Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1888-09-07

you, yes, II you're good child, but you
must not call me mamma call ME
'alntic.' can't help it, niother,n sho
said, excitedly, answering the look OF
uisapproval, ~ can't give her Elsie's
place nor Elsie's name, as you sug-
gested. We can call her Mabel after
you, II you like. You know we were
sorry we had not named elsie after
you, she added, apologctically.
During this speech the child had been
looking piteously from one to the ether.
Den where is my mammal" she asked.
Come here, DEAR" said tho elderly
lady. "Bc u good little girl and Won
will find mamma, sometime.n And
she gathered the little waif close in her
mothcrly arms.
Den me wait" murmurcd the little
one, aud III n few minutes was fast asleep
in her new home.
"Whatcver am to do with her.
mothcrs OF all things dctest an I'M
truthful childm
"You are too harsh with hsr, nv
dear. n frightened child will tell lie,
nine cases out OF ten, where the truth
would have done better. used to think
| should never be able to break your
brother OF that habit, though he is now
deacon i'll the church and one of the
most pious men know"
'Dut she deccives me, mother and,
the other day | missed that little choral
pm OF mine, and when l asked her for
it she denied all knowledge of it with
inc utmost impndcncc, and then found
1t shut close in her little hand. One
can teach n child honor and honesty
when they have common blood in their
veins. l believe thoroughly in hercdi-
tary virtue and the refinement of IN un-
broken limo of noble ancestry" Mrs.
Lee raises her head proudly, conscious
OF that same noble line of ancestors for
herself.
"fou can't help plum trees bearing
pitms, mother; neither eau You help the
natural vices of the lower classes from
appearing in one Of their own, however
much OF an exception she may be in the
matter of looks" she finished
Her mother smiled, then looked grave.
II do not by any means hold that the
circumstance of birth is responsible for
our little ones faults, Augusta" she
said. "In fact, your great grandfather
was notorious-swinder, my dear,
though, to be sure, he reformed and
lived Christian life for many years be-
lore he died. Because n man is noble
IN name he is not necessarily noble in
nature ms well. There are lords in novels
and louts in palaces. Remember the
chlid's constant associations, my dear,
and do not expect three months-or,
possibly, even three years, to entirely
eradicate the training in vice she has al
ready received.
well, mother, | will give her another
trial, " replied the daughter reluctantly.
Though had almost made up my mind
to send her back and let her take her
chances with the rest. If she gives me
any .proof--that is, that she will improve
in time"
Little feet battered through the hall :;
little hands fumblcd ut the door.
Mes tnm," she announced, stopping
on The threshold. With the wonderful
intuition of childhood she scented
danger OF some kind, aud retrcatcd to
Mrs. Taunton's chair.
"Fcll grandma what makes Mabel such
naughty girls" said the latter, taking
her tcndcrly in her arms.
mabel dood, now" protested the lit
lie ono, nesting her cheek on Mrs. Taun-
tons hand. "AIabcl fordct, an de black
man catch her an make her tell tories. {"
TINS last with an neutrality-suspicious. of
her own imaginative effort.
Augusta, how can you steel your
heart against her?" cried the elder lady,
gathering the little, satisfied mite close
and kissing the top of her curly head.
Il don't, mother" answered Mrs. Lee,
with tears in her eyes 81 love her too
well, | am sometimes afraid. But blood
will tell you know, and too much in
diligence will be sure 10 spoil her. lam
afraid the responsibility will be too
much Tor me, and that i must send her
back in tho cnd.n
The child slipped down from her
place md stood before Mrs. Lee with
folded hands.
"Alabel he dood now" she said grave
~ mabel love 'oo-don't send Mabel
way" Her lip quivcrcd ominously
Poor child" said Mira. Lee, moved
against her WILL "No, Mabel shall STAY
If She will be good"
The next afternoon the ladies left the
house to pay promised visit, leaving
Mabel seated on the floor quietly engaged
with anew picture book, with big Bruno
for company.
rs, Mabel be dood,' she said in re-
ply to Mrs Lees query, "she loves 90. +"
"What is your opinion now, Augusta"
asked her mother as they walked along.
. Just what it always was, MOTHER
replied Mrs. Lee. smiling. "There can
not but be n difference between a child
with the noble blood of generations in
her veins, and one with the inheritance
OF the ignoble traits of rs many genera
tons. Now, Elsie would have had ms
great horror Of deceit and dishonesty MS
have myself" Mrs. Lee sighed deeply.
But You must admit that there are
exceptions, Augusta"
Exceptions that prove the rule No,
mother, it would take some stronger ar
gnment than yon can produce, am
afraid, 10 make me change my opinion"
1t was dark when they reached home.
An excited servant met them ut the door.
"The doctor said it must be kept quiet, ~
she whispered.
What is it-what ha, happened,"
cried both ladies in breath.
At this moment the doctor made his
appearance.
CIVIL she die, Doctor2" asked MR..
Lee, clntching at the railing for support.
"No, madam. no." said the Doctor.
"She is not at all hurt-only frightened