At length the morning came on which Julia and Fanny were to leave for the
first time their native state. Side by side near the landing at Frankfort
lay the two boats, Blue Wing and Diana. The one was to bear Fanny on her
Northern tour, and the other would convey Julia as far as Louisville on
her way South. Mr. Woodburn, who had business in New Orleans, was to take
Julia under his protection.
And now but a short time remained ere the Diana would loose her moorings
and be under way. These few moments were moments of sorrow to Mr. and Mrs.
Middleton, who had accompanied their daughters to Frankfort. Uncle Joshua
particularly was much depressed, and scarce took his eyes from his
treasure, who might be leaving him forever. In his estimation the far-off
North was a barren, chilly region, and although he did not quite believe
his Fanny would be frozen to death, he could not rid himself of the fear
that something would befall her.
"You'll take good keer of her, won't you, Miller?" said he, "and bring her
safely back to us?"
Mr. Miller gave the promise, and then observing that there was something
else on Mr. Middleton's mind, he said, "What is it, Mr. Middleton? What
more do you wish to say?"
Mr. Middleton struggled hard with his feelings, and his voice sank to a
whisper as he answered, "I wanted to tell you that if--if she should die,
bring her home--bring her back; don't leave her there all alone."
The old man could say no more, for the bell rang out its last warning. The
parting between Fanny and her parents was a sad one, and even Julia wept
as she kissed her sister, and thought it might be for the last time.
Soon after the Diana, with its precious freight disappeared from view, Mr.
Middleton was called upon to bid another farewell to his eldest daughter.
"Reckon the old fellow likes one girl better than the other," said a
bystander, who had witnessed both partings. And yet Mr. Middleton did
well, and his look and manner was very affectionate as he bade Julia
good-bye, and charged her "not to be giddy and act like a fool, nor try to
come it over Dr. Lacey." "Though," thought he, "it'll be sarvin the rascal
right if he should have to live with Tempest all his life."
It is not our intention at present to follow Julia in her passage to New
Orleans. In another chapter we will take up the subject, and narrate her
adventures. Now we prefer going North with the other party, which
consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, Fanny and Raymond. The latter had, in a
fit of desperation, determined to quit Frankfort, and go no one knew
whither. He accompanied his friends as far as Cincinnati, and there bade
them adieu, saying that they would hear of him again in a way they little
dreamed of.