Year: 1876

on the step, when the animals sprang
and flung her violently from her foot
hold. But for the sudden act of your
niece, who received my mother in her
strong young arms, the fall might
have proved a fatal one. My mother
at once entered a shop, and keeping
your niece near her, sent for me. |
came to-day, at my mothers earnest
request, to express our heartfelt gait
tude, and to offer"


"You needn't oaer Camilla penny,
sir. She will never suffer while I've a
pair of hands TO work for her." said
Paul.


"You mistake me. l do not wish to
insult you, but would raise this child
from her poverty and educate her,
that she might be of use to you and to
herself, and become a refined woman.
Don't let your selfish love stand in her
light, and shut it out from her. She
sings like a prima donna, and wishes
to study music"


The great lustrous eyes of the child
turned imploringly to her guardian.


"Lor', Camilla, can't stand in your
way. | know you're every bit born
lady, if your poor forsaken mother did
die in hovel among wretches who
turned her child intO the cold as soon
as the breath had left her body; but,
deary me, can't part with YOU"


"And you shall not. Let me save
my little Camilla, and she shall never
leave you, but prove blessing to you
in your old age"


Paul could say nothing, and the
strange visitor departed, with no fur
ther injury to his darling than an elo.
quent glance from an expressive pair
Of eyes.


Day after day Camilla went with
her books to the teacher so strangely
provided; and after little time there
came days when pais9-s paused to
listen to the warbling Of the rich
young voice.


AVhen she had been there six months,
she entered one morning to find Mrs.
Clavering in the music masters room.


"What do you intend to do with
your famous pupil?" said her soft
voice.


MADAME, Camilla is capable of
doing anything in musical way. She
will be songstress of whom this
country will be proud. All, here she
isW


"You have improved wonderfully,
my child" said the lady, holding out
her gloved hand. 81 came to bring
you Richards farewell. He leaves
to-night, and will remain abroad for
many years, Here is little gift as a
token of remembrance"


She did not understand that Mrs.
Clnvering had placed pretty neck
lace of coral in her hand, and then
gathered up her shawl and departed !;
but when her teacher spoke she cried
out as in mortal pain, and, without a
word, flew down the street toward
home. As she turned the corner she
rushed pell.mell into the arms of a
gentleman, who, on seeing her pale
and fearful, said:


"Why, little Camilla, what is the
matter?"


"Oh, Mr.. ClayeriDg you are going
awayw :


Richard Clavering's fine face grew
sad and expressive as the fearful eyes
looked into his own, and for the first
time he comprehended that be was a
young man, and that his protege was
stealing from childhood into beautiful
girlhood, and was undeniably q
beauty.


Camilla, am going away, but
will YOU wait for my return?


"Wait for you? / am not going TO
run awayp


"You do not comprehend me. Well,
it is better so. Perhaps two years
later you may understand me. Good
bye, Camilla. Kiss me goodbye"


1t was very quiet street, and SO
Camilla lifted her head and kissed
him. In all probability the child
would have kissed him in. the main
thoroughfare as there, and l only
mention the fact of the street being a
quiet one to silence the startled pro-
priety of those who are shocked at the
publisity of it.


Well, there they parted. He to 60
over the sea, she to remain at home
and improve the opportunities he had
placed before her.