Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1899-12-21
to spend the money on !" sighed Mrs.
Quinette as she followed him.

to spend the money on = sighed Mrs,
Quiuette as she followed him.
Wont it look fine when l get it
done up in oriental brocsde ?" said
Mr.. Quinstte.
The lady had seated herself on the
old sofa, but she sprang up quickly,
with a startled look. There's some
thing in it-living T.
MY dear, you are dreaming
But just then the dream realized.
Up went the hanging curtain at the
back of the sofa, and out stepped
trim little rosy checked maiden. The
sun shining on the auburn hair. which
was a little tossed over the pure white
forehead, made halo, and Mira. Qu-
nette thought for moment that 1t
was too lovely a picture Of sweet girl.
hood to be real. Was il miracle or
a delusiou of the senses? Even Mr..
Quinetts, sensible business man that
be was, stood speechlsss with surprise.
Many strange things he had found IN
old sofas-rings and tbimbles and
coins and nameless curios-but never
before a live little girl
As will be imagined, Marion was
not little surprised too. Looking
into the strange faces, she prscelved
that both were kindly and instructive
ly felt that she WAS safe.
Il beg your pardon" she said
speaking first but l really do not
know how | came here was asleep.
You dear little girl!' said Mrs.
Quinette, stroking the shining hair to
assure herself of its reality.
Il wish | had as good title to you
as | have to the sofa, smiled Mr..
Quinett., addressing Marion after a
little more talk and some mutual ex-
plantations. II would give you to my
wife for Christmas present"
Thank you. 1t would be a pres
ent that l would like" smiled the
lady. But" she added, perhaps
the little girls relatives are distracted
trying to find her. Cassius, 90 right
back and tell them that she's safe and
AK them to let her stay with us until
after Christmas. Wouldn't you like
to stay, dear2'
Yes. Thank you for inviting me, "
answered Marion. She felt a little
thrill at being called dear. Since
mamma death no one had called her
that. Marion was enchanted with the
beauty of the place. In the dining
room were birds and flowers and q
sideboard full Of ghttering things.
The parlor WAS a marvel OF elegance
but the object that interested Marion
most was the piano. Il wish | could
play" she said.
II should love to teach you said
Mrs. Quinette, who was fine per-
former herself
Meanwhile Mr. Quinette arrived at
the home of the Croftroads, bringing
his strange piece Of intelligence. Yes;
they had missed Marion, but they
were not very uneasy as yet. lie was
a shrewd man. this Mr.. Quinette, al
most as good Judge of people as be
was of old furniture, and he had not
talked with the Croftroads very long
until he saw that it would not be
hard to persuade them to part with
Marion altogether.
He approached the matter very del
icately, however told Mr.. Croftroad
who be was and proved his resPecta-
bility and business standing He told
Of his wife's 8 desire for little girl and
Of their long cherished intention to
adopt a child. When he came home,
his face was beaming.
"Will they let Marion stay until
after Christmas asked Mrs. Qui-
nette.
Il think they will let her stay for
good and all. OF course nothing is
settled yet, but l believe there will
be no difficulty. So you can have
your Christmas gift, my dear"
"Oh, Cassius, I'm SO happy = eI-
claimed Mrs. Quinette.
so am |, answered Csssius.
AS for Marion-but it would re-
quire too much space to tell Of what
this fortunate turn Of events meant
50 Der.