Frank's attention was, however, soon diverted toward Mr. Middleton, who
said, speaking to Stanton, "Were it not for your name and glasses, I would
address you as Dr. Lacey. Are you related to him?"
Stanton replied, "Yes, sir; he is my cousin. I think I must resemble him,
as I have been told so frequently."
Mr. Middleton then spoke of Dr. Lacey in the highest terms of
commendation, and concluded his remarks by saying, "I have recently
purchased a residence, near Lake Pontchartrain, and am beating up recruits
to spend the summer there with me. I am sure of Dr. Lacey, Miss Woodburn,
and her cousin, Miss Mortimer. My nieces I shall take back with me, any
way, and shall be happy to prevail on you, Mr. Stanton, to accompany me
also."
Stanton thanked him for his kind invitation, but at the same time declined
it, saying that business would call him to New York in the autumn. The
deep blush which accompanied these words caused Raymond to burst into a
laugh. Mr. Middleton looked inquiringly at him and he said, "Pardon me for
laughing; I was thinking of the important business which calls Bob to New
York."
"Nothing bad, I hope," said Mr. Middleton.
"Nothing worse than going for a wife," answered Raymond. "He is not suited
with Kentucky girls, but must needs plod back to New York."
"If appearances do not deceive, you, at least, seem likely to be suited by
a Kentuckian," replied Mr. Middleton, at the same time turning his black
eyes on Mrs. Carrington with something of a quizzical expression.
Raymond colored. He did not know how the speech would be received by the
fair lady. She soon satisfied him, however; for tossing her head proudly,
she said, "As far as my experience goes, New Yorkers are more easily
suited than Kentuckians; at least, I find them to be exceedingly
disagreeable."
"I am afraid some of them are so easily suited that they catch a Tartar
sometimes," said Frank, whose feelings were roused at hearing this rude
speech.
Mrs. Carrington gave him a look which she meant should say, "I wonder who
you think you are. I'd thank you to mind your own business."
But Frank thought he was minding his business; for he was looking at
Fanny, who had not taken her eyes from her plate since her uncle had
proposed taking herself and Julia to New Orleans. Her first feeling was
one of joy. She would go, for she would then see Dr. Lacey; but the next
thought was, "No, I will not. He has spurned me, and why should I put
myself in his way?"