The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-11-15

| was no use in my staying with the old | woman any longer. l had only stayed l there, hoping that my mamma would soon | come back to me. So ran away. And as was passing a big place, l saw the | name Hospital over the door. Some how I felt that my mamma might be In | there. l went in and told them all about l her-and about myself. And the nurses and the head doctor were very kind to, me and after they whispered together little while took me to where my mamma was lying-all cold and white. They said the city would bury her that even ing. And then I kissed her good-by and went away. I could not talk to the nurses and the doctor. A great lump was in my throat and nearly choked me. So went into the street and wandered about all day. slept some that night in big, deep doorway of an office building close to where I had lived with mamma before we went to live in the room be- longing to the bad old woman. And that was yesterday"
 The child stopped and rubbed her cold fingers across her eyes, then asked: Was it wrong for me to run away from the old woman, sir?'
 Not by a 1ug-f full, little un," the man replied And, say, you needn't stay out here in the cold while l go to ask my mistress about what shall do with you you just come along with me and tell her what you've told me, and I reckon every thing will be all right"
 At first the child refused to go into the elegant big home, saying she was too ragged and dirty to talk to a fine lady. But the groom insisted on her accom- panying him, which she at last consented to do.
 Once in the splendid warm library the little child from the street stood before the fre,s pains tlngling in every limb as the warmth began to stir the blood in her veins. But though she suffered she felt glad to be In a place that was called "home,' place which spoke of comfort rather than of luxury. And while she stood there, afraid to sit on the softly cushioned chairs, she heard step behind her.
 Turning timidly round her eyes behed the most beautiful woman she had ever seen, except her own mother. who was ever 50 beautiful to her. Then slender whitel hand came out to her. stroking her golden hair, and tender voice said My groom, Jim, has been telling me all about you, little one, and l have come to tell you that you are not to sleep behind the barn, in the snow, but in my house. in a room opening right into my own room, and in a warm. cozy bed. And you shall not have to go to the country. where people have hearts, for 1 thank Uy Gre ator that my heart has never ceased to beat with sympathy fer the poor. And if you have no home-and no one has a rightful claim on you-you shall remain with me--always. l have no little daugh- ter, unless you will be one to me-"
 With a cry of rapture. and streaming eyes, the little street waif threw herself Into the lady's outstretched arms and brokenly she told her all that she knew abouG herself.
 Well, am quite certain there is no reason why 1 should not adopt you, my little snowflake fairy, for that Is what you are. Out of a little snowdrift you came to me. And you are a dear little fairy--and are to be my own dear little daughter
 And my name is Mary" whispered the child. ''I was named for my mamma. May keep her name?--I love 1t so.''
 Indeed, you shall, and we'll find where your dear mamma was buried and have her removed to a beautiful spot where you may go as often as you i|e my little one.'