nn, with a very low bow; and casting a furtive
glance around to make sure that no one saw him, he drew from his pocket a
letter, on which Julia instantly recognized Dr. Lacey's handwriting. She
took it and placed it in the pocket of her dress.

On her way home, conscience clamored loudly in behalf of Fanny's rights.
It said, "Beware what you do! Give Fanny her letter. It is a crime to
withhold it." But again the monitress was stilled, and the crafty girl
kept on her way, firm in her sinful purpose, until she reached the corner
which brought her in sight of the window where Fanny was impatiently
watching for her. The sight of that bright, joyous face, as it looked from
the window, anxious for the expected sight of her letter, made Julia for a
moment waver. She thought how gentle and loving Fanny had always been to
her and involuntarily her hand sought the letter which lay like a crushing
weight in her pocket. It was half drawn from its hiding place when the
spirit of evil which seemed ever to follow Julia's footsteps whispered,
"Let it alone. You have gone too far to retreat. You have Dr. Lacey to
win, and it can be done in no other way."

Julia listened to the tempter, her hand was withdrawn, and Fanny looked in
vain for her letter. A faint sickness stole over her for a moment but she
thought, "Perhaps Julia means to tease me. I will appear very unconcerned
and not ask for it." So when Julia entered the room, she found that her
sister's attention was suddenly, distracted by something in the street;
but Fanny was not accustomed to dissemble and the rosy flush on her cheek
showed how anxious she was.

At last Julia said, "Why do you not ask for your letter, Fanny?"

Oh, how eager was the expression of the sweet, pale face which was
instantly turned toward the speaker. Springing up she exclaimed, "Oh,
Julia, you have got me one, haven't you? Please give it to me."

"I will tomorrow when it arrives," said Julia. "It has probably been
delayed."

Fanny's countenance fell and she said, "Then you haven't got me a letter?
Oh, I'm so sorry!"

"Never mind, sister," said Julia. "It will come tomorrow, and will seem
all the better for waiting."

Tomorrow came, but with it came no letter, and days wore on, until at last
it was Saturday night. Alone in her room poor Fanny was weeping bitterly.
Was Dr. Lacey sick or dead? This was the question which she continually
asked herself. A suspicion of his unfaithfulness had not yet en