ton. The reader will
doubtless think that for once in her life that estimable lady has done a
good deed, although her motive was not the best in the world. Before Julia
went to New Orleans, Mrs. Carrington so far overcame her dislike as to ask
her to write. Julia did not promise to do so, but probably concluded she
would, for soon after her arrival in New Orleans she wrote to her a
letter, in which she hinted at the probable result of her visit. She was
then a guest of Dr. Lacey, and she spoke of his attention and politeness
in the most extravagant terms. This so provoked Mrs. Carrington that she
determined at once to write to Dr. Lacey, and give him an insight into
Julia's real character.

The letter was accordingly written. We must do Mrs. Carrington the justice
to say that though her object in writing was purely selfish, she asserted
nothing in her letter but what she knew to be strictly true. She was
ignorant of Julia's conduct concerning Fanny, consequently she said
nothing upon that head, but she spoke of her generally deceitful
character, and mentioned several instances in which she had not hesitated
to stoop to the basest falsehood for the accomplishment of her purpose.

As she was folding the letter it occurred to her that by some accident
Julia might possibly get hold of it. "And then," thought she, "she will
recognize my handwriting, and curiosity will impel her to open the letter,
after which she wouldn't hesitate a moment to destroy it."

The next moment Mrs. Carrington was rapping at the door of Mrs. Miller's
room. Kate opened it and was greatly surprised at beholding her visitor,
who seldom came there. Mrs. Carrington, however, smilingly presented her
letter to Mr. Miller, saying that she had business with Dr. Lacey, which
rendered it necessary for her to write to him, and as she did not care to
have the post office clerks gossip about her writing to a gentleman, she
wished him to direct it for her. Mr. Miller complied with her request and
the next morning the important document was on its way to New Orleans.

As our readers have twice made the voyage of the Mississippi, they will
not refuse, again, to run the risk of its floating snags, sandbars and
boat races; so stepping on board the same steamer which bears Mrs.
Carrington's letter, we will once more, visit Louisiana, and stopping with
Dr. Lacey, will see how much of Julia's letter to her sister was true.

CH