FANNY AND JULIA’S UNCLE ARRIVES FROM INDIA
It was now the first day of May, and as it was also Fanny’s seventeenth
birthday, her school companions determined to celebrate it by a May party,
of which Fanny was unanimously chosen queen. The fete took place in a
handsome grove on a hillside which overlooked the city of Frankfort. All
of Mr. Miller’s pupils were present, together with most of their parents
and many of their friends. Mrs. Miller had taken great pains that Fanny
should be arrayed becomingly for the occasion, and many and flattering
were the compliments paid to the youthful queen, who indeed looked
bewitchingly beautiful.
Her dress was a white muslin, festooned with wild flowers, some of which
were fastened here and there by a pearl or brilliant. The gayety of the
little party was at its height, and when Fanny, gracefully kneeling,
received upon her head the crown, and was proclaimed "Queen of the May," a
strange voice called out in loud, musical tones, "Viva la Reine." The
whole company instantly caught up the words, and "Long live the Queen" was
echoed and re-echoed on all sides.
When the tumult had somewhat subsided the eyes of those present were
turned toward the spot whence the words "Viva la Reine" had proceeded.
Leaning against one of the tall shade trees were two gentlemen, who had
joined them unobserved. The elder of the strangers was a middle-aged man,
in whose piercing black eyes and dark complexion we recognize the Mr.
Middleton whom we left with Dr. Lacey in New Orleans. His companion was
many years younger, and there was something in his appearance which
instantly interested and attracted the notice of strangers. There was a
nobleness in the intellectual cast of his high, white forehead, round
which his rich brown hair lay in thick masses, as if unwilling to part
with the curl which must have been natural to it in childhood.
No sooner did Kate’s eyes fall on the young man than she darted forward
with a cry of recognition and exclaimed, "Why, Frank Cameron, how came you
here?"
But before he answers Kate’s question, we will introduce him to our
readers. Frank Cameron was a cousin of Kate Wilmot. His father, who was a
lawyer by profession, had amassed a large fortune, on the interest of
which he was now living in elegant style in the city of New York. Frank,
who was the eldest child, had chosen the profession of his father,
contrary to the wishes of his proud lady mother, who looked upon all
professions as too plebeian to suit her ideas of gentility. This
aristocratic lady had forgotten the time when, with blue cotton umbrella
and thick India rubbers, she had plodded through the mud and water of the
streets in Albany, giving music lessons for her own and widowed mother’s
maintenance. One of her pupils was Kate Wilmot’s mother, Lucy Cameron.
While giving lessons to her she first met Lucy’s brother, Arthur Cameron,
who afterward became her husband. He was attracted by her extreme beauty
and his admiration was increased on learning her praiseworthy efforts to
maintain herself and mother. They were married, and with increasing years
came increasing wealth, until at length Mr. Cameron was a millionaire and
retired from business.
As riches increased, so did Mrs. Cameron’s proud spirit, until she came to
look upon herself as somewhat above the common order of her fellow-beings.
She endeavored to instil her ideas of exclusiveness into the minds of her
children. With her daughter Gertrude, she succeeded admirably, and by the
time that young lady had reached her eighteenth year, she fancied herself
a kind of queen to whom all must pay homage. But Frank the poor mother
found perfectly incorrigible. He was too much like his father to think
himself better than his neighbor on account of his wealth. Poor Mrs.
Cameron had long given him up, only asking as a favor that he would not
disgrace his family by marrying the washerwoman’s daughter. Frank promised
he would not, unless perchance he should fall in love with her, "And
then," said he, with a wicked twinkle of his handsome hazel eyes, "then,
my dear Mrs. Cameron, I cannot be answerable for consequences."
He had always greatly admired his cousin Kate, and often horrified his
mother by declaring that if Kate were not his cousin, he would surely
marry her. "Thank the Lord, then, that she is so near a relative! For now
you will not stoop to marry a music teacher," said Mrs. Cameron.
The old roguish expression danced in Frank’s eye, as he said, "Most noble
mother Adelaide, will you tell me whether it wrenched father’s back much
when he stooped to a music teacher?"
The highly indignant lady was silent, for Frank had a way of reminding her
of the past, which she did not quite relish; so she let him alone,
secretly praying that he would not make a fool of himself in his choice of
a wife. He bade her be easy on that point, for ’twasn’t likely he would
ever marry, for he probably would never find a wife who would suit him.
Such was Frank Cameron. Business for his father had taken him to
Louisville, and he determined to visit his cousin Kate ere he returned
home. He took passage in the Blue Wing, on board of which was Mr.
