 Chapter 22 of Tempest and Sunshine This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes Chapter 22 Julia is found drowned The morning which succeeded the event narrated in the last chapter was clear and bright. Nature, beautiful as ever, looked as if laughing defiance at the fearful storm, which so lately had swept over the earth. Beautifully over hill and valley fell the sun's red rays, but when they penetrated the dwelling of Mr. Middleton, they shone on the anxious, carefree faces of those who had been sleepless during the dark hours of that dreadful night. Even the merry-hearted Florence seemed sad and spiritless as she hurried from room to room, urging Ashton to accelerate their departure. By eight o'clock the last guest was gone. Around the old stone house a gloomy silence settled, broken only by the heavy tramp of Uncle Joshua, whose cow hides came down with a vengeance, as up and down the yard he strode, talking to Dr. Lacy who walked by his side. Now, said he, if this isn't a little that all farthest must a fellow ever got into. Joshua ain't no judge. Of course the papers have nothing to do but flout it all over the country. For myself I don't care a copper, but twill be mighty mortifying to you, though I think you deserve some mortifying. For how in thunder a chap of your senses ever came to be made such a precious ball of is more than I can tell. If you knew all the arts she employed, you would not wonder quite so much, said Dr. Lacy. And Mr. Middleton answered, Know all her arts? Don't I know them? Don't I suppose that she rummaged heaven and earth for ways and means? I hardly think she went to the former place for assistance, said Dr. Lacy. And Mr. Middleton continued, You are right, but I'll be bound, Satan hadn't any tricks, but what he told her are. Pairs like she's been possessed ever since she first opened her big black eyes in the very room where the row was last night. Of happy I was, he continued, When I took her in my arms a little baby, I knew she was mine and Nancy's, and thought what a comfort she'd be to me. But George, I tell you what, said he as he placed one hand on Dr. Lacy's arm and passed the other through the grizzled locks which lay around his brow. I tell you what, these grey hairs come a-heat too soon and all for her, for her. Oh, Julia, Julia, what trouble have you not caused me? And in his hands Dr. Joshua buried his face, while through his large red fingers the tears trickled slowly and fell upon the ground. For a moment he wept and then wiping his eyes said, But wasn't it lucky that long-legged, solemn coloured Joe got here as he did? Another minute and you'd have been clinched, but now the tempest has bloated over and for the rest of your life you'll have not a think but sunshine. The overseer now approached to ask orders concerning a piece of work in which the Negroes were employed. Mr. Middle turned accompanied him to the field, while Dr. Lacy returned to the house in class of Fanny. He was told that she was with Julia with an involuntary shudder, he approached the chamber which contained one who had well-nined be his wife, his wife. The very idea filled him with loathing when associated with her and still he pitted the suffering girl, divest of her bridal attire, now known in pain. With coming day had come a burning fever which increased so rapidly that Dr. Gordon shook his head and flashed it as to the result. The change of affairs had also brought a change in Fanny who seemed and really was better than she had been for many days. Gladly she would have stayed with Dr. Lacy, but she felt their duty called her to Julia's bedside. With unwary devotion she hung over the pillow of her sister who seemed more quiet when she knew Fanny was near. Once she looked wistfully in her face and appeared as if anxious to speak, but Fanny gently laid her hand on her lips and said, No, no, Julia, you must not. She did, however, and the words, Forgive me, met Fanny's ear. Had Fanny been less of a Christian forgiveness might have been hard, but now she answered sincerely, truthfully, as I hope for pardon in heaven, so do I forgive you for the great wrong you have done me. At the mention of the word, Heaven, Julia shuddered, and after a time repeated, Heaven, you will find it, but I never, never, earnestly bended Fanny speak of a saviour's love which receives all problems all who come to him. Julia shook her head despairingly and as the conversation seemed to annoy her, Fanny seized talking while a voice behind her said, Teach me to your way of life, but I feel I have never walked in it. It was Dr. Nacey who, unobserved by Eve of the Girls, had entered and been a listener to what Fanny said. As Julia heard the sound of voices, she turned toward him, the look so imploring, so full of contrition and intrigy that he was moved and approaching the bedside to the vacant seat near Fanny, but he did not, like her, breathe words of forgiveness for his heart was full of bitterness toward her. As he sat there gazing coldly, sternly at her, she again spoke, If you can, if you will only forgive me. Dr. Nacey's brow grew dark and his manner excited, as he replied, Forgive you! In time I may learn to do so, but to forget will take me my lifetime and yet I blame myself not less than I do you for having been so duped. And lo, Solve was Julia's only answer as Dr. Nacey arose to leave, and nightsing to Fanny his intention of visiting Joseph Dunn, she was said to be dying. As he entered the house where Joseph lay, tossing in feverish agony, the sick man's eyes glared wildly upon him as he shrieked, Why have you come to taunt me with my crime? Is it not enough that the room is full of little devils who creep over my pillow and shout in my ear as they hold to view the letters I have held? I did not do it alone. She bribed me with gold, now when I am dead you will take care of my mother. She will be cold when the winter winds blow and hungry when the summer corn ripens. Dr. Lacey drew nearer to him and stifled and whispered, Is your mother loving all, and you or her dependents? Yes, yes, answered Joseph, whose almost only virtue was the love he bore his mother. Fear not then, said Dr. Lacey, I will care for her, for though you did me a great wrong, you saved me from being today the most wretched of men. The night as the October sun went down, there was heard beneath that lovely roof of the piteous cry of a widowed mother. For Joseph, her firstborn, her only child was dead. Next day they buried him, as is frequently the custom in Kentucky, beneath a large shade tree in the garden. Many words of sympathy were spoken to the believed mother, but none held so similarly on her ears as did those of Dr. Lacey, who was present at the funeral and led the weeping mother to the grave. After the burial was over, he whispered to her, I will surely remember you, for airing through your son may have been by owing a debt of gratitude. So saying, he walked hastily away toward Mr. Middleton's, where he was met by alarmed faces, soft footsteps and subdued whispers. In reply to his inquiries, he was told by Aunt Judy that, somehow or another, Miss Julia had got wind of Mr. Dunn's death, and it had gone to her head, making her maven mad, and the doctor said she wouldn't get well. Aunt Judy was right. Julia had accidentally heard of Mr. Dunn's death, and it added greatly to the nervous excitement which she was already suffering, and when Dr. Gordon came, he was surprised to find the dangerous symptoms of his patient increased to an alarming extent. The fever had settled upon her brain, and for many days she lay at the very gates of death. Incessantly, she talked of Dr. Lacey, Annie and Mr. Wilmutt, the letter of whom, in her disordered imagination, was constantly pursuing her. Go back, go back to your grave, she would say. There are tears you never shed for you, but none will bow to me when I am dead. He will laugh and be glad, and the first real that shines on my grave will let the marriage train to the altar. Then, as if the phantom was still near her, she would cry out, Take him away, I tell you, what have I to do with coffins and white faces and broken hearts? I killed him, I know, and he loved me too, as no one else ever has, but I madly loved another, and now he hates me, spurns me. Then turning to Annie, she would say, I broke your heart too, and still pressed for when I saw it was killing you, but you forgave me, and now you must plead with him who loves the air you breathe to think compassionately of me. I do not ask him to love me, for I know that it's impossible, but he can at least forgive and forget the past. Sometimes she would speak of her father, saying, he will be glad when the tempest is still and ceases to trouble him, for he never loved me, never spoke to me as he did to Annie. I know I did not deserve his love, but I should have been better if he had given me a little, just a little. God knows she speaks the truth, said Uncle Joshua, wiping away the tears who was not ashamed to weep. I have been mighty hard on her, but I never suppose she cared. Such were the scenes which daily occurred in Julia's sick room, until