The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-06-16

"Next Tuesday, Then have only three days
to stay with you and Oliver"
"Thaps all, child. Dear me! do feel dread
full TO let you go away In this fashion,"
Don't worry, dear Mrs. Hooper. 1 am sure
nothing can happen"
" | suppose not; but II there should i never
could forgive myself"
1he three days elapsed and Marguerite was
borne swiftly toward new scenes, unconscious Of
the grave mistake made In reading ihe letter
Friday instead OF Tuesday, being the day on
which she was expected at Audros.
As the cars sped on she was interested looking
from the window; then her head dropped and
she realized no more until awakened by the con-
fusion attending the arrival of The train at its
destination.
"Come, come, little grill" said the conductor
sharply.
Marguerite, though startled, followed him in
"You walt In the ladies' room, sis. Your
friends VIII look for you here" said the conduc
tor, moiionng her into the large waltz ng-room
and Fastening away.
Seating herself she waited. growing more and
more frightened as the large clock rapidly licked
of the minutes,
Why don't they come ?n she sobbed under
her Dfea II.
Suddenly the thought that possibly there was
some mistake caused her TO spring 10 her feet In
. can inquire; some one will KNOW" she said
TO herself.
Hastily gathering up her bundle she passed
from the depot TO the thicky peopled thorough
fare and mingled with The 1ostiiDg crowd, in.
QuiIlng again and again where Mr.. Scott lived.
bly, tile diScouI aging answer.
Oakdalp. where the people were all welkn0wn
to each other, was the extent OF unsophistcated
little igueriie's knowledge OF the world. AS
she led ON and on, stu inqulring. the din
OF The busy street was left behind, ana cold,
hungry and weary, she made her way down a
Quief street. It's handsome dwellings suggestive
OF wealth and luxury. II was last growing
dark, and seating herself for moment on a
bright, CHEEKY lights shining through the dark
ness Lntil the Tears hlled her eyes.
hat shall l do 2" she moaned. 81 don't
know Where 10 20. If l was only back with
dear, good Mrs. Hopper and Oliver 70
Attempting no longer TO find The home OF Mr..
Scott. her thoughts drifted back 10 the happy
days When, by her mothers side she listened
TO the story OF a little outcast who sang sweet
songs from door to door.
Even as the thought passed through her mind
Marguerite scrambled 10 her feet, aud tile sweet
melody OF Il childish song waited on the even
Ing AIR caused lonely womtn WITHIN that
stately mansion to listen, nor scarce venture TO
breathe, until the last ST. aims died away of a
song once sang by starIy-eyed little daughter
lak ing hei flight TO heaven.
To the bereayed mother II was as though her
darling mad returned 10 dlsIe her sorrow. Heed
ing nothing save the wistful yearning OF her
heart, she opened the outer door and led pale,
shiyering Marguerite into lie genial warmth Of
the Wellghted hall.
You poor child, you are trembling with cold
Why did you remain out so late ?'
please, ma'am, l couldn't find Mr.. Scott's
house, and | don't know where 10 gO.' And
Marguerite vainly tried 10 blink away The tears
what Is your name. little grip" 81
"Marguerte Gray"
"Haye you no homer"
NO. ma'am, only with Mrs. Hooper and
Oliver. But they are poor. MIR. Scott sent for
me, and thought It would be one less for Oliver
TO provide for
At mention OF her friends names Marguerite
could no longer keep III check the teas that
rolled down her cheeks.
You VIII STAY here tonight" said Mrs. Heath,
removing The child's coarse hood and gently
sttOklng the brown cnIls. Tomorrow we Will
see II the gentleman for whom you are search
Ing can be found"
Heath's jewel,d hands, shyly Carrying 1t to her
lips.
Her new friend led the way to the dining
room, its carved sideboard laden with silver and
cut glass. the handsomely appointed dining
table, illumined by soft rays OF mellow light,
seeming 10 the furnished child like glimpse of
faiTyland. Never had size tasted such dainty
fare, and when finally tucked up In the pretty
white bed that had belonged 10 one loved and
lost, her world seemed very bright.
The story OF her troubles had been related to
Mrs. Heath, and IN return size was told OF The
dai ling whose song she had sung. An hour later,
as The bereaycd mother, with tear-1iled eyes,
looked at her peacefully sleeping, she thought
"WIy not take the child? 1 believe God sent
her 10 partially I'LL the lonely void in my heart
Yes, she shall stay"
Deciding thus. she wrote 10 Mrs. Hooper the
full particulars Of her meeting with Marguerite,
aud In conclusion announced her decision Of
adop ing her as her own.
The next morning. when Marguerite learned
OF her good fortune her JOY knew no bounds.
speedy answer came from Mis-. Hooper, filled
with thanksgiving that her mistake had resulted
so favoraby. A congrat ulatOry note from Oliver
10 Marguerite wished her continuous happiness
In the new home.
Time has flown, but Mrs. Heath has never re-
gretled listening TO The song that had power TO
enlist her Sympathlcs In behalf VI tender, loving
Marguerite, whose happy heart still pours form
its melody she fits from to room, the
sunbeam OF the household.