Middleton, who soon made his acquaintance. As they were bound for the same
place, they kept together, and on reaching Frankfort, went immediately to
Mrs. Crane’s, where they were entertained by Mrs. Carrington, who wondered
much who the distinguished looking strangers could be. Concluding that the
older one must of course be married, she turned her attention to Frank,
who was much amused at her airs and coquettish manners. He had inquired
for Mrs. Miller, and at length Mrs. Carrington asked if she were an
acquaintance of his.
"Yes, ma’am," answered Frank with great gravity, "she is my wife’s
cousin."
In an instant Mrs. Carrington’s coquetry vanished, and rising upon her
dignity, she soon gave the gentlemen directions where to find the May
party. As they were proceeding thither, Mr. Middleton said, "Why, Cameron,
I understood you to say on the boat that you were not married."
"Neither am I," answered Frank. "I merely wished to get a dissolving view
of that lady’s maneuvers. Besides, I was actually afraid of being
annihilated by her eyes and smiles. I’ll manage to let her know that you
are marketable, and then she’ll turn her artillery toward you."
"But was it quite right," said Mr. Middleton, "to give her a wrong
impression?"
"No, I suppose not," answered Frank. "But if I ever marry, Kate will be my
wife’s cousin."
By this time they had reached the entrance of the grove and caught sight
of the fair queen. "The fates protect me!" said Frank, suddenly stopping
and planting himself against a tree. "It would be suicide to advance
another step. And she is your niece, you say. Pray intercede for me, or in
less than a month I shall be making faces through the iron grating of some
madhouse."
Mr. Middleton did not reply. His eyes were riveted on Fanny, whose face
and figure recalled to his remembrance his only sister, who was the
playmate of his childish years. Many long years had rolled away since that
bright summer morning, when with a sad heart he bade adieu to that sister,
who, a young happy bride, was leaving her native land for a home on a
foreign shore. Weeks passed, and there came intelligence that the
ill-fated vessel in which she embarked was a total wreck. Among the lost
were his sister and her husband, who now slept quietly beneath the billowy
surf of the Atlantic.
Fanny so strongly resembled her Aunt that it was not strange Mr. Middleton
for an instant fancied he again looked on the features of his long-lost
sister. But the illusion soon vanished, and when Kate bounded forward and
saluted her cousin, his eye was wandering over the group of young girls in
quest of his other niece. He, however, looked in vain. Julia was not
there. When urged to attend the party, she had tossed her head in scorn
saying that she unfortunately had no taste for child’s play. She preferred
remaining at home, where she could spend her time more profitably. Oh,
Julia, Julia! It is a pity you did not assign your true reason for
absenting yourself from the party. Of this reason we will speak hereafter.
We are not quite through with the May party.
We left Kate interrogating her cousin as to how he chanced to be there,
and the remainder of the company looked in wonder upon the strangers, who
seemed so suddenly to have dropped in their midst. After Frank had
answered his cousin’s question, he introduced his companion and said, "He
has two nieces here, I believe. He has recognized one of them in your
charming queen. Will you please point out the other and introduce him?"
"I am sorry to say Julia is not present," answered Kate. "But come with
me, Mr. Middleton," continued she, "and I will present you to Fanny." Then
turning to Frank, she added, "I remember you to be a woman-hater, master
Frank, so you can remain where you are."
"I’d laugh to see myself doing it," answered Frank, as he followed his gay
cousin to the spot where Fanny was standing. All eyes were upon them,
while Kate introduced the tall, distinguished-looking gentleman to Fanny
as her uncle.
"My uncle!" said Fanny, in some surprise. "My uncle!"
A slight shade of disappointment was visible on Mr. Middleton’s face, as
he took the offered hand of his niece, but he said, "Yes, your uncle. Did
you never hear your father speak of his brother Bill?"
"Oh, yes, yes," said Fanny joyfully. "I do know you now. You are my Uncle
William from the Indies. Father will be delighted to see you, for he has
long feared you were dead." At the same time the affectionate girl again
took her uncle’s hand and raised it to her lips.
The tears started to Mr. Middleton’s eyes, but hastily dashing them away,
he said, "I suppose the fair Queen Fanny knows that bad bills always
return?"
Fanny replied by again kissing the sunburned hand of her uncle. "King
Ferdinand!" thought Frank, "I’d endure the rack for the sake of being in
the old fellow’s boots." Frank had been standing near Fanny, fixing upon
her a gaze so intensely earnest that when she at last raised her eyes to
his she blushed deeply, for there was no mistaking the look of deep
admiration with which he regarded her.