at last, from utter exhaustion, she became still, and for many days, in her dreamy kind of sleep. Will she live? asked Mr. Middleton of Dr. Gordon, as he one day left the sick room. With proper care, I think she may, was the answer, and then Dr. Lacey again, urged the request he had once before made of Mr. Middleton. But Uncle Joshua answered, No, George, wait a little longer, nothing will come betwixt you again, I reckon, and I wouldn't have you marry her, while the other one is so low. So Dr. Lacey was obliged to wait, but he thought he would much rather have remained near Fanny, he deemed it expedient to change his abode, and removed to Mrs. Cranes. He was practically induced to do this on Rindu's account, who, in height's sworn enemy, was the cause of no little annoyance to Mr. Middleton, who, with his negroes, was much nettered by the air of security, which that young gentleman thought proper to assume. Dr. Lacey was Rondu delighted to exchange the crazy old stone house with its cornbread and fried bacon from Mrs. Cranes' elegant place, with its oyster soups and ice creams, a part of which the head cook always reserved for the colourful gentleman New Orleans, who assured her that though at home he didn't exactly eat at the same table with his master, he still lived on the top shelf. Not long, however, did Rondu enjoy his new quarters, for about that time Mr. William Middleton returned to New Orleans, and Dr. Lacey sent with him his serve at Rondu. Nothing loathed to return home, for let his face of late him not a little. Dr. Lacey's return to Mrs. Cranes gave great satisfaction to Mrs. Carrington, who, though she had no hopes of willing him, still to use her own words, took it in great delight in reminding him of the snare until which he had fallen, notwithstanding his profound wisdom and boasted foresight. It required all the good reading he was masked of politely when, after returning from a visit to Mr. Middleton's, she was duringly asking concerning his bride's health. But Mrs. Carrington's levity was brought to an end by an unforeseen circumstance. It was now six weeks since the evening of the denanglement, and Julia's health was so much improved that Dr. Lacey began to speak confidently of the day on her own. Uncle Joshua had given his consent and preparations for the marriage had actually commenced when Julia, in whose room Mrs. Middleton had been in the habit of sleeping, insisted on being left alone. I am well now, she said, and do not need you. Mrs. Middleton was finally persuaded, but charged her daughter to be sure and call her if she wished for her drunk the night. If Julia's face and meaning smile flitted, as she answered, I hope to trouble no one much longer. But it was unnoticed by Mrs. Middleton, and Julia was left alone. Early next morning, Luce went as usual to make a fire for her young mistress, after which she softly drew back the bed curtains to see if Julia slept. She was surprised to find no Julia there. Neither were there signs of her having been there drunk the night. With a loud cry Luce summoned to the room both Mr. and Mrs. Middleton, the former of whom one seeing how matters did explained, so ho, up to her tricks again, I thought she couldn't hold good long. The dowler was sick, a saint would be, well, the dowler's saint was he. Don't husband, said Mrs. Middleton, perhaps she will never come back alive, and then you will be sorry. Uncle Joshua readily guessed his wife's meaning, and turning to Luce said, route out the whole gang and send them to hunting. In less than two hours schools of men on horseback were seen hunting in all directions, as Bob expressed it, for all the world as they was hunting on runaway, ere long the news reached Frankfurt, causing Mrs. Camington to sneerily advise Dr. Lacey by all their means to join in the hunt. He dinged her no reply, but mounting his horse took the road to Mr. Middleton's where he was welcomed with tears by Mrs. Middleton and Fanny whose fears he strove to allay. Meanwhile, the search went on headed by Uncle Joshua, who, late in the afternoon, unconsciously led a part of the company to the banks of the river, not far from a point called Woodford Landing. Dismounting, he strolled along the shore for several rides, when suddenly a loud cry turned toward him the attention of the party. Near the water's edge he had discovered a shore which he knew belonged to Julia, and nearby lay a pair of supers on the inside of which her name was marked. Instantly, the conviction flashed upon all. Julia was drowned. Upon a large flat rock Uncle Joshua sat down while his long grey locks were tossed by the November wind which swept mournfully by bearing on its wing the bitter tones with which the stricken father beweld his loss. Everything goes again, Middleton said to him. Everything she's dead and worse than all died by her own hand. Then as a void of reason, he arose and over the craggy hillside and down the dark rolling river echoed the loud cry of Julia, Julia oh my child come back, come back why was you left to make your old father's part? And to that well of sorrow only the rolling winds applied and faster the waters of the Kentucky rolled on. They took the old man home and long weary days went by in which the river near the landing was dragged again and again and still no trace of the missing girl was found. Then as hope began to whisper that possibly she was not dead the papers far and near contained advertisements for her and by the side of that appeared another for a lunatic girl who had escaped from the asylum at Lexington. Four weeks went by and the waters of Kentucky frowned angrily in the grey December light making Uncle Joshua shudder whenever he challenged to pass by and thought perhaps his daughter lay sleeping in their cold embrace. A gloomy drizzly day was settling into a dark rainy night when two young men who either for business or pleasure had rode across the rivers some miles from Woodford where they had been visiting started to return home. They had stepped into their boat and were about pushing off when amongst some driftwood which lay not far from the shore they thought they described a female's garment floating on the water. The scot was soon reached and to their horror they discovered the body of a young girl which from its appearance must have been in the water some time. They had heard the story of Julia and readily concluded that the bloated, disfigured form before them must have been she. Taking her to the nearest dwelling they dispatched a messenger from Mr Middleton who, now that his worst fears were confirmed, seemed paralysed with the shock Oh, I cannot go certainly I cannot! Is there no one to do it for me? Dr Lacy, with chance to be present said for your sake, sir and for funnies, I will go. God bless you, George! answered Mr Middleton and in a few moments Dr Lacy departed with a thrill of horror he looked upon the swollen discoloured face round which the long black hair clung, matted and slimy from being so long saturated with water and thought that this was once the beautiful Julia so now so fearfully changed that no one could possibly have recognised him. Owing to the state which the body was in, Dr Lacy thought proper to produce the coffin before removing her home. Consequently it was nearly 10 o'clock the following morning ere the little procession so he entered the yard from which, with wonderful forefoot Mr Middleton had ordered to be removed some half dozen carts, cornclubs, etc. Fanny was pressing forward to look at her unfortunate sister then Dr Lacy gently but firmly led her away saying no Fanny, you must not see her the sight would haunt you for months and years. Then as her tears fell last he straved in various ways to divert her mind from that Julia's untimely end. About noon a middle aged man came to the house and asked permission to see the body. His request was granted but he almost immediately turned away from the coffin saying by way of explanation I am the father of the maniac girl who's sometimes since escaped from Lexington and I thought perhaps she was my daughter but it is not and even if it were I could not recognise her. On Mr Middleton's farm and not far from the house was a small yard which had been enclosed as a burial place for the family. On this spot Fanny had extended much time in labour roses and honey supples ere the bloomed there for a season while the dark evergreen waved their branches and beckoned the passerby to rest beneath their shadow. In one corner was a tall forest maple where Julia and Fanny often had played and where Fanny once, when dangerously ill in childhood had asked to be laid. As yet no mound had rendered that spot dearer for the sake of a lost one who slept there but now in the scarcely frozen ground it was heard. Shufflefall after shufflefall of earth was thrown up and into that cold dark grave as the sun was setting they lowered the remains of Julia who once little thought that she first of all would break the turf of the family graveyard. That night was the first merging into the hours of morning air the sound of Uncle Joshua's footsteps as again and again he