like Fanny’s, and yet it was so unnatural for her to be in such a passion
that they thought it impossible. Their fears were, however, soon confirmed
by Luce, who said, "Oh, Miss Fanny, Lor’ knows I never tached it. Now,
sartin I knows nothin’ ’bout it."

"Hold your jaw, or I’ll slap your mouth for you, you lying thief!" said
Julia (alias Fanny). "Of course you’ve got it, for no one else has been in
here; so tell where you hid it."

"Lordy massy! How can I tell, when I dun know nothin’ whar ’tis," said
Luce.

"There, take, that to brighten up your ideas," said Fanny, and at the same
time there was, the sound of a blow, which was followed by an outcry from
Luce, who exclaimed, "Oh—oh—oh—Miss Fanny, don’t go for to whip me, ’case
I haint nothin to tell; if I had I’d tell right off. I haint seed your
hankercher ’tall. Mebby you’ve done drapped it somewhar."

Just then the door opened, and Julia, again speaking naturally, was heard
to say, "Why, Fanny, what are you doing just as soon as mother is gone?
Luce, what is the matter?"

"Oh, Miss Julia," replied Luce, "Miss Fanny done lost her fine hankercher,
and she say how I stole it, but I haint."

"What makes you think Luce has got your handkerchief, Fanny?" asked Julia.

"Because I left it on the table, and ’tisn’t there now; and no one has
been in the room except Luce," replied Fanny.