We left Kate interrogating her cousin as to how he chanced to be there,
and the remainder of the company looked in wonder upon the strangers, who
seemed so suddenly to have dropped in their midst. After Frank had
answered his cousin's question, he introduced his companion and said, "He
has two nieces here, I believe. He has recognized one of them in your
charming queen. Will you please point out the other and introduce him?"
"I am sorry to say Julia is not present," answered Kate. "But come with
me, Mr. Middleton," continued she, "and I will present you to Fanny." Then
turning to Frank, she added, "I remember you to be a woman-hater, master
Frank, so you can remain where you are."
"I'd laugh to see myself doing it," answered Frank, as he followed his gay
cousin to the spot where Fanny was standing. All eyes were upon them,
while Kate introduced the tall, distinguished-looking gentleman to Fanny
as her uncle.
"My uncle!" said Fanny, in some surprise. "My uncle!"
A slight shade of disappointment was visible on Mr. Middleton's face, as
he took the offered hand of his niece, but he said, "Yes, your uncle. Did
you never hear your father speak of his brother Bill?"
"Oh, yes, yes," said Fanny joyfully. "I do know you now. You are my Uncle
William from the Indies. Father will be delighted to see you, for he has
long feared you were dead." At the same time the affectionate girl again
took her uncle's hand and raised it to her lips.
The tears started to Mr. Middleton's eyes, but hastily dashing them away,
he said, "I suppose the fair Queen Fanny knows that bad bills always
return?"
Fanny replied by again kissing the sunburned hand of her uncle. "King
Ferdinand!" thought Frank, "I'd endure the rack for the sake of being in
the old fellow's boots." Frank had been standing near Fanny, fixing upon
her a gaze so intensely earnest that when she at last raised her eyes to
his she blushed deeply, for there was no mistaking the look of deep
admiration with which he regarded her.
Kate immediately introduced him. Fanny received him very politely, but
said playfully, "I was in hopes, Mr. Cameron, that you would prove to be
my cousin."
Mr. Middleton immediately answered, "No, dear Fanny, he is not your
cousin, but he seems very desirous of becoming my nephew."
Fanny did not apply this to herself, but answered very demurely, "I don't
know what he'll do, uncle. You'll have to talk the matter over with sister
Julia, who unfortunately is not here."