traversed the leg and breath of his sleeping room occasionally stopping before the window and peering out in the darkness toward the spot where he newly laid that newly made grave. memory was busily at work and in the events which marked Julia's short life oh how much he saw for which to blame himself be more lingered in the old man's cup of affliction and while the hot tears rolled down his cheeks he explained if only she could come back and I could do it over I love her more and maybe she'd be better but I treated her mean and in only her passwords and cross looks then as his wife's tears mingled with his he took her hand saying don't take on so that see you nothing to cry for use all it in good to her and I don't hook up with her when I've got sought ailing her Mrs. Middleton could only answer by her tears to this touching attempt of sympathy but she finally succeeded in quieting her husband and before daybreak he had forgotten in sleep the injustice gone to Julia all thoughts of honey's marriage for the present were of course given up although Mr. Middleton promised that when the altar came round again he would surely give his treasure to the care of another two weeks after Julia's burial all of which time was passed at Mr. Middleton's Dr. Lacey went back to New Orleans having first placed in Mr. Middleton's care a sum of money for the benefit of Mrs. Dunn promising Fanny that with this ring he would come again he bade it adieu praying that nothing might come between them again heavily now dragged the days at Mr. Middleton's until Uncle Joshua picked upon a plan which would not only give pleasure to Fanny but would also relieve the tedium of his own life it was nothing more or less than the erection of a new house on a grassy lawn which Fanny had frequently pointed out as being a good location long he revolved in his mind the for and against but the remembrance of Julia's wish to have the old shelf fixed up finally decided him it wasn't good enough for her to be married in it surely wasn't good enough for Sunshine at the breakfast table he first announced his intention causing Fanny in her surprise and joy not only to drop her knife but also to upset her coffee alright said he I'll do it if it breaks move we'll have a buster said he marble monthly's widows that come to the floor bustles carpets and if you're a mind to you may have them all legged split things though Lord knows I'll never eat with them in a short time the necessary arrangements were completed a large number of men were hired and matters progressed so rapidly that there was every probability of the house being completed in early June should the winter season prove favourable here we may as well relate a little circumstance which occurred to Fanny during the winter Bill Jeffery who it will be remembered had always felt a predilection for her emboldened by the kindness of her manner now determined to make his wishes known accordingly he sent her numerous little cakes of maple sugar besides giving her many knowing winks his usual method of showing his preference as she was one day strolling in the woods she suddenly encountered Bill who thought this was favourable an opportunity as he would probably have who was rather awkward and unaccustomed to love making but he resolved to do his best planting his foot upon a log he with one hand drew from his head an old wall cap and frosted under his arm while with the other he twirled a huge brass wrap key which Hans suspended from his pocket he had the day before traded an old jack moth two puppies and a cramped fiddle for a brass watch which would only go by shaking Tiger who had accompanied Fanny by Bill's movements uneasily he was however unnoticed by the young man who had got his mouth open and that last found courageous to say I always liked you Fanny cos you never laughed at me nor called me a fool and now if you have me you may carry my watch and I'll work for your father to seize us in the hemp field this last was wonderful for Bill was notoriously lazy involuntarily Fanny laughed but Bill construed it into approval and was about to sit down by her when Tiger with an angry growl sprang forward and precipitated the ruined swain over the log Fanny called off the dog and Bill gathered himself up carefully brushing the dirt from his Sunday suit fearing he would repeat his offer Fanny said I appreciate your kindness Billy but you see Tiger doesn't seem to approve of your proposal and as I have great confidence in his judgement I think I too must follow his example and though I shall knock you down I shall have to tell you though she might as well have knocked him down for he instantly sat down and covering his face with his hands burst into such a fit of crying that Fanny had nothing at and had pitying with him said poor Billy I am sorry for you and though I cannot marry you I will like you just as well as you fancy I always have this failed to quiet Billy until Tiger made so many threatening demonstrations of anger that Billy thought it was wise to leave before he got another tumble he had hardly disappeared when a loud voice called out Bravo Tiger you know how to fix him looking round Fanny saw her father who had been a silent spectator of the scene and now came forward laughing heartily at his would-be son your pretty well done sunshine said he let's see how many offers does this make there's Joe's one the doctor's two Yankee Cameron's three and lovely Bill Jeffery's fourth and you're knocked by 18 that'll do that'll do afterward when Mr. Middleton wished to entertain his visitors with anything extra he would rehearse to them with some exaggerations as a proposal to Fanny glancing backward a few pages we find we have omitted to repeat what happened among Dr. Lacey's blacks during their days when they were anxiously but vainly watching for the coming of the young master and his bride for a week Aunt Dilsie was unusually trusty and all her attempts at cooking invariably failed painfully showing her mind to be in a disturbed state I don't care she would say if the cake is all dough and the sauce all fof they've good enough for her any day then she would call out get along you Jack poking your fingers into her lacy's cup make yourself scarce in this kitchen or I'll crack your head mighty knife as hard as the new Miss Will then she would scold Leffie who she said was on they were counted on a burnt stick now she was expecting Rondu pity but the old boat he come on wouldn't blow up and let her all into perdition together Leffie knew her mother didn't mean more than half what she said but she chose to keep silent hoping each morning that the close of the day wouldn't bring the long absent Rondu thus between scolding and fretting cooking and sweating until the day arrived on which as she said they'd come if they ever did Miss Lacy whose husband had not yet received his son's letter announcing the catastrophe came out to superintendent affairs and received her new daughter in the large handsome dining room the supper table was neatly spread while Aunt Daisy bustled about with the air of one who felt her tone was short but was determined to contest every inch of ground they are yielding it to another she had condescended to put on her new colour coat gown though one she proposed taking with her in a hand-chef and had even washed the grease and molasses from Jack's and the baby's face telling the former that he knew of mind about making up places at the lady that night Claire had gone to the landing and now Mrs Lacy and the servants were gathered upon the Upper Piazza waiting his return suddenly Dilsie whose eyesight seemed wonderfully sharpened explained there, that play I could tell my old man if I should meet him at a camp meeting Mrs Lacy looked in the direction of the city and saw the carriage which Dilsie had pointed out it proved to be Caleb and Lefie who was rather nearsighted strained her eyes to see if one do two was on the box there's nobody in that air said Daisy reckon a boat has run into the ground or burst her wig in so Lefie you've put on your pink dress for nothing the elder Mr Lacy was however in the carriage and alighting he advanced towards his wife and gave her the letter he had just received from his son Mrs Lacy read it while the blacks crowded around Caleb asking him scores of foolish questions such as was Master George in the boat and why wasn't he there and when would he be there when Mrs Lacy finished reading the letter she said to Lefie he was still standing near Rondu is well and will be home in a few days won't the new miss a come in asked Aunt Dilsie not at all was Mrs Lacy's reply he land on it said Dilsie for now Jack can spit as fur and as big spits as he wants to nothing more was known by the blacks until many days after when Rondu returned home and related the whole story with many embellishments he admitted to tell of the withing which I had given him but spoke with unqualified content of the old house and everything belonging to it except Miss Fanny who he said looked just like an angel only a heat better you ought to have seen her said he that night when everything was further