The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1876-02-24

She was very busy next day, and Marion
seeing great display of lace paper and
ink thought she understood it. But who
ever did just understand Belle? She had
long talk with Jamie after tea, and the
boy listened with a bewildered expression
which finally settled into his usual dull
mcekness, mingled with an unusual salts
faction.
BE sure it's five O'Clock, and ring the
bell pretty hard; then do as / said," was
Bellies last mysterious charge, and Jamie's
Yes'm" was mildly prompt.
In the chilly darkness of the February
morning Mr.. Fisher was sleeping when
sounding pull at the bell-wire of his front
door made his eyes fly open.
What, what, what! Fire-thieves-
telegramr' and Mr.. Fisher hurried into
his clothes, for he knew the old house.
keeper was deaf and wouldn't hear it.
AT first he thought there was no one on
the step as he peered out, shading the
candle with one hand; but shivcring,
meek faced boy grasped his coat as he
was about to close the door.
please, sir, here's the letter; she said
it's all right"
Then Jamie Dennison sat down on the
front stairs, while Mr.. Fisher held this
epistle up to the candle and read
Daar mr. fisher, this is your Valentine 70 you
Must keep him year anyway, and then you bet
ter dopt him all over he i. Poor and a dead
mother and gods boy too and you have Money 10
Make him happy. Ese he will go to the poor
II use and be Bound out, so dreadful thing
YOU will not let be done know but take care
Of him and edukate to be good Man and COM
fort to you. mr. fisher if you were 20 wouldn't you
wish kind rich Man to do 20 to you jamie
denyson is his name.
"What, what, whatr said Mr.. Fisher,
and it was all he could say. Jamie's
confused explanation did not help the
matter. much; but Mr.. Fisher got an
| inkling of the truth and retired to MS
room, looking more bcwlldered than
jamie who curled up on the stairs ana
went to sleep, quite sure that IN this re-
markable way his future was secure.
Belle was somewhat surprised to be
called from her studying in Marlon's
room to the library; but when she saw
grandma mamma and Marion sitting IN
solemn conclave with Mr.. Fisher over her
letter she grew very red.
"What does it all mean, dear?" asked
Marion, gently.
"Well, Marion, you said we could not
afford to keep Jamie ourselves, and Mr.
Fisher could, so thought he better take
/ him for valentine, and take care OF HIM.
You know grandma said he was going to
waste because he hadn't anybody to care
for, and thought he'd like to have one
of Gods boys to bring up. And II he
, don't he's very stingy!" added Belle, With
A burst of tears.
Most extraordinary child' said Mr..
Fisher, while Marion tried to soothe the
excited little sister.
Belle had to be reproyed for her med
dlcsome attempt to teach an older person
his duty but she had not meant to be
rude, and Mr. Fisher readily pardoned
her. 1t did not end so badly, because,
though Mr.. Fisher would not keep jamie
| indeed, he seemed alarmed at the idea
of Il child in his house!-he did offer to
put him to school for two years, and then
find him employment if he proved trusty'
And laundering, terder-hearted Belle
was very pcnitcnt and very ashamed, and
promised never to do anything more with
out consulting Marion, and will, l dare
say, do the very next absurd thing that
pops into her funny little head.-Chrtst'a"
i Ini0n.