Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1878-04-18

down for a nearer view of tie uneX-
pected present. Never had she seen
prettier sight than the sleeping babe
upon the soft pillows that were in the
hamper. Its rosy cheeks were shad-
ed by hood of soft white zephyr,
and a white cloak covered carefully
the round little limbs. One dimpled
hand had escaped from the folds Of
the cloak, and was thrown across the
brea3t. The parted crimson lips
showed two tiny pearls of teeth, and
the long dark eyelashes suggested
dark eyes. A little card was pinned
to the cloak, and on this was written
MY name is Sadie Williams
'Tsn 1t she pretty?' whispered Miss
Matte.
Take her away! Put her in the
almshouse !! cried the gentleman
Live game BY Jove, Matte it's
the first of April. Rifool a. P. Ri
fool April Fool We were pail
of old fools not to see through that
signature before. Take the hamper
to the almshouse, Joseph.
No, no 1t is too late Tonight
Let her stay tonight. Take her tc
my room, Joseph.
Joseph obeyed muttering, as he did
so:
I'll eat my head if this is not one
of Master Herberts or Miss Amelia S
pranks.'
Much to Mr.. Iretons disgust, he wa,
obliged 70 retire without his game Of
backgammon.
Miss Matte says she won't be
down again this evening; the baby s
crying, was the message sent in an
swer to bis summons.
Miss Matte found she had worl;
till bedtime undressing the fondliaa
sorting out the clothing under the
pillows in the hamper, filling the bot.
tie also there with warm milk feeding
the little one, and hushing it again tc
sleep. BY the time the sun rose, and
the little hands had nestled all night
in her bosom, Miss Matte would have
killed every pet in her aviary before
she would have sent Sadie to the
almshouse
1t took longer to overcome hel
brothers prejudices. He hated ba'
bies He despised girls! There
would never be another hours peace
in the house Matte was crazy H,
wouly send for policeman to take
the child away! and thousand 9th
er objections and threats, to all o
which Miss Matte listened calmly
and washed, dressed and fed her new
pet with renewed devotion, rapid by
its growing laugh of pleasure at he
caresses, and the clinging clasp of ba
by arms.
Eighteen years passed before
again introduce Miss Sadie Williams
to my readers. Herbert and Ameli,
Ireton are married, and Walter is
tlourlshing young lawyer, with a fai
share of practice.
But there is no greater change il
all the family than can be discovered
by peeping into q Elm row. Th'
prim, staid, oldfashioned furniture il
all gone; and the sauciest of chairs
tete-a tetes, and lounges fill its place
Dainty mats are under the prettiest o
nick-knacks, silvery clock chimes
sound the hours from the prettiest O
CLOCKS, windows are only covered by
lace curtains. shutters are opened tc
the full flood Of sunlight, regardless
OF the possible damage to bright car
pets. In place Of staid, sober dinner
parties twice year the parlors are
now often filled with young people
who dance, sing, flirt, tease Miss Mat.
ties pets, and toss about Mr.. Ireton' s
choicest volumes.
The change in the brother and sis.
ter is as marked as that in their house
They have grown young again in the
loving care they have given their
adopted child; for Mr.. Ireton, early
in the fall following Miss Sadie's ar
rival in his home, took her also into
his ncart and legally adopted her, TO
the great delight of Herbert and
Amelia.
A brighter, prottier girl never glad