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Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes
page 30 of 364 (08%)
night, their conversation naturally enough turned upon the family and the
two girls, both of whom Mr. Wilmot spoke of in the highest terms. Mr.
Miller agreed with him as long as his remarks were confined to Fanny, but
when he came to speak of Julia, and of her superior beauty, intellect and
agreeable manners, he ventured to disagree with him.

Said he, "As to Julia’s beauty, there can be but one opinion, for she is
very handsome; but the interior of the casket does not correspond with the
exterior; she is as false as fair. Then, as to her intellect, I never
thought it greatly superior to Fanny’s. To be sure, she has a way of
showing off all she does know, while Fanny is more retiring."

Here Mr. Wilmot spoke of the faculty she possessed for learning so long
lessons. "Even your favorite Fanny," said he, "admitted that."

"True," returned Mr. Miller, "but have you forgotten the notes? Do you not
think there may be something in that?"

"Is it possible," said Mr. Wilmot, rather warmly, "is it possible you
think the high-souled Julia capable of such meanness? You do not know her
as well as I do, if you think she would stoop to such deception. You shall
go to school with me tomorrow, and then you can see for yourself."

"Yes, I will do so," said Mr. Miller, and then as he saw Mr. Wilmot seemed
somewhat excited, he changed the conversation, which had been heard by
other ears. Adjoining the room of Mr. Wilmot was a long dark closet, the
door of which opened into the apartment of Julia and Fanny. This closet
was used for a kind of lumber room, in which were stored promiscuously old
barrels, trunks, hats, boots and so forth. It originally had a window, but
the glass had long been broken and its place supplied by a large board,
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