The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-03-04

is little, wee thing and viii be no
trouble or expense"
ssShe shall have my share Of all the
good things on the table," Kate volun-
tecred.
''Mc too" Harry added with ungram-
matical generosity.
Hush, children" the mother inter-
posed gently, ''this is matter for your
uncle and myself to discuss when you
have retired.'
Mr., Evesham glowered at the offend
ing children. For moment he was too
indignant for utterance. Then, turning
the full glare of his piercing black eyes,
which fairly snapped beneath their
shaggy brows, he said in slow. pompous
tones:
esther Eyesham, have you taken
leave of your senses? Do you mean to
tell me that you think for moment
that such proposal will bear discus
sion?"
The widow was spared an explsna.
ton, for at that instant the door opened
and Mrs: Wilkins entered bearing in
her arms the child, whom it seemed as
though fortune had sent at this critical
moment to plead her own claim to sym
pathy and protection, She was dressed
for bed, md looked like some sweet
vision of innocence in her muslin
mother-hubbard with embroidered yoke.
Even Isaac Evesham's eyes softened
as he looked on the pretty creature as
she kissed them each good night; and
who knows what might have happened
if Mrs, Wilkins, encouraged by his
kindly look, had not offered the child
for his embrace, For a moment he
hesitated. colored TO his very temples
with bushes for his weakness and
held his hard, knotted, bony fingers out
to clasp her to his bosom, but with a
cry of terror the child shrank from
him and buried her face in the @oman's
shor.,disgs sabbing as though her heart
would break.
Mr.. Isaac Evesham looked supreme
~ foolish. That he should have been
betrayed into a momentary relapsa of
sentiment was provoking enough, but
that hts silly advances to this little
friendless chit Of thing sheula have
met with such a humiliatiag repulse
was simpiy exasperating
"There, woman, take the squalline
little thing to bed," he said, land lei
us have some peace in the room" And
all knew that as far as Isaac Evesham
was epSsssnsd the fate OF the baby was
sealed. ~
Half an hour afterwards Mrs.
Evesham had to brace herself for a
tete tete with her disagreaabIs rela-
tive, an 9rdeal she dreaded beyond
measure, notwithstanding the encour-
agement her children managed to whis-
per in her ear under plea of bidding her
good night.
BE tirm. mother dear, and don't give
way to him." Alice said.
''I shall cry my eyes out If you let
him send Wanda away" sighed Kate.
Hang on to the baby, ma" implored
Harry. =
as these suggestions were In accord
ance With the promptings of her own
kind heart, she had not much need to
hesitate concerning which course she
would take.
To her. surprise the enemy opened
the battery with mild salute,
f'We must make Q radical change In
your affairs, Esther" he said grimly,
but not without q certain tone of
kindness In his voice. "Now that this
lodging-house business has proved such
deplorable failure, we must look for
something else for you to do"
II hardly think you can call It fail
ure as yet" the widow demonstrated:
u have been here only few months
and am getting"
rInto police courts and newspapers.
No Fdu Erss toms 70 8zfssa-sua