Kate immediately introduced him. Fanny received him very politely, but
said playfully, "I was in hopes, Mr. Cameron, that you would prove to be
my cousin."
Mr. Middleton immediately answered, "No, dear Fanny, he is not your
cousin, but he seems very desirous of becoming my nephew."
Fanny did not apply this to herself, but answered very demurely, "I don’t
know what he’ll do, uncle. You’ll have to talk the matter over with sister
Julia, who unfortunately is not here."
"You are a modest little puss," said Mr. Middleton. "But do you give up
everything so quietly to Julia?"
Fanny answered somewhat sadly, "I’ve nothing to give."
Here Mr. Miller joined them, and said it was time to make preparations for
returning’ home. Accordingly in a short time the company were dispersing.
When our party reached Mrs. Crane’s, Fanny went directly to Julia, whom
she found most becomingly dressed, and apparently anxiously awaiting her
return.
That excellent young lady had heard from Mrs. Carrington of the strangers’
visit, and she was impatient to know who they were and had dispatched a
negro girl to reconnoiter and report. The girl soon came back, her eyes
projecting like coffee saucers, and the little braided tags of her hair
seemingly standing upright.
"Oh, Miss Julia!" said she, "that ar’ tall, black man—no, I ax yer pardon,
miss—that ar’ tall, yaller man, done shook hands ’long of Miss Fanny, who
kissed him, and called him Uncle William. She said how he done been with
the Injuns."
"Her Uncle William!" repeated Julia, in amazement. "And who is the other
man? His son?"
"Yes, reckon so," said the negro. "They done call him Mr. Camel, or
Camlet, or suthin. I tell you he’s han’some; and I reckon he’s tuk with
Miss Fanny. Jiminy hoecake! Ain’t she pooty? She looked a heap han’somer
than you—no, I don’t mean so—I axes pardon agin." And the negro bobbed out
of the door just in time to dodge a ball of soap which Julia hurled at her
head.
"It’s no use fretting so," said Mrs. Carrington, who was present. "The
young man is married, for he spoke of his wife."
Julia did not answer, and Mrs. Carrington soon after left the room. When
she was gone, Julia muttered to herself, "Uncle William, from the Indies;
rich as Crœsus, of course. What a fool I was not to go to the party. Most
likely Fanny has won his good graces by this time. However, I’ll dress
myself and surprise him with my beauty, if nothing else."
Accordingly, the next hour was spent in decorating her person, and when
Fanny came for her she was ready to make an assault upon the good opinion
of her rich uncle. Not a thing was out of place, from the shining braids
of her dark hair to the tiny slipper on her delicate foot.
Fanny’s first exclamation on entering the room was, "How beautiful you
look, Julia! It is exceedingly fortunate that you are dressed so
becomingly; for, will you believe it, Uncle William is down stairs!"
"Is it possible?" said Julia, affecting much surprise.
"Yes," answered Fanny. "You know father thinks him dead. But come, he is
anxious to see you."
Julia arose to go with her sister, and said, "Isn’t there a young man with
him?"
"How did you know that?" asked Fanny, in some astonishment.
"I saw them from the window," was Julia’s ready reply.
Fanny did not think of doubting her sister, and she answered, "It is a Mr.
Cameron. He is cousin to Mrs. Miller."
By this time they had reached the parlor, which was open. Here Julia
thought proper to be seized with a fit of modest indifference, and
hesitated a moment before entering the room. Her uncle, however,
immediately came forward, and relieved her from all embarrassment by
saying, "And this, I suppose, is Julia. My brother is a happy man to be
father of such charming girls."
Julia received him graciously, but rather haughtily offered him her cold
white hand. "I will not kiss him," thought she; "Fanny did that. It’s too
childish. I’ll he more dignified." Could she have known the contrast which
her uncle was drawing between her own and Fanny’s reception of him she
would not have felt much flattered; but before her uncle had time to say
anything further, Fanny introduced her to Frank, whose keen eye had read
her character at a glance, and read it aright, too. His ideas and words
were after the following fashion:
"Pshaw! What a bundle of pride and stuck-up-ishness! She’s handsome,
though, but it isn’t to be named the same day with Fanny,"—"How do you do,
Miss Middleton?"—"What an affected little courtesy!"—"Hope to see you
well, ma’am."—"I’d laugh to see her trip and fall flat."
Such were Frank’s thoughts while undergoing the ceremony of an
introduction to Julia, who never for a moment doubted she was making an
impression upon the handsome young stranger, his supposed wife to the
contrary notwithstanding. The introduction being over, Julia seated
herself on the sofa, while Fanny took a seat on a low ottoman near her
uncle, but partially behind him. She had chosen this place, because she
fancied it would screen her somewhat from Frank’s eyes, which she felt,
rather than saw, were fixed upon her constantly.
