This journal was interspersed here and there with tears, and was so exact
an imitation of Fanny's writing that Dr. Lacey was completely duped. He,
however, wondered that Julia should show it to him. She had foreseen this,
and as he was reading the last few lines she was looking over her
portfolio. Suddenly springing up, she snatched the paper from his hands,
saying, "Oh, what have I done? I've shown you the wrong part of the
journal. I did not mean you to see this. What shall I do? You'll hate
Fanny and despise me."
"Why despise you?" asked Dr. Lacey.
"Because," replied Julia, "you will dislike me for the foolish thing which
Fan wrote about me. I could not help her writing it."
"And is it true?" asked Dr. Lacey.
"Oh, you must not ask me that--I can't tell--I shan't tell--" and seizing her
portfolio Julia started off toward the house, thinking possibly she should
be pursued. But she was not.
During the reading of the journal Dr. Lacey's heart seemed to go through a
benumbing process, which rendered it perfectly palsied. No emotion either
of love or anger did he feel toward Fanny. She was nought to him.
And how did the knowledge that Julia loved him affect him? Answer, any
man, whether your wounded pride is never soothed by woman's sympathy, and
love, come in what garb it may. And in Dr. Lacey's case it was a being of
wondrous beauty, who knew well what she was about and had marked each inch
of ground ere she trod upon it. What marvel then that Dr. Lacey turned
toward her. You would have done so; ay, perchance sooner than he did.
That evening after supper, as Dr. Lacey was walking upon the veranda,
Florence approached him, saying, "Come, Dr. Lacey, now fulfill your
promise of playing with Julia," at the same time leading him toward the
place where her companions were seated. "Now," said she, placing the
chessboard in his hands, "I am mistress of ceremonies. We will have a fair
understanding. If Julia beats, you shall be hers; if you beat, Mabel and
Lida shall draw cuts for you. Do you agree to it?"
"Certainly," was Dr. Lacey's reply, at the same time seating himself
opposite Julia, who gave him a look of searching inquiry. He understood
her and in a low tone answered, "I am in earnest. Do your best."
And she did her best. With one strong effort of the will she concentrated
all her energies upon that game, which she felt would decide her fate. Dr.
Lacey, too, as if resolved to conquer, played most skillfully. The
bystanders for a time looked on, and as Lida noticed the livid hue of
Julia's face, she said, "Pray, Julia, don't burst a blood vessel, for
maybe Dr. Lacey will have you, even if you do not beat."