Fanny shuddered at the idea of her father becoming the murderer of Dr.
Lacey, and Mrs. Middleton rejoined, "I am glad, husband, to hear you talk
more sensibly. It can do no possible good for you to shoot Dr. Lacey, and
then lose your own life, as you assuredly would; besides, I think the less
we say of the matter, the better it will be."
"I reckon you are right, Nancy," said Mr. Middleton; "but hang it all,
what excuse shall I give Bill for not lettin' the gals go to New Orleans?"
"But, father," said Fanny, "you will let Julia go, of course. Uncle knows
I do not intend to go, and consequently will think nothing of that; and
there is no reason why Julia should not go to New Orleans, and I to New
York. Now, say we may; that's a dear father."
"I s'pose I'll have to, honey," answered Mr. Middleton; "but if I can see
ahead an inch, you're bitin' your own nose off by sending Tempest to New
Orleans without you."
Afterward Fanny remembered this speech, and understood it, too; but now
she was prevented from giving it a thought by her father, who continued,
"Doesn't that Cameron chap live some'us in New York?"
There was no reason for it, but Fanny blushed deeply as she replied, "Yes,
sir; Mr. Cameron lives in New York City; but I am not going to see him."
"Mebby not," answered her father; "but my name ain't Josh if he won't be
on the lookout for you. And 'twixt us, darling, now the doctor's sarved
you such a scaly trick, I shouldn't pitch and drive much if I heard that
you and Cameron were on good terms."
"That will never, never be," answered Fanny. "I shall always live at home
with you and mother."
"You are a blessed daughter," said Mr. Middleton, "and I hope there's
better fortin in store for you than to stay hived up with us two old
crones; and I can't help thinkin' that you'll have Dr. Lacey yet, or
somebody a heap better. Now go to bed, child, for your eyes are gettin'
red like, and heavy."
Fanny obeyed and retired to her room, where she found Julia sitting up and
waiting for her. As soon as Fanny appeared she began, "Fan, you are a real
good girl. I was pleased to hear you talk. Nobody but you could have done
anything with the old heathen."