During the conversation which followed, Julia, as if by mere accident,
mentioned New Orleans. She was anxious to know whether her uncle saw or
heard of Dr. Lacey. Her curiosity was soon gratified, for, at the mention
of New Orleans, as if suddenly recollecting himself, said, turning to
Fanny, "I saw two of your acquaintances in New Orleans, and one of them
gave me a most glowing description of you."
"I wonder if it were a gentleman," thought Frank.
Julia’s thoughts were similar, and she bit her lip, while Fanny’s cheek
glowed with unwonted brilliancy as she quietly asked, "Pray, who was it
uncle?"
"It was Miss Woodburn who praised you so highly," answered Mr. Middleton.
Julia immediately asked, "And who was the other acquaintance?"
"Dr. Lacey," answered her uncle. "I spent three weeks at his house."
Without knowing it, Fanny drew nearer to her uncle and laid her hand on
his. He seemed dearer to her from the fact that he had spent so much time
with one whose image was ever before her, and whom she vainly fancied she
was trying to forget.
Frank noticed Fanny’s manner, and interpreted it according to his fears.
"There’s mischief here," thought he. "I hope this doctor lives in a good
locality for yellow fever."
"Is Dr. Lacey about to be married?" asked Julia.
"Married," repeated Mr. Middleton; "I should say matrimony was very far
from his thoughts at present. I fancied he had met with some
disappointment and I sometimes feared lest the fair, deceitful one were
one of my nieces. Can any one set me right on the subject?"
Mr. Middleton had no idea how painfully his words affected her who sat by
his side, and looked up so imploringly in his face, as if begging him to
stop. There was an embarrassing silence, which Julia presently broke, by
saying, "While Dr. Lacey was here, he and Fanny got up a flirtation; but
nothing serious will result from it, I reckon."
"It’s Fanny’s own fault, then, I imagine," said Mr. Middleton, laying his
hand on the head which had drooped lower and lower, until at last it
rested heavily on his knee.
Fanny made no reply; but when she lifted up her head there was something
so sad in the expression of her face that Mr. Middleton immediately
surmised that there was, or had been, something between Dr. Lacey and
Fanny more serious than a mere flirtation; so he very kindly changed the
conversation, which now turned upon indifferent subjects, until the supper
bell rang out its summons, when they all repaired to the dining room.
At the supper table Mr. Middleton and Frank were introduced to Mrs.
Carrington, Mr. Stanton and Raymond. Mrs. Carrington acknowledged her
introduction to Mr. Cameron merely by a haughty, disdainful bow. She had
learned from Kate that he was not married; and feeling indignant at the
deception he attempted to practice upon her, she resolved to treat him
with contempt. Accordingly, although seated opposite him, she deigned him
neither look nor word, but divided her time between laughing and
coquetting with Raymond, and trying the power of her charms upon Mr.
Middleton, who, she had been told, was a bachelor, and possessed of
unbounded wealth. With the old Indian, however, she made but little
headway; and Frank was right when he thought, "You’ll get tired of that
play, madam; the game is too old to be caught with chaff." With Raymond
she succeeded better. He was delighted with her unusually flattering
notice; and ere supper was over he had, in Frank’s estimation, made a
perfect fool of himself.
Frank’s attention was, however, soon diverted toward Mr. Middleton, who
said, speaking to Stanton, "Were it not for your name and glasses, I would
address you as Dr. Lacey. Are you related to him?"
Stanton replied, "Yes, sir; he is my cousin. I think I must resemble him,
as I have been told so frequently."
Mr. Middleton then spoke of Dr. Lacey in the highest terms of
commendation, and concluded his remarks by saying, "I have recently
purchased a residence, near Lake Pontchartrain, and am beating up recruits
to spend the summer there with me. I am sure of Dr. Lacey, Miss Woodburn,
and her cousin, Miss Mortimer. My nieces I shall take back with me, any
way, and shall be happy to prevail on you, Mr. Stanton, to accompany me
also."
Stanton thanked him for his kind invitation, but at the same time declined
it, saying that business would call him to New York in the autumn. The
deep blush which accompanied these words caused Raymond to burst into a
laugh. Mr. Middleton looked inquiringly at him and he said, "Pardon me for
laughing; I was thinking of the important business which calls Bob to New
York."
"Nothing bad, I hope," said Mr. Middleton.
"Nothing worse than going for a wife," answered Raymond. "He is not suited
with Kentucky girls, but must needs plod back to New York."
