Year: 1878

and loved she had never been spoiled.
Her education had been always con-
Quoted at home, for neither Mr.. Ire
ton nor Miss Matte would listen to
the suggestion of sending her to
school, and she was a credit to her
teachers. Mr.. Ireton guided her
reading and studies, after Miss Mat
tie had piloted her through the mys-
teries of the alphabet, spelling book,
and reader. For music she had a
master, but languages she learned al
so from Uncle Herbert, as she was
taught to call Mr.. Ireton.


Eighteen years Of unclouled hap
piness had passed over her head, and
the little lady had awakened to the
fact that she was no longer a child,
and that she had a lover Whether
Walter Ireton left his heart in the
hamper on the night he assisted in
carrying Sadie to Elm row, he never
knew, but it is certain that from that
hour he was her most devoted cava.
lier. He pulled her baby carriage
around the garden, he took her drives
upon his sled, when he was her pa
tient horse he spent his pennies to
buy her candies; and as he grew OIL.
der, he brought her flowers, books,
music, till one day he too realized the
fact that Sadie was a young lady, and
he loved her.


A very pleasant state OF affairs for
tho young people But there was an
odd combination of emotions awaken
ed about that time in another heart,
that would have made Sadie open her
eyes wide with astonishment, and
probably sent Miss Matte into hys-
tercs.


Mr.. Herbert Ireton, in the sixtieth
year Of his age, had fallen in love
with his adopted niece, Miss Sadie
Williams Ireton. He had petted her
babyhood, INDUCED Der childhood,
looking upon her as pretty play
thing and bright pupil, when, without
an ywarning, hefound his heart was
in her hands, and she, e,all unconscious
ly, was playing with the precious
gift.


He could not credit his own sensa-
tions at first, but it was not long be.
fore he took what he deemed 'sensi.
BILE view of the case. She had never
known any other home, and certainly
had no other lover; therefore he would
speak to her at once, and install hel
mistress of his home as coon as Matte
could arrange the wedding fnery. He
could hear her now singing in the
drawing. room, so he would 60 at once
and have it over.


He had forgotten the fact, but it
was now eighteen years to the day
since Sadie came into his house. He
found her in the drawing-room, sing.
ing as she arranged and watered q
stand Of favorite flowers. In lei
pretty spring dress of soft gray
trimmed with the narrowest lines o
cerse velvet, with ribbons Of bright
cerise in her black, glossy hair, she
was herself the prettiest flower there
There was nothing subdued about
her ; she Was all flash and sparkle, wi
vacity and brightness. How such a
gay heart had expanded in the quiet
Old house had been mystery to more
than one of the friends of the old peo-
pie; but there she was, smiling and
happy, without one shadow to cloud
her fair young face or heart. Mr..
Ireton hesitated a moment in the
doorway, then came in and sat upon
the sofa.


Sadie, my dear, he said, I want
to have few moments serious con-
versation with you.


Yes, dear uncle. Let me tie up
this geranlum, and l will come
There Is it not a beauty? Now, |
am all ready


'Ahem ! said the old gentleman
You know, my dear, you are no long
er a child?


No p she questioned.


Certainly not. You are now eigh-
teen years of age, nearly nineteen, in
fact, as you were some months old
when you came here. A young lady
of eighteen may with prorriety begin
to think Of her future life.