Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-09-07
BABY IN THE BASKET.

While the family of Pittsburgh merchant
were quietly taking their tea at their residence
in Allegheny. the other evening, riDg was
heard on the bell, and the door having been
opened. a surprise awaited the household. The
hired girl carried into the dining-room not q
deicately- tinted and artistically- card,
but basket MIR. l.. looked inquiringy at Mrs.
L., who from the other cod OF the table re-
turned his glance with gazs 80 mild. 80 mean
ingless. that he saw there was 20 use 10 asking
her what the basket contained. The hired girl
was directed TO open the mysterious package
which bore 20 cover, but was apparently filled
with silk patchwork. Fold after fold was re-
moved till, without as yet having brought to
light anything but dry goods Betsey held up
her hands, and with horror depicted on her
face, exclaimed: ''It's alive !"
Mr.. l.. arose from his chair 10 determined
mauDer, and went over to Investigate the con-
tents of the basket. The mystery was soon
solved. 1t was the old story. Bell rung-door
opened basket found suspended to door kuo b
baby 10 basket.
That tells the whole story of the finding of the
basket, but words cannot express the anguish of
the look which Mrs. L. let fall upon her con-
fused and speeches. husband as she raised her
handkerchief to her eyes, and turned away to
conceal her emotion. This was too much for
poor L., who at heart is not bad mao, but
given to staying away from home little too
much, perhaps in the evening. But he always
had good excuse for bis absence. The lodge,
of course, had to be attended to. Theo the
spelling matches are something 10 which he
was particularly interested. and these kept him
away from home frequently till bed time. There
are dozens of reasons which any man who has
been married few hears can fnd always at
I'd IL, III.
had been used by him with variations till te
could as easily account for six oights of the
week as the champion photographer can answer
Now he felt crushed. There was the baby
iu the basket, poor little dear, kicking and try
log to eat its fists as contentedly as if n it's own
home, but there was no note, not line of ex.
planation. l.. felt that he ought to say some.
thing, but he knew not how to begin. He
caught his wife by the arm as she was about
to retire to the solitude of her own room and
said earnestly, but in . trembling voice,
MARY. on my honor | am not responsible for
this"
"Oh, William" she sobbed, with her hand
kerchlet still up to her eyes, as she struggled to
get away, "hoW ca o you say this p
He dropped to his knees, and, holding her
BY her hand, implored her not to 90 away, but
listen to him. He would be honest with her.
He had been careless aud neglectfuI sometimes,
perhaps. but be Was not guilty of this
Still she struggled to be free, but he would
not lot her go, and again she cried out:
"Oh, what good can it do you to deny it?"
But be denied it again and again, and VOW
ed be would do anything in the world for her
who had always been so loving to him. But
he could not bear to have her doubt him. He
vould atev n hnna nil hta NOM 1opo ha
lived, or else tnke her where be went, but he
could not live to see her breaking her heart
with doubts and suspicious of him. He kissed
her hand Thousand times, with tears 10 his
eyes and assured her that he loved her as ever,
and then he begged her TO dry her eyes and be
happy. He was innocent now, and he would
not again be absent from bis hearthstone on
any night during the remainder of his life.
What could she do? She was only woman,
and she believed and forgave him. Perhaps
some wives will say she was ''soft" or ''spoony"
in permitting herself to believe 10 him again.
but she did it. She gave him her other hand
freely, and he arose and embraced her rs be
WAS wont to do when they we're young and con-
fdiug. He ielt happy in his forgiveness, and
looking into her grave but not unhappy face,
he said, well, Mary, this adds one more to
our little family. We have two of the little in
nooeots to cherish and protect, and We will do
it to the best of our ability"
She shook her head and smiled.
rs it not SO, my own ?" be asked.
Yes, it is so, my own" she replied 'but
it is the same one we always had-that is, for
the past seven weeks"
1t was the old April joke of wife on her
lord, who was given to important business out
10 the evenings.