Julia had at first thought that nothing could induce her to become a pupil
of Mr. Miller, but his allusion to Dr. Lacey decided her otherwise. It was
necessary that she should go, for she did not dare trust her sister alone
with the doctor; so she swallowed her dislike to Mr. Miller, and said she
should be delighted to return to school.
It was settled that they should go during the next week.
This arrangement gave great pleasure to Dr. Lacey, who found it very
lonely in Frankfort without Fanny, and had several times spoken of
returning to New Orleans. But when he learned that Fanny was coming back,
he suddenly changed his mind and concluded that Frankfort would be a
charming winter residence. This was laughingly told to Fanny by Kate, who
had learned to love her very much. Julia she disliked, for she had at last
drawn from Mr. Miller the whole history of her proceedings, and she could
but look upon the false-hearted girl as accessory to her brother's death.
Julia knew that by the fair Northern beauty she was secretly despised, but
she did not care, for she had conceived a great friendship for Mrs.
Carrington, whom she often amused with her remarks about New York people.
Once she said, "I do wish New York would die, or stop taking emetics, and
sending the contents of her bilious stomach to Kentucky in the shape of
teachers!"
Mrs. Carrington smiled and said, "I think you prefer Louisiana emetics, do
you not?"
Julia blushed as she answered, "Yes, but what can I do. There's Mr. Miller
ready to back up whatever Fanny does, and put down whatever I do. I'd
thank him to mind his own business, and stay at his own home!"
Mrs. Carrington did not reply, for she, too, was greatly annoyed by the
presence of Mr. Miller and Kate. The latter she looked upon as a rival,
for she was said by every one to have the most beautiful face in
Frankfort. This greatly displeased Mrs. Carrington, who, before Kate's
arrival, had been considered the belle of the town, so far as beauty was
concerned. She also felt great contempt for Kate's occupation as a
teacher, and said, "She didn't see why folks should make such an ado over
a poor music teacher."
Once, in speaking on the subject to Dr. Lacey, she said, "I am glad I was
not born in New York, for then I should have been obliged to pick up
chips, split wood, dig potatoes, wash dishes and teach school!"