The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-02-14

make out who lef 1t. I didn't see no.
body when got to de doah, but I do5e
looked all roun.'"
At the juncture baby walked VI. SEEM
ingly as much surprised as any oae there,
and then cried out Justify.
That has the effect OF bringing Mrs.
Fraser into the hall and in about two
minutes the new arrival was presented TO
the company as Miss Fraser'S vaien-
tine
His impromptu CT adle was dulv search
ed. but nothing was found to serve as a
clew to baby's identity.
All else was forgotten and baoy en-
crossed the whole company. The little
fellow was dressed in long robes II the
very finest texture, though the expert
enced mothers there present declared re
was old enough to wear short hesses.
Baby had bright blue eyes that Looked
wonderingly from one 10 another, and
after being passed nearly around the
room, he began to feel acquainted. and
laughed aloud. His fat, dimpIsd hands
caught at the trimmings on the ladies
dresses and at the gentlemen's watch
chains
Little black Sam. Dinah's boy, came to
announce supper. and seemed very much
Disguised at sight Of the attention be-
slowed on the little waif
Pears like dey nebber see a 1--we taby
afore." he said to Dinah. as he saught
up a bell and rang it furiously.
Baby disposed Of the supper table prov
cd very agreeable change Of theme.
At length. after exchanging OF compli-
ments and leave-takings, they were left
alone. and Mrs. Fraser said: John. I've
been thinking that the mysterious baby
is Archie McCall's. You know we read OF
his wife's death short time ago. and
that he seemed TO be in a decline"
What thinker you are. little wife,
1t would never have occurred to me, but
very likely you are right"
And what thought Miss Fraser?
She had studied the little face. long
and earnestly. hoping TO discover some
resemblance to the lover Of her younger
days. She. too. had thought: 1T may be
Arches child" She could love almost
anybody's baby. but nearer and. dearer
would seem this waif If she could but
know It to be the child OF the man TO
Though she had renowned him some
years before, on account OF his growing
dissipation the same sense OF loss had
never left her. But the world knew Moth
ing OF her grief.
Louisa Fraser was a rare, sweet wo-
man; hiding away her own cares and
seeking to make the world brighter and
better for others
Less than a week after the surprise
party "a large sum OF money was sent
to Miss Fraser. For the Valentine"
were the only words accompanying IT,
A few days later the death OF Archie
Mccall was announced IN a paper sent 10
Miss Fraser. Then she knew that she
had been remembered TO the last. and
with all the tenderness Of her loving na-
ture. she took 10 her heart the boy com
mitted TO her care.
jealousy has she watched and guarded
him from the time she first guided his
little. unsteady steps Sleepless have been
her eyes when the baby tossed in fever.
IN health she has been bis playmate and
friend
Well may the boy ''vaIentfne"-now en-
tering upon manhood-co1sder Aunt
Lou" the most beautiful woman he has
ever known. as we'll as the dearest
The bands Of soft brown hair have BE-
come well stranded with silver; but Der
eyes are as clear and gentle IN their
glances, and her Voice as sweet as when
she first sang lullaby songs 20 him.
As the years creep slowly b.. let US
hope that the heart OF this noble woman
may never be wrung with anguish. as are
the hearts OF 30 many wives. mothers and
sisters. over the fall Of cherished idols.
whose ruin is e0mpassed by the wine cup
JENNIE p MERCHANT