanny?" asked Julia.

"Because I left it on the table, and 'tisn't there now; and no one has

been in the room except Luce," replied Fanny.