Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1869-02-11

sadly. He had lived on for twenty years, to
the intense disgust of Ashford, who regarded
his tenacious hold on life as an outrage and
a swindle. Right glad was Ashford, there
fore, on the morning on which our story
opens, to learn, at last, that the old man
wanted Mr.. Whitney, the lawyer of the
vicinity, to come and draw his will, as he
noon, in accordance with u prophecy Of the
Falconer family.
Ashford had been for the lawyer, and was
waiting for his wife to serve breakfast, which
she was preparing to do, when wild cry
from Fanty drew her hurriedly to portico,
in the rear of the house, from which the
sound proceeded.
Breathless with dread lest some misfortune
had happened to her darling, Mrs. Ashford
rushed out, and saw her bending over large
wicker basket, on the top of which was
written in large, clear hand:
"a present for Mr.. and Mrs. Ashford"
The child exclaimed:
"Ob, Club, there's puppy or kitten in
there, for hear ii scufllin'. Oh myl how
nice but what did it come in a basket fGr?"
LII bewildered establishment, Mrs. Ashford
lifted the basket, and carried it into the
kitchen. As she set it down, faint wall
came from the occupant, and she gasped:
Good Heavens il is n child! Why on
earth was it brought here of all places in the
world, and what am to do with it? Apollo
the name by which she called her husband)
will never let IL stay, for he hates children,
and he has no patience with his own"
She gathered courage to unite the arched
lid that was securely fastened down, and
nestled in warm blankets was fair, plump
child of abolt two years of age The blue
eyes half Enclosed as the folds of flannels
that enveloped il were turned back, but they
dropped TO again as if unable to wreste with
the narcotic with which it had evidently
been drugged.
Mrs Ashford was passionatcly fond Of
children, and she lifted the little waif ten
derby in her arms, and examined 1t with gem
tic care. The clothing ii wore was perfect
ly plain, though of fine material and dainiily
made. On its bosom was pinned scrap of
paper, on which was scrawlcd in nearly
illegibe letters:
''Her name is Nioletta, and as you deal
with her, may God reward, or punish you"
During this time Fantasia was dancing
and clapping her hands, uttcring shrill cries
of delight over the newly found treasure;
"a babys bettern puppy, Club, an
I'm goin' to have it to play with; oh, my
aint 1t nice?"
AT that moment Mr.. Ashford came into
the kitchen, and viciously snapped out;
whats all this camor about, and the
breakfast burning to a cinder? l smell it
now; it won't be fit for Il pig to eat. What's
that you've got there, and where did ii come
from 2"
His wife held the sleeping child towards
him, and said:
'You can see for yourself what it is, but
il is strange present to be sent to us. If
you will take her moment, I'll look after
the birds. am afraid they are scorching n
little"
'Upon my word, madam, you take this
very coolly-its the most unheard of impu-
dence in whoever sent this brat here, and
am not going to be burdened with it, can
assure you. Put her back where she came
from, and look after your proper business.
When breakfast is over, Iii sec that the
basket and its contents are packed off TO the
poOr-housc.
Mrs. Ashford knew there was no appeal
from this decision, but she tmidly suggest
ed, maybe there is something in the basket
that may make you change your mind.
Hadn't you better look through it? The
little thing looks as if she belongs to respec-
table people--that is, | mean people well to
do, and she'd hardly be put on us, without
giving something to keep her on. Every
body around knows that we are too poor 10
burden ourselves with strange child with
nothing TO pay her way"
She knew that to appeal to her husbands
cupidiiy was the only chance 10 interest him
in the helpless little creature, and he proved
that she understood his nature, by drawing
nearer and STOPPING oyer the basket.
There's some sense in what you say, and
Ill look, but if there's nothing, shall do as
! said-send the brat to the poor. house. It's
1ttplyx hat l.
As he spoke, he diyed among the blankets
in which the child had lain and brought
out letter addressed to himself. On break
ing the seal his eyes sparkled at the sight of
a banknote for hundred dollars, and he
rapidly skinned over the lines addressed to
himself, as follows:
Il am well acquainted with your charac
ter Hiram Ashford and know the child
have taken the liberty Of giving to you
would be thrust ANONYMOUSLY from your
roof if she alone were sent. To prevent
this, | enclose sutiieient sum Cor her ex
peascs for year, AS she grows older, the
annuity will be increased in proportion TO
the outlay you will incur on heraccount, and
at IA future day it may be good thing for
you TO have sheltered this helpless, but not
triendless little creature. Make no efforts
to discover whence hc'came, or to whom
she belongs, for they are no concern of
yours. know your good wife to be good
woman, and tc her care especially recon-
mend this little girl Her name is Noletta
and while rhc remains with you she can be
known as Violet Ashford. The time may
come when her true name and position may
be made known, If that day never arrives
She will, at least, be respectfully provided
| for.
Upon my word that is something like.
The man who wrote that letter is no fool
Give me the child, and look after your cook
ing don't want everything spoiled. You
know cant endure my food unless Ii is
properly prepared
Mrs. Ashford FASTENED To do as she was
bid, and having attended 10 her duties, they
sal down to breakfast. BY the time break
fast was over, Mr.. Whitney, the lawyer, ar
rived, and proceeded at once to draw Mr..
| Falconcrs will. The old man leftall he had
to Mrs Ashford, and ordered Whitney to
settle it on himself and Clement Melrose, as
Mrs Ashford's trustees, SO that Ashford
could in no wise interfere with the money,
nor wheedle her out of it, The lawyer knew
Ashford well, and drew the will so that the
hypocritical tyrant could never interfere
with his wifp's legacy The will being com
pleted,the Did man died ut the hour Of noon
as he had firmly believed he would do