Kate could not help feeling that, possibly, “tomorrow” might not do as well; but she said no more on the subject, and waited patiently for the morrow, when, true to his promise, her husband commenced the important letter.  We have said that Mr. Miller had never liked Julia.  In this letter, however, he spoke as favorably of her as he could; but he told how basely she had once deceived himself and Mr. Wilmot, with regard to Fanny, and also hinted his own and his wife’s suspicion, that, in some way or other, Julia was connected with Dr. Lacey’s long silence, as well as with the heartless letter which Fanny had received from New Orleans.

“Yes, this will do,” said Kate, as she read what her husband had written.  “But,” she added, “I cannot help feeling sorry that it was not sent yesterday.”

“Oh, Kate,” said Mr. Miller, gayly, “your anxiety for Fanny has made you nervous, and now you are almost superstitious.  One day can make no possible difference in the result of this letter.”

Afterward, when it was too late, he learned how much difference the delay of one day caused.  By its means, that letter which would have set all right, was sent in the same package with Julia’s amiable production, and, as we have seen, was not received by its owner, but was safely stowed away in a cigar box under ground.

Soon after Mr. Miller deposited his letter in the post office, a young girl, closely veiled, entered the same building, and looked anxiously round until her eye fell upon her accomplice, Mr. Dunn.  That worthy young man instantly came forward, grinning and bowing, and almost upsetting another clerk, who was also hastening to wait upon the beautiful Miss Middleton.

“Good morning, Miss Julia!” said Mr. Dunn; “glad to see you.  Fine morning.”

Julia did not deign to reply, for Mr. Dunn’s familiarity was exceedingly disgusting to her.  She, however, handed him her letter, which he looked at in some surprise, and said in a low tone, “Is this letter from Fanny, or you?”

“From me; send it,” answered Julia, at the same time managing to slip an eagle into the hands of the honest clerk.

Leaving the office, the young lady proceeded homeward, thinking to herself, “There, that will settle him, I hope.  I am getting on swimmingly.”

When Mr. Miller entered his room, on his return from the office, Kate said, “In the course of two weeks, you or Fanny or both, will hear from Dr. Lacey.”

“Do not be too sanguine, Katy,” answered Mr. Miller:  “you may be disappointed.”

“Well,” continued Kate, “if he pays no attention to your letter, I shall be satisfied that he really is undeserving of Fanny’s esteem.  I’ll not tell her that you have written, for fear of the consequence.”