Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1899-12-20

won't 1t look fine when get it done
up in oriental brocade" said Mr.. Qui-
nette.
The lady had seated herself on the
old sofa. but she sprang up quickly,
with a startled look. There's some
thing in it-livingv'
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 a
trim little rosy checked maiden. The
sun shining on the auburn hair, which
was little tossed over the pure white
/ forehead. made halo. and Mrs. Qui-
nette thought for moment that 1t was
too lovely picture of sweet girlhood
to be real Was it a miracle or delu-
sion of the senses? Even Mr.. Quinette,
sensible business man that he was.
stood speechless with surprise. Many
strange things he had found in old
sofas-rings and thimbles and coins
and nameless curios-but never before
live little girl!
AS will be imagined, Marion was not
little surprised too. Looking into the
strange faces. she perceived that both
were kindly and instinctively felt that
she was safe.
II beg your pardon" she said speak
ing first; but really do not know how
came here. l was asleep"
"You dear little girlr' said Mrs.
Quinette. stroking the shining hair to
assure herself of its reality.
II wish had as good a title to you
as l have to the sofa" smiled Mr..
Quinette. addressing Marion after lit
tie more talk and some mutual ex-
plantations. II would give you to my
wife for Christmas present"
THANK you. 1t would be q present
that l would like" smiled the lady.
But" she added. perhaps the little
girls relatives are distracted trying to
find her. Cassius. go right back and
tell them that she's safe and ask them
to let her stay with us until after
Christmas. Wouldn't you like to stay.
dear?"
"Yes. Thank you for inviting me"
answered Marion. She felt a little
thrill at being called dear" Since
mammals 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 a
sideboard full of glittering things The
parlor was a marvel of elegance. but
the object that interested Marion most
was the piano. ~ wish l could play"
she said.
! II should love to teach you," said
Mrs. Quinette, who was fine perform.
err 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. He was a
shrewd man, this Mr.. Quinette, almost
as good judge Of people as he was of
old furniture, and he had not talked
with the Croftroads very long until he
saw that it would not be hard to per-
suade them to part with Marion alto
gether
He approached the matter very deli
cately. however; told Mr.. Croftroad
who he was and proved his respecta.
bility and business standing. He told
Of his wife's longing for little girl
and of their long cherished intention to
adopt a child When he came home,
his face was beaming
Twill they let Marion stay until after
Christmas asked Mrs. Quinette.
II think they will let her stay for
good and all. OF course nothing is
settled yet. but believe there will be
no difficulty. So you can have your
Christmas gift, my dear"
"Oh. Cassius, I'm so happy" ex-
claimed Mrs. Quinette.
$50 am l." answered Cassius.
AS for Marion-but it would require
too much space to tell of what this
fortunate turn Of events meant to her.
JANE ELLIS JOY.