The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1853-04-07
ing his regard for them might have con-

ing his regard for them might have con
tinued as high as before his marriage.
The relative to whom reference ha
Just been made, was lady whose hus
band, very estimable man, was in mod
erately good circumstances. They haC
three children of their own, the younges
Of which was nearly ten years of age
From his high appreciation of Mrs
Wellford's character, Mr., Lionel who
from thinking of Aggy as his adopted
child, began to love her almost as mucl
as if she were really bis own, felt stron,
desire that she should take the orphan
A little to his surprise, Mrs. Wellford
when she met him in the parlor, entered
leading Aggy by the hand.
Dear little creature !" he said, taking
the child up in bis arms, and kissing hcl
as soon as he had shaken hands witt
Mrs. Wexford II am glad to see you
in such good hands. 1t is about this
very child, Mary" he added, +" that 1
have come to talk with you. What is
to be done with her :"
" | don't know" returned Mrs. Well
ford. She must have a home some
where among us. The dear child ! ANY
body could love her. Have you thought
Of taking her :"
If | were to consult NY own feelings
and wishes, l should adopt her as my
own child Immediately. But am not
at liberty to do this, aud therefore, must
not think about it. l am willing, how
ever, to be at the entire cost of her
and education, if you will
unde take the care of her. What l can
do, will do with all my heart"
"We have already talked seriously
about adding Aggy to household,' y
replied Mrs. Wexford. "And if no one
e'se oilers to do so, we will keep her
and do for her the same as if she were
our own. 1t will bring more care and
anxiety for me, which, as my health is
lot good, will be felt ; but i. no better
provided for, it will be my duty to take
he place of her mvther, and will as
ume the duty cheerfully
" But at my CHARGE" said Mr..
Lionel. rl .E
NO." replied Mrs Wexford. GA
mother accepts no pay for her duty. It
$ a labor of love and brings its own
sweet reward. Though Provid ence has
lot given us wealth, yet we have enough,
md, ] think as much to spare as this dear
'hild will need. For your kind wishes
md intentions for Aggy, l will thank
'ou in her stead. l thought, perhaps,
S you had no children, that you might
'ish to adopt her, but, as this cannot be,
will doubtless fall to our lot" +" |
Mr.. Lionel went home, feeling less
atsfed with his vife's spirit and temper,
o strongly contrasted as it was, with that
t Mrs Welltold, who had called the
,other's duty she was about assuming,
labor of love.
Little Aggy scarcely felt the loss of
er parent. The love she had borne
er mother, was transferred to her
unit, so early, that no void was left in
er heart. 1t took but little while
n each member of the family to feel
lat Aggy had right to BE- among them, .
nd for Mr.. and Mrs Wellford to love |
er as her own child.
Years rolled by, and brought them !
any unlocked for changes, both to Mrs. I
lionel and Mrs. Wexford Both |
I'd been subject to affliction and re-
'rses-the severest, perhaps that ordi-
Irily fall to the lot of any-for both C
ere widows, and both friendless and {
'or. As for Mrs. Wexford, she had |
It only lost her husband, but all her C
lIdren were taken, and she was left
me in the world with the orphan Aggy S,
ut she, grown into lovely young Ii
'man, nestled closer to her side, @
o,gh not with helpless, but iu sus. Il
ning spirit. Death, though he had la
b6ed her of much, had still left her I
ich Bereaved as she had been, she Il
S neither lonely nor sad. How diff CT
entity with Mrs. Lionel! After the
ath of her husband, and the total loss III
her property, she fell back at once nc
m her advanced position in the social ar
*, into neglect, obscuriy and want. fu