Tempest and Sunshine

During the evening, as she was standing by Ashton and commenting on

Julia's wondrous beauty, she said, "Where is the younger Miss Middleton?

Is she as handsome as her sister?"

Ashton replied, "She is not called half as beautiful, but she is much more

amiable; but see there she comes," continued he, as Fanny entered the room

leaning on Stanton's arm.

She was so pale that her skin seemed almost transparent, but the

excitement of the evening brought a bright glow to her cheek which greatly

enhanced her loveliness. She was simply attired in a plain white muslin,

low at the neck, which was veiled by the soft curls of her silken hair.

Her arms were encircled by a plain band of gold, and a white, half-opened

rosebud was fastened to the bosom of her dress.

As she entered the room many admiring eyes were turned toward her, and

Miss Woodburn exclaimed, "Oh, how lovely she is. Her sister seems more

like the flashing diamond, while Fanny's beauty is like the soft lustre of

the pearl. But tell me," she continued, "is she not engaged to a Dr. Lacey

of New Orleans?"

"Yes, or, that is, it was so rumored," answered Ashton, "but he has gone

home, and since then I have heard nothing of it. Young Stanton seems very

attentive. I should not wonder if something grows out of it."

"Always making matches, Mr. Ashton," said Mrs. Carrington, who for a

moment rid herself of Raymond and now came near Ashton and Florence. She

had heard them speak of Dr. Lacey and Fanny, and as she knew Florence was

soon going to New Orleans, she wished to give her a little Frankfort

gossip to take with her.

"Oh, Mrs. Carrington," said Mr. Ashton, bowing politely, "allow me to

introduce Miss Woodburn. We were just talking of the probability of Miss

Fanny's being engaged to Dr. Lacey. Perhaps you can enlighten us."

"Oh," said Mrs. Carrington, "I assure you I know but little about the

matter. It is rather uncertain whom Miss Fanny likes or dislikes. It is

currently reported that she was in love with a Mr. Wilmot, who died, and

who was known to be engaged to her sister. Since then Dr. Lacey has

flirted with her, whether seriously or not I cannot tell; I should rather

think not, however, for Mr. Stanton now seems to be the favored one."

"Oh," said Mr. Ashton, "I never supposed Fanny was so much of a coquette."