-in short, "just the
thing." She thought to herself, "There, I've done it now! Julia and I have
both introduced ourselves to him in a pretty light, but it's just like
me--however, I'll not say another word tonight!"

The little incident of the coffee pot gave Mr. Wilmot something of an
insight into the character and disposition of the two girls. And surely
nothing could have been more unlike than their personal appearance, as
they sat side by side at the supper table. Julia was about seventeen years
of age and was called very handsome, for there was something peculiarly
fascinating in the ever-varying expression of her large black eyes. She
was a brunette, but there was on her cheek so rich and changeable a color
that one forgot in looking at her, whether she were dark or light. Her
disposition was something like her complexion--dark and variable. Her
father was a native of South Carolina, and from him she inherited a quick,
passionate temper. At times she was as gentle as a lamb, but when anything
occurred to trouble her, all her Southern blood boiled up, and she was as
Fanny said, "always ready to fire up at a moment's warning." Mr. Middleton
called her "Tempest," while to Fanny he gave the pet name of "Sunshine,"
and truly, compared with her sister, Fanny's presence in the house was
like a ray of sunshine.

She was two years younger than Julia and entirely different from her, both
in looks and disposition. Her face was very pale and her bright golden
hair fell in soft curls around her neck and shoulders, giving her
something the appearance of a fairy. Her eyes were very large and very
dark blue, and ever mirrored forth the feelings of her soul.

By the servants Julia was feared and dreaded; but Fanny was a favorite
with all. Not a man, woman or child on the plantation but was ready to do
anything for "darling Miss Fanny." And they thought, too, every one must
love her as well as they did, for they said "she showed by her face that
she was an angel." This was the opinion of the blacks, and it was also the
partially formed opinion of Mr. Wilmot before he finished his supper; and
yet he could not help thinking there was something wondrously attractive
in the glance of Julia's large, dark eyes.

After supper he tried to engage the girls in conversation in order to
ascertain which had the better mind. He found Fanny most ready to
converse. She had forgotten her resolution not to talk, and before the
evening was half sp