side up folks are yelling like they was crazy start mad miss Julia lay on the floor the blood pouring out of her eyes and mouth by pale fields full miss Florence she painted and they had to fill her out the window glass and all because there was a many no ill-mannered niggers crowded in the hall I suppose use one of those niggers said Aunt Dilsie why yes return Rondu but then I was helping and was trying to push them all back so I could get to master who was feeling so bad that they sent for me because nobody else could comfort him here Rondu began to thumble in his pocket as if in search of something having found it he continued master got hold of her hand and grabbed off her wedding ring so quick that it broke her finger then he threw it from him and I picked it up here it is said he holding up a ring that's a lightly story interrupted Aunt Dilsie if they wasn't married how came the ring on her finger Rondu saw he had stretched a trifle too much but he answered well anyhow he floated away and I'm going to keep it till till you know when Dilsie keep it till you're grey said Aunt Dilsie I'm going to be married with no such flurry here Leffie answers to change the conversation asked what of Miss Fanny why yes answered Rondu that is what I'm going to tell right in the middle of the bus I heard something moving softly down the stairs and I sort of think all as what a snow her hair which was about the colour of Leffie's neck real handsome was hanging in long curls down her back I thought it was an angel and Kinza touched her as she passed to see if she had wings but the niggers said it's Miss Fanny and next I heard it was all as still in the room and Master was hugging and kissing her and crying over her then when I tried to get nearer and see more they crowded me into such a little spot that I didn't breathe again for a week why didn't we get out of the crowd then asked Theorisy how could I? answered Rondu Lord Theorisy I'd like to have seen you there but then there wouldn't have been room for anybody else for the whole wouldn't more than hold you here the conversation ended but for a long time Rondu carried on his arm the marks of Ant Theorisy's finger and thumb end of chapter 22 recording by Elaine Webb who is still in Gland Chapter 23 of Tempest and Sunshine this is a Leverbox recording all Leverbox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Leverbox.org recording by Ana Simone Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes Chapter 23 Fanny's illness leads to her father's repentance from the grassy hillside and bright green plains of Kentucky the frost of winter broke on by the dancing brook and in shady nooks of the quiet valleys to warm spring sun had sought out and brought to life thousands of sweet wild blossoms which in turn had faded away giving place to the other flowers of the brighter and gayer you each night from the upper balcony of her father's handsome dwelling Fanny watched in vain for the coming of Dr. Lacey whose promise returned had long been delayed by the dangerous illness of his father over the wooded hills the breath of summer was floating hot, airy and leaden with disease this was a broadened land and thus each day exaggerated rumors of the evoc made by cholera in the sultry climate of Louisiana reached Fanny fearful misgivings filled her mind lest Dr. Lacey too should fall a victim to the plague for herself she had no fears though slowly but surely through her veins the fever flame was creeping scorching her blood poisoning her breath and burning her cheek until her father alarmed at her altered and languid appearance inquired for the cause of the change nothing but a slight headache was replied next to the cholera Mr. Middleton most feared the typhoid fever several cases of which had recently occurred in the neighborhood and fearing lest the disease might be stealing upon his darling he proposed to call in the physician but this Fanny would not suffer and persisted in saying that she was well until at last she lay all day upon sofa and aunt Cathy when her favorite earth teas failed expecting their wanted cure shook her head saying I knew it should be so I always tell you we couldn't keep her long Dr. Gordon was finally called and pronounced her disease to be typhoid in its worst form days went by and so rapid was progressive fever that Mr. Middleton trembled lest of him it had been grieved he shall be shy as lest to Fanny out of death was familiar for her it had no terrors and as her outward strength decayed her face in the eternal grew stronger and brighter yet you could not die without an assurance that again in the better world she would meet father she so much loved for her mother she had no fears for during many years she had been a patient self-denying Christian at first Mr. Middleton listened in silence to Fanny's gentle words of entity but when she spoke to him of her own death and love which alone could sustain him then he clasped her tightly to his heart as if his arms alone could keep her there forever saying oh no you must not tell me that you will not die even now you are better and the ancients father did try to deceive himself into the belief that Fanny was better each morning's light revealed some fresh ravage the disease had made when the flush on her cheeks grew deeper and light of her eye wilder and more startling and agonized fear held old man's heart in thrall many and many a wary night found him sleepless as he wet his pillow with tears not such tears as he wept when Richard will not die nor such as fell upon the grave his first born for whole his grief then was not compared with what he now felt for his sunshine his eyeball his precious Fanny I cannot, cannot let her die was a cry which early welled up from the depths of that fond father's aching heart take all take everything I own but leave me sunshine she mustn't, mustn't die earnestly did Fanny pray that her father might be enabled better to bury the fliction but he turned the death's ear light to her and his gentle enduring life, who, bowed with sorrow, yet sought to soothe her grief-stricken husband sadly he would turn away saying it's no use talking I can be peace if they take Fanny away I can see why another one died it was to bring me to my senses and show me how bad I use her but Fanny, my sunshine what has just done that she should leave him too oh, it's more than I can bear a doctor's corn on request a council of physicians in Frankfurt was called as the one who came last was about to enter a room Mr. Middleton detained him while he said save her doctor, save her and you shall have all I'm worth impatiently he awaited the decision it came, but alas it brought no hope Mr. William Middleton who had recently come from New Orleans broke the news to his unhappy brother Serrable was the anguish of Uncle Joshua when he became convinced that he must lose her nothing could induce him to leave her room and, as if endowed with superwoman's strength, he watched by her constantly only leaving her once each day in the quiet grave the bed of his own daughter where now the long green grass was waving and summer flowers were blooming flowers which Fanny's hand had planted and Father's tears had watered one night they were alone the old man and his child for several hours Fanny had turned uneasily up on her pillow but she at last fell into a deep sleep for a time her father sat quietly listening to the sounds of her breathing then arising he softly drew aside the curtains and looked long and anxiously at her as she slept suddenly lifting his hands he exclaimed Oh God save her or help me to bear it if she dies it was the first prayer which for long, long years had passed his lips but it had a power to bring back the olden feeling happy boy he had knelt at his mother's side and was not ashamed to pray falling on his knees he tried to recall the words of prayer his mother had taught him but one petition alone came from his heart in that dark midnight hour Oh don't let Fanny die don't let her die for who will comfort all Joshua when she is gone the savior he who once swept at the grave Lazarus will be more to you than I ever was or ever can be said Fanny in her sleep she dreamt that her father prayed she woke and found it true come nearer to me father said she he did so and then among his thick gray logs she lay her thin white hand and prayed it was a beautiful sight thanks to angels hovered round at that young disciple apparently so near the portals of heaven sought to lead her weeping father to the same glad world her words were soothing and who were his darkened mind a ray of light seemed feebly faithfully shining before the morning dawn he had resolved that if there still was hope for him he would find it many a time during the succeeding days he prayed in secret not that Fanny might be spared but that he might be reconciled to God his prayer at left was answered and uncle Joshua was a changed man he showed it in everything and the expression of his face and in the words he uttered for his sunshine he still wept but with the chest and grief for now he knew that if she died he would see her in heaven where now