"If appearances do not deceive, you, at least, seem likely to be suited by
a Kentuckian," replied Mr. Middleton, at the same time turning his black
eyes on Mrs. Carrington with something of a quizzical expression.
Raymond colored. He did not know how the speech would be received by the
fair lady. She soon satisfied him, however; for tossing her head proudly,
she said, "As far as my experience goes, New Yorkers are more easily
suited than Kentuckians; at least, I find them to be exceedingly
disagreeable."
"I am afraid some of them are so easily suited that they catch a Tartar
sometimes," said Frank, whose feelings were roused at hearing this rude
speech.
Mrs. Carrington gave him a look which she meant should say, "I wonder who
you think you are. I’d thank you to mind your own business."
But Frank thought he was minding his business; for he was looking at
Fanny, who had not taken her eyes from her plate since her uncle had
proposed taking herself and Julia to New Orleans. Her first feeling was
one of joy. She would go, for she would then see Dr. Lacey; but the next
thought was, "No, I will not. He has spurned me, and why should I put
myself in his way?"
Julia’s feelings were different. She could scarcely conceal her delight.
Her artful mind took in the future at a glance. She felt sure that Fanny
would not go; but she would, and could thus make Dr. Lacey believe that
she, of all others, was just suited for him. Here we may as well give
Julia’s real reason for absenting herself from the May party. She had
begun to fear that all her fine scheming might come to naught; for in all
probability Dr. Lacey would not return to Kentucky in a long time. What
could she do? She would write him a letter in her own name. In it she
would modestly express her opinion of Fanny’s conduct; sympathize with him
in his disappointment, and end by inviting him to Frankfort, saying she
hoped he would not absent himself from his friends on Fanny’s account; for
there were many who would welcome him back to Kentucky with pleasure. It
was for the sake of manufacturing this letter that Julia had remained at
home. But now there was no need of sending it, for she was going to New
Orleans herself. She would win him. He would yet be hers.
On returning to the parlor after supper she seated herself close to her
uncle, upon whom she lavished so many caresses that he wondered much what
had come over her, and began to think that he was mistaken in supposing
her to be cold-hearted and indifferent to him. As he looked at her
beautiful, animated face, and the sparkling brilliancy of her eyes, he
felt a moment’s vanity in thinking how proud he would be to introduce her
as his niece among the fashionables of New Orleans.
During the evening Mr. Ashton called. He had heard of the arrival of a Mr.
Middleton from the Indies, and he had his own particular reason for
wishing to see him. Soon after entering the room, he addressed Mr.
Middleton, saying, "Were you in Calcutta twelve years ago?"
"Yes, sir; I was there twenty years ago," answered Mr. Middleton.
"Do you remember transacting business with the captain of the English
vessel ’Delphine’?"
Mr. Middleton thought a moment and then answered, "Yes, I remember that
vessel and its captain well."
"And do you remember a poor cabin boy, who was sick and worn out with the
ship fever?" continued Mr. Ashton.
"Oh, yes, yes; I remember him well," said Mr. Middleton. "I had him
removed to my own house, and nursed him until he was nearly well; and
then, he one night ran away from me. I have never heard from him since;
but there was an American vessel anchored near the shore, and I always
supposed he went on board and sailed for home. I would give much to know
what became of him."
"He stands before you," said Mr. Ashton, rising and grasping Mr.
Middleton’s hand. "He is here to thank you for your kindness, and is both
able and willing to repay you for the care you took of him who was alone
and friendless in a distant land."
"Can it be," said Mr. Middleton, with much emotion, "that you really are
Henry Ashton? I should never have recognized you."
"I presume not," answered Ashton. "Twelve years have transformed the pale,
emaciated youth into the tall, full-grown man. But I should have known you
anywhere."
Here Raymond called out, "Why Ashton, have you been to the Indies? Why did
you never tell us?"
"Because," replied Ashton, "there was so much of homesickness and
suffering attending that voyage to India that I never like to speak of
it." Then turning to Mr. Middleton, he said, "I have met your brother
often, but never suspected him to be a relative of yours. Have you seen
him yet?"
"I have not," answered Mr. Middleton. "I intend visiting him tomorrow, and
shall be glad, to take as many of you with me as are willing to go. I wish
to be introduced to him as a Mr. Stafford from New Orleans."
After some further conversation it was arranged that Mr. Miller, Ashton,
Stanton, Raymond and Cameron should all accompany Mr. Middleton on his
projected visit to his brother. Soon after Mr. Ashton departed for his
boarding place, and the remainder of the company separated for the night.