Maryland free press., 1867-03-21
THE ADOPTED DAUGHTER.

h!e'amorDnOSeu INTO Elne DrlShleSL OF MAJ
n"ontdes could it have stolen aught of sunny
rtdances that glowed in little Mrs. Darling
face as she sat by the cracking coal fre, in III.
large velvet easy chair she had adhered to, spit,
of the changing fashions of twenty-five Years
with her tiny feet on an embroidered foot stool
yand an open Letter IN her lap The larrot swing
ing idly to and fro in his glittering cage, blinkeG
inqusitively at Mrs. Darling, as if he could mo-
imagine why Eer peach bloom check mofe &
brighter flush than usual and the poodle dog
on his satin cushions before the fire, sleepily
smiles that danced unconsciousy around heI
pretty mouth, as if be could not find any reas.
onable grounds to account for them. Yes, Mrs.
Darling was Happy, very happy in her own
ihoughts-so happy that she was almost annoy
ed when Miss Pendleton was announced, and a
priM: little old maid, quiyering with ribbons,
aud stiff with black silk draperes, walked in the
cheerful room. 49,, remarked Miss Peudeton
when the ordinary subjects of chit chat were ex-
hausted, syour son has gone west, l under
stand?'
eyes" said Mrs. Darling: ''IIarry has al
ways wanted to explore tie regions, and, as he
intended to pass near the large orphans asy-
lUmn commissioned him 10 pick me out some
nice little girl TO adopt.a 4se
IA little girl! bless me! Do you know what a
responsibility it will be, Mrs. Darling?" croaked
Miss Pendleton, shaking ribbons ominiously.
eyes, said Mrs. Darling, with something OF
an apoisgctical tone; "but you cannot imagine
how have always longed for a dear little daugh-
ter. Harry was well enough as long as he could
sit on my lap, and have his hair cuiled around
my fingers every morning; but he is six feet two
now, and somehow l cannot make a vacant place
with lapdogs and polparrots want soft-hair-
ed loving daughter to sit beside me all these long
winter days-to teach and fondle and to have all
to myself"
''You will find it shockingly expensive bet
ter have given the money to the missionaries, "
said Miss Pendlcton, scornfuly elevating her nose
at Mrs. Darling s,,ronantic Eancies, "We are rich
and can afford TO do both," said the Old lady
meekly.
"But list endear Miss Pendle'on, to what Harry
s1ys. Only think of it, he is to be at home to
night--in an hour "
And she adjusted her spcctacles and opened the
letter.
''Lct me sce-oh! here it is" and then she
read
FS''l have been to the asylum, as you desired
dearest mother, and after voyage of inspection
through about three hundred png-nosed little
creatures, succeeded in finding one whom think
will suit you. She has curly black hair, beanti-
fu eyes, and a complexion that makes me think
of your pink balSamiue. You cannot help lik-
ing her disposition-somewhat reserved at first
but after you become well acquainted with her.
she is the most low ng little creature in the world
have been obliged to delay nv return. for sew
eral weeks longer than had anticipated, In Or
der to make suitable arrangements for bringing
her home with me. But we shall be with you on
Thursday evening, without fail. ! had almost
forgotten to tell YOU that her name is Violet
There" said the old lady, triamphan;ly ta-
king other gold spcctacles, "what do you think
of tha?"
"BeaHty ia only skin deep said Miss Pendle-
ton, oraculariy.
~ know that but cnnt help being glad she
is pretty. ] do like 10 see pretty things around,
no matter whether they are flowers or pictures.
or human creatures. I know I shall love this
little Violet. Lei me see, Harry don't say how
old she is, but think some six or seven years
of age. Ofcourse will teach her knitting and
all that sort of thing. wonder if she can read
Good gracious! six clock already Betty Bet
ty, we will have ten in here Tonight; it is so
much more sooiabIe. Now don't CO. Miss Pen
dleton.'' for the ancient maiden lady was ma
king preparatory futter among her stiff rib
sDns ''stay and take tea with me, and see my
little adopted child"
Miss Pendleton, whose daily bread was picked
mp wherever she had a chance to eat it from 9TH
-er peoples tables, was nothing 10th, and Mrs.
Darling hustled around to prepare the evening
meal 'just as Harry liked it." And very tempt
ing it looked to the half starved spinStor when
tie tout ensemble was complete-the Kissing tea
urn of solidS dSsiyer, the baskets of cakes studded
with ci!rons and raiscnS, and ridged with pearfy
icing, TO say nothing of the cut glass dishes,
where golden peaches lay piled in sea of sac
eharine juice, and crimson plums suggested
huge preserving kettles, and skillful house
wiery.
T'At last when preparations had reached Stage
ofperfccion, and Mrs. Darling had consulted her
watch about the twcntieth time. there was a
ring at the door bell and rattle of trunks in
the hall. Mrs. Darling started up.
'ltis Harry-it is Harry! Now shall see my
darling little new child.
She sprang forward as the door opened, and
the tall figure of her son appeared, all mnfled in
travelling apparel.
any Harry! my boy!' she exclaimed as he gaily
caught her IN his arms, showering half dozen oi
kisses on her YET unwrnkled brow,
"Welcome home again but where is the little
girl?"
=: She gazed around, evidently expecting to see
some small appariiion in a blue checked apron,
but what was her astonishmont when Harry.
with mischievous twinkle in his dark eyes, led
forward q beautiful young creature of about six
teen, whose cheeks, half yelled by the long silky
curls that hung over them, were in a carmine OF
pretty confusion.
''Here she is mother; the sweetest little daueh-
ter i could possibly pick out for you Allow me
to present my wife!
soft lustroHs eyes? Not Mrs. Darling certainly,
who instnctively clnsped the slender figure, to
her motherly breast, though her brain was in o
whrl of fmiBgled astouishment.
elbow do you like her, mother?'
"Like herl am charmed with her. But
Harry
"Well?"
Il thought you found her in the orphans asy-
lum." =.
.sHe did, interposed Violet, quite timidly.
Dearest mamma, until this moment was an or
phan; now i have learned what it is to find a
mother2"
Mrs. Darling gave Violet such hug as must
have convinced her of the sincerity of her newly
dawning tenderness while Harry continued:
."She was the eldelt of the asylum orphans,
and the managers were just about to seek stu
alton as governess for her, when blnndered in,
on the:Gai yiye For play thing for you. Ofcourse
fsll head over heels in love with her the first
mDnlent saw her. Who would iot2tf' asked
Harry, admiringly contemplating the shrinking
little beauty whose face was hidden on'his moth
er's shoulders. 81 concluded tha! such wife as
Violet would be the most acceptable daughter !
cuuiu pt'nS soui anu 4 waited loP TWO or three
weeks to induce her to become of theSsame mind,
and here we are, Mr.. and Mrs Darling. Wash /
Iiright. Perfectly right, (" said Mrs. Darling.
carcssing the soft curls of her new sdaughter-in-
law. Welcome to our, home and hearts dear
Yiolet:p = -
Just at this moment the old lady recollected
the presence of Miss Pendleton who had sat very
stiff and upright in the corner. She was now
formally presented to the bride, and in few min
ptes Betty brought in the tea shings. 81 am per-
fectly satisfied with that lovely creature, whis-