Tempest and Sunshine

At this speech Kate smiled in spite of her tears, and Mr. Middleton went

on: "But he warn't as handsome as his sister, and I'll be skinned if I

ever seen anybody that was. Tempest can't hold a candle to her, for all

she feels so crank. Why, Kit, or Kate, what's yer name? You're as handsome

as a pictur!"

Mr. Miller probably thought so too, if the admiring look which he gave her

was any criterion. Mr. Middleton observed it, and forgetting for a moment

the death of his friend, he slapped Mr. Miller on his shoulder, saying, "I

tell you what, my boy; it's a mighty mean wind that blows nobody any good

fortin. Miss Kate warn't sent to Kentuck for nothin', and unless you're a

bigger logger-head than I think you be, you'll try to find out what she

come for, and how long she's goin' to stay."

Mr. Miller smiled and said, "I hope we shall be able to keep Miss Wilmot

all winter, for the people of Frankfort are wanting a music teacher, and

have solicited her to remain in that capacity."

"By Jove," said Mr. Middleton, "that's just the thing! And you have taken

Dick's place in school--poor, boy, to die so soon!" The tears were again

moistening his immense beard, but this time he hastily brushed them away,

and went on, "Yes, that's a capital idee, and you want me to patternize

you by sending my two gals--hey? Well, I reckon I can't do better, if they

want to go. Ho! Tempest--Sunshine--what d'ye say? D'ye want to go back to

Frankfort and board at Miss Crane's, 'long of Mr. Miller, Dr. Lacey, Katy

did, and that other infernal Katy didn't, what fainted spang away at the

sight of old Josh! But though she was so dreadfully skeered, the pooty

color didn't leave her cheeks an atom. Lightnin' spikes! Let me catch my

gals paintin' and I'll--"

But he was prevented from telling what he'd do by Fanny, who clapped her

hands and said, "Oh, father, you are a dear good man; may we really go?"

"I thought Fanny would be pleased with the idea," said Mr. Miller, "and

even if she had objected, I was going to send the doctor out, and I know

he would bring her to terms."

Fanny blushed and her father said, "Do you think so? Well, I'm glad on't.

I'd as soon she'd have him as anybody, and she's worthy of him too, for if

she can love such a hideous old clown as I am, she'll stick to such a nice

man as Dr. Lacey through thick and thin. But what do you say to goin',

Tempest?"