, 1864-05-23

hOi Aiuu, hothcAiy A1SVj SHidhS VdScIly W
the hand she held out to her, and then,
with a respectful courtesy to the Judge,
led her from the room.
Weeks came and went. Little Estelle
grew dearer every day to the faithful old
nurse, who had tended her mother in her
helpless infancy. She obeyed strictly her
masters injunctions though many were
her inward murmurs at what she termeu
his unnatural treatment of the child of his
only daughter. This was not difficult. for
the house was large, and there were some
portions Of it that the Judge never entered.
Sometimes, indeed, he heard the patter Of
little feet along the corridor that led to
some remote apartment, or sweet, bird-like
voice, which fell upon his heart like a
strain Of half-forgotten music, but that was
all.
Perhaps Judge Harding's heart might
have softened toward his grandchild had
she come to him in any other way; If the
daughter he had once idolized had expressed
any wish that he should take charge Of her.
But to have her thrust upon him by the
woman whose artful maneuvres had made
his home SO desolate, steeled his heart
against her.
She was pretty, sweet-tempered child,
with grave, quiet ways, and intelligent be-
yOnd her years.
"When is grandpapa's birthday, nurse ?"
she suddenly inquired one day, nearly two
months after her arrival.
"Let me sce," replied Margery, her
countenance assuming contemplative ex-
preston: at is the seventh of this mouth
and, declare, if that isn't to-day! I
remember it well, for 1t was also the ulrth
day Of my poor young mistress, your dear
mamma. She would have been twenty.
fJnr years old to-day had she lived. Alack .
alaek it seems only yesterday that l hcld
her in my arms"
Here the faithful creature wiped away
tear.
"Well, If it is his birthday, 1 must go
and give him this, resumed Estelle, taking
small package from the pocket Of he
dress. "Whcre is heg in the library?"
"Yes. But what are you thinking of
child" CALCULATED Margery, regarding her
young chafge with lJok of amazement
g You must not go in there; Judge Har-
ding will be very angry
81 shall be sorry to make him angry.
nurse" returned Estelle, with a childisL
dignity quite in keeping with the little Sc
rious face; "but l promised, my dear, dead
mamma that would, and must do il"
Old Margery looked after her with an
expression Of astOnishment, not unmingled
with admiration as she left tho room.
"Shes q Harding-oue can see that
plainly" she muttered, as she resumed her
knitting. "The old Judge may shut her
out from his heart, but he can't deny but
what she's his own flesh and blood"
Estelle paused a moment ut the door
which she had never before dared to ap-
proach, and then, rs If summuning all h.
resolution. softly turned the FURNISHED knob
and glided in.
Judge Harding sat in his easy chair, th,
very picture of digniIied ease. Looking
only upon his surroundings, one would have
called him. happy and fortunate man
yet many q wayfarcr, bre ,sting the fury
Of the rude March wind, his heart warm
with thoughts Of the dear ones awaiting
his return, was far happier than that lonely
aud childless old man.
His face was partially turned from the
door, and SO softly did those httle tect
upon the carpet, that she nearly reached
his knee before he Observed her. In spite
Of his self-command, he started as his eyes
fell upon that sweet face.
As for Estelle, her courage failed her as
she met that stern, inquiring look.
"I-I beg your pardon" she faltered.
II only camo in. TO give this. Mamma
bade me give it to you on your birthday,
and | could not disobey her"
Judge Harding mechanically took the
package from her hand, and with an evident
sigh Of relief she turned to leave the room.
Stay, child" interposed the Judge
"there is no hurry. Sit down."
Estelle quietly seated herself on the low.
velvetcovered ottoman to which he pointed
and Judge Harding proceeded to open the
package.
It contained nothing but gold locket,
which he well remembered placing around
his daughters neck on happy birthday
long ago; his birthday and hers, whom he
had once fondly termed his " birthday gift.
He touched the spring, and it few open.
1t was his own likeness, taken in sitting
position. Beside his chair stood little girl
about six. One small hand was laid trust
fully in his, the other rested upon his shoul-
der, while tho softly smiling eyes we'e If ed |
to his G, with look Of childlike confidence
and love.
The warm tide Of awakened tenderness