Tempest and Sunshine

"Neither do I think she is," said Florence, whose heart warmed toward

Fanny as soon as she saw her.

"Perhaps she is not," said Mrs. Carrington. "Fanny is very young yet, but

when fully matured will perhaps make a noble woman, but she has not the

solidity of her sister, who tries hard to keep her from assuming the

appearance of a flirt." Then turning to Florence, she said, "I believe you

are soon going to New Orleans?"

"Yes, madam," answered Florence.

"You will probably meet Dr. Lacey there," continued Mrs. Carrington.

"Perhaps you had better say nothing to him about Fanny's flirtation with

Stanton, for he would hardly believe it."

Florence merely nodded, thinking to herself that she should do as she

chose about it. From the first she had been attracted toward Fanny. There

was something in her face, and in the expression of her eye, which

interested Florence. It seemed to her that Fanny would gladly have left

the scene of gayety, and going out by herself, would have poured out all

her soul in tears. She earnestly desired an introduction, and at last it

was obtained. There must have been some secret magnet which attracted

these young girls toward each other, for in a few moments they were arm in

arm, talking familiarly upon different topics as though they had been

acquainted a lifetime.

Florence was a warm-hearted, affectionate girl, and after a time she said,

"Miss Middleton, I am going to New Orleans soon. I believe you have an

acquaintance there. If I see him what shall I tell him?"

Fanny's voice trembled slightly as she answered, "Tell whom?"

"Oh, Miss Middleton," said Florence, laughing gayly, "how that blush

becomes you! Tell whom? Why, whom should it be but Dr. Lacey, who

everybody, except Mrs. Carrington, says is engaged to you."

The fire shot in to Fanny's eyes, but one look at the open face at her

side assured her, and she answered, "I am not answerable for what the

world pleases to say of me."

"I am to consider the report true, then," persisted Florence.

A momentary struggle took place in Fanny's mind. Love and resentment

strove for the mastery. The latter conquered, and the voice was calm and

decided which replied, "I assure you, Miss Woodburn, that Dr. Lacey bears

no relation to me except that of a common acquaintance."

"Indeed," said Florence. "I am sorry, for I was anticipating much pleasure

in describing Dr. Lacey's intended lady to the New Orleans girls."