was Dr. Lacey knew he not of the threatened danger at his father's bedside where for many days his place had been he had received from Mr. William Middleton a letter announcing Fanny's illness which however was not then considered dangerous on learning the contents of the letter the elder Mr. Lacey said turned to his son go George go I would not keep you from her a moment the doctor needed no second beating and the first steamer which left newer limbs bore him upon its deck anxious and impatient fast the days ruled on and then who watched Fanny alternately hoped and feared as she one day seemed better and the next worse of those days we will not speak we hastened to a night three weeks from the commencement of her illness when gathered in the room were anxious friends who feared the next day son would see her dead Florence, Kate and Mrs. Miller were there with two full eyes and saddened faces Frank Cameron too was there business, either real or fancy had again taken him to Kentucky and hearing Fanny's illness he had hastened to her she had requested to be raised up and now leaning against her uncle William she lay in a deep slumber in the corner of the room said uncle Joshua his head bowed down his face covered by his hands while large tears fell upon the carpeting as he sadly whispered it will be lonesome at night it will be lonesome in the morning it will be lonesome everywhere Florence stood by him and tried by gently smoothing his tangled hair to express the sympathy to speak suddenly there was sound of fast-coming wheels and Kate thinking it must be Dr. Gordon whom they were each moment expecting ran out to meet him nearer and nearer came the carriage and as Kate was spearing through the darkness to see if it were the expected physician Dr. Lacey sprang quickly to her side in Frankfurt he had heard that Fanny could not live and now he eagerly asked telling Mrs. Heeler is she yet alive Kate replied by leading him directly towards sixth chamber as he entered the room uncle Joshua burst into a flash flood of tears seeing as he took the doctor's offered hand poor boy poor George you're losing a great deal but not as much as I for you can find another Fanny but for me there's no more sunshine we're away Dr. Gordon now came and after feeling her pulse and listening to the sound of her breathing he said when she wakes from this sleep I think Mary will be decided she'll be better or worse and he was right although the old clock in the hall to the hour of midnight here she roused from the deep slumber which had seemed so much like the long last sleep of death water as she put her hand to take the offered glass Dr. Gordon whispered to Dr. Lacey she is better but must not see you tonight in a twinkling Mr. Middleton's large hand was laid on Dr. Lacey's shoulder and hurrying him to the adjoining room he said stay here till morning and neither breath nor stir Dr. Lacey complied the request as far as it was possible though never seen the night so long and never done a morning so bright as did the succeeding one when through the house the joyous tithings ran that the crisis was past and Fanny would live in the course of the morning Fanny asked Kate who alone was attending her if Dr. Lacey was not there what makes you think so asked Kate because answered Fanny I either heard him or dreamed that I did and if he is here could you bear to see him now oh yes yes was the eager answer and the next moment Dr. Lacey was by her side intuitively Kate left the room consequently we have no means of knowing what occurred during that interview when Dr. Lacey as it were perceived back from the arms of death is Fanny whose recovery from that time was sure though slow Mr. Middleton in the exuberance of his joy at having his sunshine restored seemed hardly sane but frequently kept muttering to himself yes yes I remember I'll do it only give me a little time at the same time his elbow moved impatiently as if nothing of some unseen visitor what it was that he remembered and would do was not known for several days and then he informed his wife that when at first he feared that Fanny should not leave he had wrapped his brain to know why these fresh evils brought upon him and had concluded that it was partly to punish him for his ill treatment of Julie when leaving and partly because that now she was dead he had neglected to purchase for her any gravestones and I promised said he that if she was paired I'd buy as nice a gravestone as I would if it was sunshine three weeks from that time there stood by the moon in the little graveyard a plain handsome monument on which was simply inscribed Julia age 20 one after another those who have been with Fanny during her illness departed to their homes Frank Cameron lingered several weeks in Frankfurt Florence too was there with some relatives now Rither if you value our friendship you will not accuse him of being fickle he had loved Fanny long and faithfully but he knew the time was coming when he would see her the wife of another what wonder was it then if he suffered his eyes occasionally to rest admirably upon Florence Woodburn's happy face or that he frequently found himself trying to trace some resemblance between the dark hazel of Florence's eyes and the deep blue of Fanny's with woman's quick perception Florence devined Frank's thoughts and although she professed herself to be terribly afraid of his presbyterian smile and decanished ways she took good care not to discourage him but she teased him unmercifully and played him many sorry tricks he bore it all good humorously and when he started for New York he had with him a tiny casing from which peeped the merry face of Florence looking as if just meditating some freshman's chief and what a Florence why safely stood away at the bottom of her blue drawer under a promiscuous pile of gloves, ribbons laces and handkerchiefs was a big dagger of type but as Florence guarded the drawer most carefully always keeping the key in her pocket we are unable to say anything certain up on the subject up to this day we don't know exactly whose face it was that led Florence to the drawer so many times a day but we are safe insane that it looked frank enough to be frank himself here for a time we leave her and return to Mr. Middleton's where Fanny was improving each day Dr. Lacy watched the recovery anxiously feeling continuously less and new calamity should happen to take his treasure from him owing to the protected illness of his father it became necessary that he should go back to New Orleans as soon as possible he will return and then Fanny could have told you what then and so too could be but we prefer keeping you in suspense by Anna Simon Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes Chapter 24 the wedding the often months were gone December had come and Christmas was coming the Negroes far and near had counted the days which must pass before their expected holidays in Uncle Joshua's kitchen there was much talking and laughing fixing and fussing and some crying you'd have been told that Miss Fanny was to be married Christmas Eve and week following she would leave them and star for New Orleans Preparations commenced on a large scale for Uncle Joshua a little proud it may be of his handsome house as determined on a large party the old gentleman even went so far as to order for himself a new suit of broad cloth saying by way of apology that the jeans coat and bagging pants did well enough for Josh they wouldn't answer no how for the father of Mrs. Dr. George Lacey a week before the wedding Florence, who loves dearly to be in a bustled, came leaven with band boxes and carpet bags hourly through the house rang her merry laugh as she flitted hither and teeter actually doing nothing in her till to do everything she had consented to be bridesmaid unconditioned that she should choose her own groom's man who she said should be Uncle Billy as she always called Mr. Willie Middleton unless Providence sent her someone she liked better whether it were owing to Providence or to an invitation which went from Florence to New York we are unable to say but two days before the 24th Uncle Joshua suppressed Florence and Fanny by opening the door of the room where they were sitting and saying oh my boy, here they come, come on the girls started up and in a moment Frank stood between them with an arm thrown around each why Mr. Cameron said Florence what did you come for and who knew you were coming I came to see you and you knew I was coming answered Frank then returned Florence if you came to see me do look at me and not keep your eyes fixed so continually on Fanny in a few days he will be breaking commandment which says thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife possibly I might had I never seen you answered Frank at least hour that night Florence moved with soft footsteps about her sleeping room feeling less she should awaken Fanny the instructions were useless for Fanny was awake looking at Florence she said oh Flory you naughty girl what makes you blush so dreadfully the next hour was spent by Florence in telling Fanny what Frank had just asked her in four or