The overseer now approached to ask orders concerning a piece of work in
which the negroes were employed. Mr. Middleton accompanied him to the
field, while Dr. Lacey returned to the house in quest of Fanny. He was
told that she was with Julia, and with an involuntary shudder, he
approached the chamber which contained one who had well nigh been his
wife! His wife! The very idea filled him with loathing when associated
with her, and still he pitied the suffering girl, who, divested of her
bridal attire, now lay moaning in pain. With coming day had come a burning
fever, which increased so rapidly that Dr. Gordon shook his head when
questioned as to the result.
The change of affairs had also wrought a change in Fanny, who seemed and
really was better than she had been for many days. Gladly would she have
stayed with Dr. Lacey, but she felt that duty called her to Julia's
bedside. With unwearying devotion she hung over the pillow of her sister,
who seemed more quiet when she knew Fanny was near. Once she looked
wistfully in her face, and appeared as if anxious to speak, but Fanny
gently laid her hand on her lips, saying, "No, no, Julia; you must not."
She did, however, and the word "forgive" met Fanny's ear. Had Fanny been
less of a Christian, forgiveness might have been hard, but now she
answered sincerely, truthfully, "As I hope for pardon in heaven, so do I
forgive you for the great wrong you have done me."
At the mention of the word "heaven," Julia shuddered, and after a time
repeated, "Heaven! You will find it, but I--never--never!"
Earnestly then did Fanny speak of a Savior's love, which receives all,
pardons all, who come to him. Julia shook her head despairingly, and as
the conversation seemed to annoy her, Fanny ceased talking, while a voice
behind her said, "Teach me, too, the way of life, for I fear I have never
walked in it."
It was Dr. Lacey, who, unobserved by either of the girls, had entered and
been a listener to what Fanny said. As Julia heard the sound of voices she
turned toward him a look so imploring, so full of contrition and entreaty,
that he was moved, and approaching the bedside, took the vacant seat near
Fanny. But he did not, like her, breathe words of forgiveness, for his
heart was full of bitterness toward her. As he sat there, gazing coldly,
sternly at her, she again spoke, "If you can, if you will only forgive
me."