The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1911-04-11

had just left at the door. He opened
and read it.:
Willard Lane. ESQ.,:
Dear Strive have to announce to you
that by the will OF the late Hamilton
Bingham. which has this day been ad-
mitted to probate, you are appointed ex-
ecutor of his estate and guardian Of his
daughter, Marie Southworth Bingham.
Your ward has no relatives, and 1t 10 In
cumbent upon you to provide home for
her. Very respectfully, your obedient gerv-
ants, KINGSLEY & KINGSLEY,
Attorneys.
"Well. well! Poor Bingham's gonsi
And left his child to me! Why didn't
these musty attorneys say something
about her agel win she need nurse,
or is she old enough to go to school
by herself? Let me see. have had
no knowledge of Bingham for dozen
years. can't figure out how old the
child Is. But. any way, It will liven
up this tomb to have any living thing
In 1t. l mustn't sell It. I'll need 1t
for her home. By Jove, that's what
I'll dol I'll make home for her right
herev
Going out to a telegraph Office, he
sent the following message to the at
torneys: Send Marie Bingham here"
During the evening Mr.. Lane received
reply that his ward would be with
him at 5 o'clock the next evening, and
It was suggested that he meet her at
the station. Calling for Mrs. Parker.
he gave her minute instructions az to
the preparations he desired made.
Put In order" be said. 'sthe two
rooms adjoining on the west. second
story the one for q nurse, the other
for child. In the garnet ID a crib
that has been there for years. Get 1t
down, and I'll order new mattress"
How old Is the child. sir7'' asked the
housekeeper.
How old? | don't know. The stu
pid attorneys didn't say anything about
her age. but figure it out that she
can't be over. say. ten years old. II
she is I've been getting old mighty fast
l hope she's between six and twelve.
Well assume that she's seven, not too
old for dolls. sets Of dishes and all that.
At any rate. I'll provide these when
go downtown tomorrow. Poor little
thing! wish her to feel at home.
She's just lost her father
''Tn see that everything Is done. sir"
So Lane the next day sent home all
that was required. including such toys
as would please q child seven years
old. There were three dolls and play
house big enough for the little girl to
get into-that is, If she wasn't large for
her age. By O'clock in the afternoon
the two rooms were In prime order and
looked both comfortable and coy.
At 8 o'clock Mr.. Lane was at the
station and watched the people pour
from the train when It came In, look
ing for a woman with little girl. but
there was none such-at least none that
did not go away at once. Lane was
disappointed. He had made up bis
mind to have his little companion by
him at the table for dinner. He was
turning away when girl about seven
teen accosted him:
II beg pardon, SIR. Have you Seen an
elderly gentleman who appeared to be
waiting for some oneY'
mo; / have not"
HE was to have met me here, but
/ don't see him."
Il was to have met little girl my
SELF She hasn't come, or If she has
I've missed her"
Il don't know what I'm going to
do"
Il have a carriage outside and will
be happy to drive you wherever you
wish to CO."
'grhank you ever SO much. Pm to
go to my guardian. Mr.. Willard Lane,
No.
"Whatp
"Mr. Lane"
q thought you said he is an elderly
gentleman"
why. suppose he is. He and my
father
Are you Marie Bingham
Eyes"
Lane looked at her for moment as
II dazed. then said:
Pm the elderly gentleman you're
looking for. and you're the child I'm
looking for. Pm your guardian Come
right along"
Selling bag she carried, he led her
out Of the station, put her into a car
rage and drove her home. The house
keeper received them at the front door
and looked surprised at seeing instead
of child tail. willowy girl who
might have passed for twenty.
Just wait here a few moments"
said Lane to his ward II wish to be
sure your room is all right. Mrs.
Parker, wen go and see"
The two hurried upstairs.
I'VE must get this out nrSt," be
said. taking hold Of one end Of the
| playhouse.