five words which he had answered in one this if she would be his wife but then said Florence pretending to pout he was so consensuous but he had to tell me what I already knew which was that he once loved you better than he should ever love another Frank had asked Florence to share his love through life and she, like any other good prompt Kentucky girl had readily answered yes although she was frightened the next moment for fear she had been too easy one by the cold Yankee as she called him and she proposed taking back what she said just for the sake of being teased Mr. Woodburn came next day to bring Florence some article of dress which she would need he was not surprised when Frank taking him aside monthly asked for his daughter he said yes almost as readily as Florence had done and then it was hard telling which seemed most happy Frank or Dr. Lacey the 24th of December came at last we at North who, during the year, blow our bed-numped fingers can scarcely imagine how bright and beautiful are some of the clear warm days of a Kentucky winter on this occasion as if nature had resolved to do her best the day was soft and sunny as in early autumn presenting a striking contrast to the wild angry storm which went sky when once more Neth Uncle Josh was roofed a bridal party was assembled as night approached carriage after carriage roll up the long gravel pathway until Ike declared so there was no more room in the barn and if any more came he'd have to drive them into the kitchen up and down the broad stairway tripped light and joyous footsteps until the rooms above which Lucette put into exact order presented a scene of complete confusion band boxes were turned bottom side up and their contempt indiscriminately scattered until it was impossible to tell what was yours and what wasn't at length through the parlor door came Dr. Lacey and Fanny followed by Frank Cameron and Florence throughout the rooms was a solemn hush as Fanny was made Dr. Lacey's wife firmly Dr. Lacey held her hand until the last word was spoken then when he felt sure that she was his he stooped down and whispered in her ear thank God that you are mine at last three days after the wedding Mr. Middleton's carriage again stood before the door when all was ready Uncle Joshua knelt down and winding his arm around Fanny through the simple touching language that God would protect his sunshine and at last bring them all to the same home all of us and don't let one be missing there there was a peculiar pathos in the tune of his voice as he said last words and all knew to whom he referred long and worsome at Mr. Middleton's were the days succeeding Fanny's departure while in Dr. Lacey's home all was joy and gladness it was about dark when Dr. Lacey arrived happy as a bird and sprang up steps everything about her screamed home-like and cheerful kind dusky faces speared at her from every corner while until she, with a compass and smile stooped ready to receive her Fanny was prepared to like everything but there was something peculiarly pleasing to her in Aunt Tisley's broad good-humored face going up to her she took both her hands and said friends, I shall like you and you shall love me a little won't you just as the old Aunt Tis did I left in Kentucky Aunt Tisley hadn't expected all this and the poor creature burst into tears saying Lord blessed sweet miss I'd die for her this minute I would Rondo Laffy and the other blacks belonging to the establishment now came forward and in the crowd little Jack's bow generally unappreciated but Fanny next day made immense by giving him nearly a pound of candy which had left the effect of making him sick awake but he got well in time to be present at Laffy's wedding which took place just a week after Dr. Lacy's return Laffy, who chanced to be just a size for a young mistress was thrown into ecstasies by the gift of a thin pink and white silk dress sent it to her for a bridal gown Aunt Tisley, in order to show her thanks went down on her knees a thing she never tempted again as it took her such an unheard of length of time to recover a standing posture Dr. Lacy had made Laffy the president of a pair of cold earrings so that she was really a pretty bride and Rondo was the happiest negro in all New Orleans as weddings to be the order of this chapter we may hear, as well as anywhere disposes Mrs. Carrington whom, you will remember Raymond said he would one day marry when he left Frankfurt he had no definite ideas to what he should do but after reaching Cincinnati it occurred to him that his mother had a wealthy old bachelor uncle living in St. Louis and further he was determined to go this uncle, Mr. Dunlap received young men courtly for he was first relative he had met with in years there was something too in manner with which Raymond introduced himself that one for him a place in the cross the old man's good opinion I'm Fred Raymond said he your niece Ellen's son and as poor a jack has there is decided California they say you are a stingy old customer but I don't care for that you have got to give me some business and home too Raymond's method of approaching the old gentleman was successful and he would once gave him a good position which later developed into a partnership feeling himself established and finding Mrs. Carrington in St. Louis Raymond pressed his suit and they were eventually married the couple were disappointed in their expectations of a fortune forwarding two years after the marriage Mr. Dunlap suddenly died he had intended to make his will and make Raymond his heir but like many other men he put it off until it was too late and this property which was found to be less than supposed went back to his brothers and sisters and from then to their children and grandchildren so that Raymond got but a small share he however retained his position as a merchant and struggled hard to keep his wife in the same circumstances to which she had been accustomed she appreciated his kindness and when at the end of three years she was mother of three children she concluded it was time to lay aside all desire for fashionable amusements and she became a tolerably affectionate wife and a wonderfully indulgent mother End of Chapter 24 Recording by Anna Simone from Portugal Chapter 25 of Tempest and Sunshine This is a LibreBox recording All LibreBox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibreBox.org Recording by Kenneth Sargent Gagan Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes The Wanderer In Uncle Joshua's home there were sad, troubled faces and anxious hearts as the husband and daughter watched by the wife and mother whose life on earth was well-nigh ended for her mother's family Mrs. Middleton had inherited the seeds of consumption which it fastened upon her Day by day they watched her and when at last she left them it seemed so much like falling away to sleep Mr. Middleton, who sat by her knew not the exact moment which made him a lonely widower The next afternoon sympathizing friends and neighbors assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to Mrs. Middleton and many an eye overflowed and more than one heart ate as the gray-haired old man bent sadly above the coffin which contained the wife of his early love but he more not as one without hope for her end had been peaceful and when upon her face his tears fell he felt assured that again beyond the dark river of death he should meet her the night succeeding the burial Mr. Middleton's family overcome with fatigue and grief, retired early to their rooms but Fanny could not sleep between ten and eleven Fanny rose and throwing on her dressing-cown nervously walked up and down her sleeping-room it was a little over a year after her marriage through the closed shutters the rays of a bright September moon were stealing and attracted by the beauty of the night Fanny opened the blinds and the room was filled with a flood of soft pale light from the window where she stood her graveyard with cypress and willow trees its white monument gleaming through the silvery moonlight and near that monument was a dark spot the grave of her beloved mother if all nights were as lovely as this thought she it would not seem half so dreary to sleep in a cold dark grave and then Fanny fell into a fit of musing of the night that would surely come when she would first be left alone in the shadowy graveyard in the midst of her reverie her attention was attracted by a slight female figure which from some quarters had approached unperceived and now upon the newly made grave was bowing itself in apparent weeping the size and form of the girl was so much like Lucy that Fanny concluded it must be she at the same time wondering how with her superstitious ideas she ventured alone near a grave in the night time in a moment however she saw the tiger the watchdog was with her and at the same instant the sound of a suppressed sob fell on her ear or Lucy she said I do not think she loved my mother so well and I will go to her and mingle my cheers with her in a short time Fanny was in the open air and on her way to the graveyard as she approached her mother's grave she said gently Lucy Lucy why