rous of having
her sister's silence questioned, she rattled on about her expected visit,
and even went so far as to caress her father, because he had given his
consent to her going. It was decided that Mr. William Middleton should
return, as he had intended, in two weeks' time, so as to have everything
in readiness for the reception of his nieces, who were to come on as soon
as school closed, which would be about the tenth of June.

During all this time Fanny said not a word; and at last it occurred to her
father that she had neither expressed her desire nor willingness to go; so
he said, "Come, Sunshine, why don't you hold up your head and talk about
it? We all know you want to go mightily, and see that little doctor."

Fanny knew it was of no use delaying longer and she answered gently, but
decidedly, "Father, I have no desire to go to New Orleans. I cannot go."

"Fudge on being so very modest," replied Mr. Middleton. "It is
nateral-like that you should want to see him, and nobody'll think less of
you."

Fanny answered, "You know I have thought of going to New York with Mr. and
Mrs. Miller. I am still anxious to do so; but to New Orleans I cannot,
shall not go, unless you command me to do so."

"Saint Peter!" said Mr. Middleton. "What's the row now? What's happened to
make little Sunshine spirt up so? Don't you want to see Dr. Lacey, child?"

"No, father; I never desire to see him again."

The old cob pipe dropped from Mr. Middleton's mouth, and springing up, he
confronted Fanny, saying, "What in fury is this racket? You not wish to go
to New Orleans, or see Dr. Lacey either! I half wish you was Tempest for a
spell, so I could storm at you; but as it is Sunshine, I can't even feel
mad."

"Oh, father, father!" cried Fanny, weeping; "if you knew all that has
occurred, you would not blame me."

"What do you mean, darling?" asked Mr. Middleton, suddenly becoming cool.
"What has happened?"

Then looking at Julia, whose face was crimson, a new idea struck him, and
he exclaimed more wrathfully, "How now, Tempest? What makes you turn as
red as a hickory fire? Have you been raising a rumpus between Dr. Lacey
and Sunshine? Out with it if you have."

It was now Julia's turn to cry and appeal to her uncle, if it were not
unjust in her father always to suspect her of evil, if anything were
wrong. William very wisely kept silent, but Fanny said, "Do not accuse
Julia, for she is not guilty. She knows it all, however, and