much if I heard that
you and Cameron were on good terms."

"That will never, never be," answered Fanny. "I shall always live at home
with you and mother."

"You are a blessed daughter," said Mr. Middleton, "and I hope there's
better fortin in store for you than to stay hived up with us two old
crones; and I can't help thinkin' that you'll have Dr. Lacey yet, or
somebody a heap better. Now go to bed, child, for your eyes are gettin'
red like, and heavy."

Fanny obeyed and retired to her room, where she found Julia sitting up and
waiting for her. As soon as Fanny appeared she began, "Fan, you are a real
good girl. I was pleased to hear you talk. Nobody but you could have done
anything with the old heathen."

"What are you talking about?" asked Fanny.

"Why," said Julia, "I had my head out of the window, listening all the
time, and overheard what you said. Once I trembled for fear father would
take it into his head not to let me go any way; but you fixed it all
right, and I thank you for it." As Fanny made no answer, Julia continued,
"I heard, too, all about Frank Cameron. Now, Fan, I know he admires you,
and I really hope you'll not be silly enough to discourage him. I shall
expect you to write that you have become Mrs. Cameron."

"Will you please, Julia, say no more on that subject," said Fanny. "I do
not suppose Frank Cameron has any particular regard for me; if he has it
will do no good."

Thus the conversation ended for that night. The next day Mr. William
Middleton was informed that Julia would spend the summer in New Orleans,
but that Fanny preferred going North. He was rather disappointed. His
preference, if any he had, was for Fanny. She was so quiet, so gentle, he
could not help loving her; but Julia puzzled him. There was a certain bold
assurance in her manner which he disliked. Besides, he could not help
fearing there was some good reason why her father censured her so much. "I
will watch her closely," thought he, "and if possible, discover her faults
and help her correct them."

It would seem that Julia suspected her uncle's intentions, for she
intended to be very correct and amiable in her deportment, whenever he was
present. Thought she, "I will thus retain his good opinion; and by so
doing I shall more easily win Dr. Lacey's regard."

In the course of a few days Fanny and Julia returned to school; the one,
elated with the prospect of going to New Orleans, and the other, quietly
anticipating a pl