are you out so late the person addressed partially raised her head and answered hurly oh Fanny Fanny do not be frightened and leave me I am not dead and never was buried in that grave as you suppose but I'm here tonight a living repentant woman and throwing back her bonnet the thin white face of Julia Middleton was in the bright moonlight perfectly distinguishable to Fanny who had first recoiled in fear and leaned for support against the marble pillar near which she was standing she however soon recovered herself command and glancing at the object on the grave saw that she was crossing tiger who seemed trying various ways to advance his joy at finding one whom he had long missed or he had always been Julia's favorite their fiery natures accorded well again Julia spoke Fanny dear Fanny and in a joining state I heard of mother's illness and hastened to see her but I'm too late and now do not think me a phantom foresee tiger recognizes me and welcomes me home and will not you an instant Fanny wavered then with a half fearful half joyful cry she went forward and by the grave of her mother that day lowered into the dust the sisters met in a long fervent embrace into the best chamber of their father's house Fanny led the weeping repentant girl and gently removed her bonnet and shawl made her lie down on the nicely cushioned lounge while she went for her father as she was leaving the room Julia rose and laid her small phony hand on Fanny's shoulder it had rested there before or in the graveyard with their buried mother between them Julia's arms had encircled her sister's neck but the first excitement was over and now involuntarily Fanny shrank from that touch for in spite of all her courage she could not help associating Julia with the grass grown grave and the large white monument what is it Julia she said calmly do you wish to see father oh yes yes answered Julia but not him the other one at least not tonight you understand I do said Fanny and she collided down the stairs toward her father's home he was awake for her her hand touched the doorknob his sonora's voice rang out whose door fell on her ears this somewhat disconcerted her before she had intended stopping near his door to devise the best means by which to break the intelligence but whose door was against repeated entering the room she said softly it is high father why sure enough said he and then as the light from her lamp fell on her features he exclaimed why how white you be what's the matter who's upstairs is George sick no George is not sick said Fanny but then as well as she could she told him all she knew Uncle Joshua's nervous system was unstrong and his physical health impaired by long nights of watching with his wife and now when this first shock came upon him he fell back half fainting upon his pillow then rousing himself he said alive and come back I don't deserve this but where is she I will go to her Fanny directed him where to find her and then returned to Julia with her her father soon followed Uncle Joshua was not prepared for the change in his daughter he did not even think of her as he saw her last wasted by sickness but in his imagination he beheld her as she was in her days of health and dazzling beauty when with diabolical cunning she had brought Dr. Lacey to her feet now however her face was thin white and haggard for such a life as she had lived had never conduced to the beauty and health of anyone her eyes something in their sockets and swollen with recent weeping look rightfully large and wild and to complete the metamorphosis her beautiful glossy hair was now cut short on her neck it pushed far back from a brow across which lay more than one premature wrinkle the sight of her for a time unsettled the old man's reason taking her in his arms he alternately cried and laughed over her saying I knew you'd come back I expected and I waited for you Julia's altered appearance troubles him then drawing her head down upon his bosom and laying his hand on her thin white face he said poor child what has changed you war have you been and who did I that big stone for if it wasn't for you not tonight your father answered Julia let me rest tonight and tomorrow I will tell you all end of The Wanderer recording by Kenneth Sargent Gagan Chapter 26 of Tempest and Sunshine this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Amanda Friday Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes Chapter 26 Julia at Home Again Overcome with fatigue and excitement Julia immediately after her father left her on the preceding night had fallen into a deep sleep which was unbroken till long after dawn then she was aroused by her father calling up the Negroes hastily starting up she looked around her and for a moment strove to remember what had happened soon she remembered all and bearing her face in the pillows she sobbed out father I thank thee the prodigal is at last at home hastily arising she proceeded with her toilet which was nearly completed when Fanny tapped gently at the door and immediately entered the room saying good morning dear Julia I am so glad you really are here and that it is not a dream but come breakfast is waiting and so is father and so is George oh I can't see him I can't said Julia and Fanny answered oh never mind him I've told him all about it and he is ready to receive you as a sister so saying she led the reluctant girl down the long staircase through the wide hall to the door of the breakfast room where Mr. Middleton stood waiting for them his tones and manner were very affectionate as he kissed the wanderer and said I am so glad you're here Julia could have wept but she would not there was yet another to meet and choking down her tears she nerfed herself for the trial of what occurred next she knew nothing until her cold white hand was clasped by another so warm so life-giving in its touch that she raised her eyes and met the calm quiet gaze of Dr. Lacey neither of them spoke until Julia averting her eyes said am I forgiven you are was the answer and then Uncle Joshua exclaimed thar that'll do now come to your breakfast and for I'm mighty hungry and chant wait another minute after breakfast Julia was greatly surprised at seeing her father take from the bookcase the old family Bible on whose dark dusty covers she remembered having many a time written her name all was now explained her father's gentleness of look and manner were accounted for and as for the first time in her life she knelt by his side and heard him as he prayed her heart swelled with emotion and she longed to tell him though she dared not hope she was a Christian trying to lead a different a better life that afternoon in her chamber were seated Mr. Middleton and Fanny while Julia recounted the story of her wanderings the idea of leaving my home she said was not a sudden impulse else had I returned sooner but it was the result of long bitter reflection in the first days of my humiliation I wished that I might die for though the thought of death and the dread hereafter made me tremble it was preferable to the scorn and contempt I should necessarily meet if I survive then came a reaction and when our angel mother glided so noiselessly around my sick room when you darling Fanny nursed me with so much care and even father's voice grew low and kind as he addressed me my better nature if I had any was touched and I thought I would like to live for the sake of retrieving the past but the evil spirit which has haunted me from infancy whispered that as soon as I was well all would be changed you Fanny would hate me and father would treat me as he always had only worse poor dear child I didn't know what to do so I know said Uncle Joshua and Julia continued then I thought how the world would loathe and despise and point at me until I was almost maddened and when Dr. Gordon said I would live the tempter whispered suicide but I dared not do that about that time I heard rumors of a marriage which would take place as soon as I was well and Fanny will you forgive me for being sick as long as possible for the sake of delaying your happiness but pressure of the hand was Fanny's only answer and Julia proceeded I could not see you married to him I could not meet the world in its censure so I determined to go away I had thirty dollars in my purse of which no one knew and taking that I started I knew not where on reaching the school house something impaled me to enter it and I found there a young girl about my own size under other circumstances I might have been frightened but now utterly fearless I addressed her and found from her answers that she was crazy a sudden idea entered my brain I would change clothes with her and thus avoid discovery she willingly acceded to my proposition and in my new attire I again started toward Lexington which I reached about four in the morning I had no definite idea as to where I wanted to go but the sight of the Cincinnati stage drawn up before the Phoenix determined me I had purposely kept my own bonnet in veil as the maniac girl wore neither drawing the ladder over my face I kept it there while securing my place in the coach and until we were many miles