return. As soon as she saw him enter the wood, she would run to him, and
inquire for Mr. Wilmot. Julia, however, manifested no anxiety whatever.
She would not have acknowledged that she hoped he would die, and yet each
time that she heard he was better her spirits sank, for fear he would yet
live. At last Ike brought to Fanny the joyful intelligence that the crisis
was passed, and Mr. Wilmot was out of danger.

That night, in the solitude of her chamber, Julia communed with herself as
follows: "And so he’ll live after all. Well, I may as well let him know at
once that I will not marry him." So saying, she opened her portfolio, and
wrote the following note:



"Mr. Wilmot:

"Sir—When I became engaged to you I was very young and am still so;
consequently, you will hardly be surprised when you learn that I have
changed my mind and wish to have our engagement dissolved.

"Yours truly, as a friend,

"JULIA MIDDLETON."



Ike did not go to Frankfort again for two or three days, but when he did,
he was the bearer of this heartless note. Mr. Wilmot was indeed better and
when he heard Ike was in the house he expressed a desire to see him, as he
wished to send some word to Julia. When Ike was ushered into the sick