Julia's Plot to Break Fanny's Engagement

Accordingly, after the wedding party had returned to Mrs. Crane's, he
invited Mr. Middleton to go with him for a few minutes to his room. Fanny
was sure of her father's consent, but she could not help feeling nervous
when she saw him leave the parlor, accompanied by Dr. Lacey. A few moments
after, she observed that Julia also was missing, and she trembled lest she
might have suspected something and gone to listen.

Nor was she mistaken in her fears; for Mrs. Carrington and Julia both had
an inkling of what was going on, and when the latter heard Dr. Lacey say
something to her father in a low tone, and then saw them leave the room
together, she arose and stealthily followed them upstairs. Going out on
the balcony, she stole softly up to Dr. Lacey's window, and there,
unobserved, listened to a conversation which confirmed her worst fears. In
a firm, decided tone, Dr. Lacey told Mr. Middleton of his love for his
daughter, and said she had promised to be his if her father would consent.

Mr. Middleton replied, "And so it's my darter you want. Of course it's
Sunshine?"

"Certainly, sir," answered Dr. Lacey.

"Well, I'm glad on't. I've seen it all along; but I didn't know but mebby
Tempest had come it over you with her pretty face--but devil of a life
you'd lead with her."

Dr. Lacey did not reply, but Julia did; and though the tones of her voice
were too low to be heard, they were none the less emphatic, as she said,
"And devil of a life I'll make you lead if you do not have me." And at the
same time she ground her glittering teeth and shook her clenched fist at
the two men, who were unconscious of the rage they were exciting.