The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-12-11
An Adopted Child.

Nlr. John Falconcr was walking slowly
towards his pretty little cottage one after
noon III autumn. He was the head gar
doner OF Warren Hall, beautiful estate,
situated few miles from tho picturesque
village of Wavcrdalc. ~ tail, fine, up
right man of forty five, with a pleasant
face and honest, gray eyes, John Faconcr
was Il favorite ut the hall.
lie had known its owner, Mr. Lionel
Warren, from boy. The young herr
had been very fond Of John, making him
his companion, and treating him almost
as an equal. When they both grew up to
be fine, handsome men, however, the init
macy dropped.
Young Lionel, on the death Of his faith
or, took possession Of the estate, and when
John applied to him for the post of under
gardener, he was Immediately appointed
10 it.
A few years passed away. Mr. War
rem, who had gone abroad, returned, bring
ing with him Il little son to gladden. his
home. lie had married an Italian lady,
who had died shortly after the birth of
the little Reginald; and no longer able to
bear the sight of that bright land which
reminded him 80 much Of his young wife,
Mr.. Warren, now grave, sad man, came
back to his home.
More years passed away, and little Reg
inald was now nine years of age.
Though John Faconcr was now head
gardener, and lived in a pretty cottage on
the estate, he was still unmarried.
So on this bright afternoon he was walk
ing homcward after his days work. He
had turned the corner of the quiet lane
which led to the house. when he nearly
stumbled over tiny child, who stood cry
ing In the middle of the road.
She was about five years of age. ~
slender, little thing, with beautiful dark
eyes and ,aven curls, clad in a tattered
calico frock.
"Who arc you, little onc7 asked John.
'pm Evy Gray" she replied, in a sweet
voice.
w Hcio w YOU iFC, Ncuff
The tears rolled down the pale cheeks.
III don't live anywhere. Mothers deal
She died long time ago, and anntie took
ne. We lived in London, but auntie came
here to sell things. She's gone away to-
day, and she beat me and LETT me here
Oh, what shall dor"
The poor little thing sobbcd bitterly and
Johns benevolent heart was touched as
he looked at the lovely, tcar-stained face
lie took the tiny hand in his, and led her
towards his home.
"Whcrc are you taking me?" asked the
child.
''ro my house, Evy. Here it is."
Evy gazed in awe at tho ivy-covered cot
tage, with its strip of bright garden and
pretty, green porch.
She hardly dared to walk over the clean
floor of the cosy kitchen, where the fire
was burning brightly, and where rosy
servant-girl was toasting mullins for her
masters tea.
Susan looked at the child with wonder
ing eyes, and was> still more astonishcd
when John badc her wash tho little thing,
and make her prescntabe.
Evy looked like anotl, Ter child after her
bath. Her cheeks grew rosy, her eyes
bright, while her long hair fell In curls over
her shoulders. John wrapped shawl
around her, and placed her in chair by
the fire, will, bowl of bread and milk on
her lap. Then Susan, who always went
home at night, was dismissed, and the two
were left alone.
How the chiid enjoyed her nice supper,
and her cosy seat by the frcl The little
tongue chattered inccssantly, until at last
she fell asleep in her chair.
John Falconcr gazed at the pretty face
of the sleeping child, until tho tears stood
IN his eyes; then hc said--
"Aly poor birdic You have no home
or friends, my pretty ono, but ! will be
your friend, and, as long rs live, my
home shall be yours"
And John Falconer kept his word. Nc
ono claimed little Evy, SO he adopted hcl
as his own child. He sent her to an excel.
lent school, and worked hard to gain mon.
ey for her sake.
Master Reggie, from tho hail, took great