from the city passengers entered and left and some looked inquisitively at me in my slightly fantastic dress we reached Cincinnati about ten in the morning and with a long glad breath I stepped from the coach and felt that Kentucky and my notorious character were behind I stopped at the hotel and the next two days were spent in procuring myself a decent outfit each night I went to a different house for the sake of avoiding suspicion and as my bills were promptly paid no questions were ever asked at the D House I saw in a paper an advertisement for a teacher in a school in one of the interior towns I had formed some such plan for the future and instantly determined personally to apply for the situation I did so but credentials were required and I had none to give somewhat weary of my adventure I returned to Cincinnati and for a few weeks my eye caught the sign fashionable dressmaking and millinery I knew I had a taste for that and I concluded to offer myself as an apprentice then she told how she had toiled on day after day with dim eye and aching head for over a year in the unwholesome atmosphere of a crowded workshop conducted by a slave driving inconsiderate woman named Miss Dillon while thoughts of home and remorse for the past preyed on her heart but why did you not come back asked Fanny I received you most gladly I felt that I could not do that said Julia I knew that you thought me dead and I fancied that father at least would feel relieved oh child grown Uncle Joshua don't say so I was mighty mean I know but I never got to that after a moment Julia told them that she had had to deliver a party dress to Florence Woodburn at Mr. Graham's house one evening and while waiting in the hall had heard Florence read a letter from Nellie Stanton in the letter Nellie said that Mrs. Middleton was not expected to live and that Dr. Lacey and Fanny from New Orleans were with her this news caused her to resign her position at Miss Dillon's and hurry home I reached Lexington, she said about nine o'clock in the evening and as I thought my baggage might incommode me I purposely left it there but hired a boy to bring me home when we reached the gate at the entrance of the woods I told him he could return as I preferred going the remainder of the way alone surprised but complied with my request I had never heard of the new house and as I drew near I was puzzled and fancied I was wrong but Tiger bounded forward at first angrily then joyfully and I knew I was right all about the house was so dark so still that a dreadful foreboding filled my heart a fear that mother might be dead I remembered the little graveyard and instantly bent my steps thither I saw the costly marble and the carefully kept grave and a thrill of joy ran through my veins for they told me I was kindly remembered in the home I had so darkened but another object riveted my attention it was a fresh mound and I knew full well who rested there never have I shed such tears of anguish as fell upon the sod which covers my sainted mother in the intensity of my grief I was not conscious of Fanny's approach until she stood near me the rest you know and now father, will you receive to your home an affection one who has so widely strayed willingly, most willingly said Uncle Joshua as he folded her to his bosom and if I had done his eye or two a heap of this wouldn't have happened oh I didn't or to do so I didn't and I ain't going to anymore you shall live with me when sunshine's gone and we would be so happy if your poor mother could only see us and know it all from that time nothing could exceed Uncle Joshua's kindness to his daughter he seemed indeed trying to make up for the past and frequently he would whisper to himself no I didn't or to do so I see more and more that I didn't still his fondness for Fanny was undiminished and occasionally after looking earnestly at both his children he would exclaim hang me if I don't believe sunshine is a heap the handsomest but if these words caused Julia any emotion it was never betrayed from Julia's story there could be no doubt that the maniac girl was laid in the grave which Uncle Joshua had thought belonged to his daughter no tidings of her had been heard although one gentleman thought that he once had met with a girl answering to her description in the stagecoach between Lexington and Cincinnati all search in that quarter was unabailing and over her fate a dark mystery lay until Julia suddenly appeared and threw light on the matter the afflicted father, for she had no mother was sent for and when told where his child was laid asked permission to have her disinterred and taken to his family burial place his request was granted the grave was opened and then refilled and leveled with the earth the monument Julia took care to have carefully preserved as a memento of the olden time as will be supposed Julia's return furnished the neighborhood and surrounding country with a topic of conversation for many weeks at first nearly all treated her with cool neglect but as she kept entirely at home curiosity to see one who had as it were come back from the dead triumphed over all other things and at last all who came to see Fanny asked also for her sister among the few who at once hastened to give the penitent girl the hand of friendship was Kate Miller she marked her gentle manner in the subdued glance of her still somewhat haughty eyes she wound her arm about her neck and whispered I shall in time learn to love you dearly for the sake of more than one Julia comprehended her or thought she did and answered Mrs. Miller that one dreadful crime has troubled me more than all the rest I killed him your noble brother and from the moment I deliberately determined to do so I became leagued with the tempter who lured me madly on but I outdid myself and was entangled in the snare my own hands had laid it is ever so answered Kate our most secret sins will in the end find us out the reader is perhaps anxious to know why their back across the Atlantic Ashton brought his Spanish bride yes he did Mr. William Middleton accompanied him to the house of Sir Arthur Effingham whom they found to be dying his property was gone and he feared that he must lead the youthful Ines to the cold charities of the world and a miserly brother when Mr. Middleton made himself known the dying man pointed to Ines and said you once loved the mother care for the daughter when I'm gone will you I will answered Mr. Middleton on condition that you consent to having a young friend of mine share the care with me at the same time he presented Ashton Sir Arthur recognized him immediately and answered willingly, most willingly I was a fool to spurn you once as I did in a few hours Sir Arthur was dead and Ines was an orphan but her grief was soothed by the presence of Ashton who a few days before sailing for America made her his wife during the voyage Mr. Middleton informed Ashton that as soon as he reached home he intended making his will by which he should bequeath his property to Ines said he I have spent so many years of my life in India that I find the climate of New Orleans more congenial to my feelings than a colder one would be consequently I shall purchase a house in that city and as I look upon you and Ines as my children I shall insist upon your living with me if you have no objection during the winter Fanny wrote frequently to her father urging him to visit her but this he declined doing and early the following May he stood one evening impatiently awaiting the arrival of Ike who had gone to Frankfurt with the expectation of meeting Fanny and her husband everything had been put in readiness the parlors and best chamber were opened and aired the carriage and carriage horses had been brushed up a new saddle had been bought for Fanny's pony and a new dress for each of the black women then everything and everybody seemed expecting a joyful time as the carriage approached the house Uncle Joshua looked wistfully toward it trying to catch a glimpse of sunshine whom he had not seen for nearly a year and a half but only the face of a little negro girl was seen looking from the window and Uncle Joshua exclaimed Now what's possessed them to fetch that yaller gal I've got niggers enough to wait on them but the yaller gal knew very well why she was there and so air long did Uncle Joshua the steps were let down Fanny sprang from the carriage and ran into the arms of her father who kissed her again and again holding her off to look at her and then again drawing her to him and saying you're handsomer than ever during this process the yellow girl Rose had brought from the carriage a mysterious looking bundle of flannel and white cambrick which now in Doctor Lacy's arms was crowing with delight as its little nurse bobbed up and down making at it all sorts of grimaces what the? no I forgot I didn't mean so but what is that said Uncle Joshua releasing Fanny and advancing toward Doctor Lacy who proudly placed in his arms a beautiful nine month old baby saying we have brought you a second sunshine End of Chapter 26 Recording by Amanda Friday End of Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes