"It's no use fretting so," said Mrs. Carrington, who was present. "The young man is married, for he spoke of his wife."
Julia did not answer, and Mrs. Carrington soon after left the room. When she was gone, Julia muttered to herself, "Uncle William, from the Indies; rich as Crœsus, of course. What a fool I was not to go to the party. Most likely Fanny has won his good graces by this time. However, I'll dress myself and surprise him with my beauty, if nothing else."
Accordingly, the next hour was spent in decorating her person, and when Fanny came for her she was ready to make an assault upon the good opinion of her rich uncle. Not a thing was out of place, from the shining braids of her dark hair to the tiny slipper on her delicate foot.
Fanny's first exclamation on entering the room was, "How beautiful you look, Julia! It is exceedingly fortunate that you are dressed so becomingly; for, will you believe it, Uncle William is down stairs!"
"Is it possible?" said Julia, affecting much surprise.
"Yes," answered Fanny. "You know father thinks him dead. But come, he is anxious to see you."
Julia arose to go with her sister, and said, "Isn't there a young man with him?"
"How did you know that?" asked Fanny, in some astonishment.
"I saw them from the window," was Julia's ready reply.
Fanny did not think of doubting her sister, and she answered, "It is a Mr. Cameron. He is cousin to Mrs. Miller."