The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-08-12
Judge Harding's Birth Day Gift.

the exception of the library and that used in
common by the two domestics. Yet there had
been time when those darkened and deserted
parors had been one blaze Of light, and its walls
had echoed to the sound of merry laughter and
gay young voices.
Judge Harling entered the library, and clos
ing the door looked drearily around. Yet 1t
was filled with all the appliances Of wealth and
luxury; the carpet was like velvet to the foot,
the LOFTY walls were decked with pictures, and
the wide, deep windows hung with wine color
ed drapery of the richest silk.
A large easy chair was wheeled in front of
the FIRE. which gave forth aruddy glow across
1t lay dressing gown, while on the rug were
slippers. all ready for his feet. But Judge
Harding knew II was the work Of old Margery,
his housekeeper, who, though she had been in
his service two score years, feared more than
she loved him. There was no eye to brighten
at his approach, no voice to welcome him
This thought was uppermost in the old mans
mind. as leaning back in his chair, he gazed
abstractediy into the fire. Some years before,
taken her mercifully from the evil to come.
One of the sons she had borne him filed q
drunkards grave, the other had been mortally
wounded in some disgraceful quarrel. But Es.
telle his little Estelle. the eve lamb of his flock,
loved beyond all others, and yet who had
wounded his heart so sorely, where was shei
All. we'll he knew that the December snow
was falling upon her grave that she died un-
soothed By the knowledge of his forgiveness.
The iron grey locks that shaded his temples
accorded well with the general expression Of
the strongly marked features, and which were
characterized by hardness and coldness almost
repelling. yet through it could be seen traces of
mental anguish of which weaker natures are in
capable.
He was aroused from the gloomy rcverie into
which he had fallen by old Margery, who. OPEN
ing the door, said,
"There is woman and little girl in the hall
who insists on seeing you."
"Did she give her namei"
"she said her name was Dugald," returned
Margery, speaking with evident hesitation.
But contrary to her expectations, this men,
ton of name hated above all others produced
no visible effect upon her master.
"Show her in" he said after moments re-
hection. t
II was difficult to determine the age of the
woman who entered. Her hair was nearly
white, but her eyes bright and piercing. and
her tall, strongly built frame as erect as in ear
ly life. Though evidently person of little ed
ucation, her countenance and bearing indicated
an unusual amount of will and energy, COM
bined with no little shrewdness and efrrontery.
Judge Harding evidently saw all this in the
steady look with which he regarded her.
"You are the mother Of the late Richard
Dugald!'
az am the mother of your late daughters
husband, Judge Harding"
The proud old man WINGED visibly at this
thrust. but did not lose his sclf-possession.
"And this is the child of your son 2" he in
quired. pointing to lovely little girl of six.
clad in deep mourning, who was standing by
her side
"This is the daughter Of Richard and Estelle
Dugald; your grandchild and mine, Judge
Harding +" returned the woman in the same
sharp, defiant tone.
Judge Harding could not controvert this
statement, humblpg though it was, but his
voice took a sharper tone as he said,
"why have you brought her to me!"
"Because have not the means Of supporting
her, and you have"
''Did your late son have no propertyH"
For moment the woman's eyes wayered be.
meath his penetrating look, then she said. bold
ly:
"Nothing but mere pittance. which was
more than swallowed up by the expenses of your
daughters last sickness"
Judge Hardiug's eyes blazed with sudden
scorn that was almost startling.
"Do not hope to delude me SO easily he
cried. "There is not one act Of yours that has
escaped my notice. know that your son left
property which should have descended to his
wife and child, Of which you took possession.
know. also. the grudging care you bestowed
on the dcluded girl that your son lured from
her friends and home. But let them both pass.
Will take the child and amply indemnify you
from every possible expense, but only on one
condition that you sign this paper. BY which
you pledge yourself to abstain from all future
interference with your grandchild."
The woman's eyes sparkled, Us sho caught .
glimpse of the roll Of bills in Judge Harding's
hand, bat still she hesitated.
Tho sharp sighted old man saw quickly the
cause of this hesitation.
"I wish you to distinctly understand" he
said, "that though viii provide for the child,
il is not my intention to make her my heir
shall leave her only sufficient to place her above
actual want, the bulk Of my property will 60
to some charitable institution"
As Mrs. Dugald looked upon that rcsolute
countcnauce she felt that he was in earnest, and
without another word she signed the paper. and
then taking the money the Judge placed in her
hand departed.
As soon rs she closed the door aftcr her,
Judge Harding turned to the little girl, who
stood regarding him with timid, wistful
look.
"what is your name, childi" he said, alb
ruptly.
"Estellc Harding Dugald," she replied In
sweet. clear voice, that had pretty lisp to 1t.
"Do you know who ami"
"You are my grandpapa Harding.
All. how many pleading voices arose in his