At this speech Kate smiled in spite of her tears, and Mr. Middleton went
on: "But he warn't as handsome as his sister, and I'll be skinned if I
ever seen anybody that was. Tempest can't hold a candle to her, for all
she feels so crank. Why, Kit, or Kate, what's yer name? You're as handsome
as a pictur!"
Mr. Miller probably thought so too, if the admiring look which he gave her
was any criterion. Mr. Middleton observed it, and forgetting for a moment
the death of his friend, he slapped Mr. Miller on his shoulder, saying, "I
tell you what, my boy; it's a mighty mean wind that blows nobody any good
fortin. Miss Kate warn't sent to Kentuck for nothin', and unless you're a
bigger logger-head than I think you be, you'll try to find out what she
come for, and how long she's goin' to stay."
Mr. Miller smiled and said, "I hope we shall be able to keep Miss Wilmot
all winter, for the people of Frankfort are wanting a music teacher, and
have solicited her to remain in that capacity."
"By Jove," said Mr. Middleton, "that's just the thing! And you have taken
Dick's place in school--poor, boy, to die so soon!" The tears were again
moistening his immense beard, but this time he hastily brushed them away,
and went on, "Yes, that's a capital idee, and you want me to patternize
you by sending my two gals--hey? Well, I reckon I can't do better, if they
want to go. Ho! Tempest--Sunshine--what d'ye say? D'ye want to go back to
Frankfort and board at Miss Crane's, 'long of Mr. Miller, Dr. Lacey, Katy
did, and that other infernal Katy didn't, what fainted spang away at the
sight of old Josh! But though she was so dreadfully skeered, the pooty
color didn't leave her cheeks an atom. Lightnin' spikes! Let me catch my
gals paintin' and I'll--"
But he was prevented from telling what he'd do by Fanny, who clapped her
hands and said, "Oh, father, you are a dear good man; may we really go?"
"I thought Fanny would be pleased with the idea," said Mr. Miller, "and
even if she had objected, I was going to send the doctor out, and I know
he would bring her to terms."
Fanny blushed and her father said, "Do you think so? Well, I'm glad on't.
I'd as soon she'd have him as anybody, and she's worthy of him too, for if
she can love such a hideous old clown as I am, she'll stick to such a nice
man as Dr. Lacey through thick and thin. But what do you say to goin',
Tempest?"