Joshua's biggest oaths into use. Mrs. Middleton tried to calm her
husband and remind him of his promise not to swear. "I know it," said he,
"I know I promised not to swear, and for better than two months I hain't
swore, but I can't help it now. And yet I expected it. I know'd 'twould be
so when I let Tempest go to New Orleans. But he'll run himself into a
hornet's nest, and I ain't sure but it's just the punishment for him."

"Why, then, do you rave so?" asked Mrs. Middleton.

"Because," answered her husband, "when I let Tempest go, I'd no idee
Sunshine cared so much for him. If I had, I'd have slung a halter round
Tempest's neck and tied her up in the hoss barn she likes so well!"

The old man was evidently piqued at Julia's thrust at the old house. "Fix
up! A heap I'll fix up for her to be married," continued he.

"Then you'll give your consent?" said Mrs. Middleton.

"Consent! Who's asked any consent?" replied he, "and 'tain't likely they
will nuther; and if I should refuse, Tempest wouldn't mind clamberin' out
of the chimbly to run away, and the doctor has showed himself jest as
mean. No; he may have her and go to the old boy for all of Josh. But
what's this about Cameron? I hope 'tis so, but I'm mighty feared it ain't.
Sunshine can't love two at a time."

While Mr. Middleton was thus expending his fury, Fanny was alone in her
room, struggling hard to subdue the bitter feelings which were rising in
her heart. Until now she had not been aware how much she loved Dr. Lacey.
True, she had said it was impossible she could ever marry him; and she had
believed she was trying to forget him; but ever in her heart she had,
perhaps unconsciously, cherished a half formed belief that all would yet
be well, and when she refused the noble, generous heart which Frank
Cameron laid at her feet, it was with a vague hope that Dr. Lacey would
yet be hers. But now every hope was gone. "There is nothing left for me,"
said Fanny, "but woe, woe!" 'Twas fearful--the tide of sorrow which swept
over the young girl, but amid the wild storm of passion came the echo of a
still, small voice, whispering of one who loves with more than an earthly
love, who never proves faithless--never fails. Fanny listened to the
Spirit's pleadings and resolved that henceforth she would seek to place
her affections where "there is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning."

The whirlwind of excitement passed over, leaving no trace to mark its
passage, save