Year: 1871

1t was almost dark when a carriage
drove up long shady avenue and
stopped in front of beautiful gothic
cottage that was almost embowered in
vines and flowers.


Aud is this home ?" asked a merry
voice, while bright face peeped out
of the carriage window.


Yes, this is home,' said tall, man
ly fellow, kissing the upturned face,
and you are very welcome


a stately old lady that stood in the
doorway came down to greet them.


This is my wife, mother,' said
the gentleman, and he assisted the la
dy to alight, 'and trnst you will love
her dearly


She took her in her arms in good,
moLherly fashion, and imprinted kiss
on her soft cheek, and then said, i
know that shall love you as dearly
as if you were my own, and 1 hope that
not one cloud may dim your future
love. Come, let us'go in; you both
look tired


Have you been waiting supper,
mother?' asked Arthur Trenton.





lam sorry, but met Tom Ford and
his wife at the depot, and it seemed
as if we never would get away from
them but come. lets have supper, for
1 am dreadful hungry. There, don't
laugh, Lillian, you don't know me OF
old, as mother does. I was always a
hungry little boy, and l guess L have
not improved much since have grown
up but I tell you such journey as
we have had sharpens a fellows
appetite wonderfully. l know You
will agree with me there, Lillian


well, Lillian said Arthur Tren-
ton, the next morning after breakfast,
'as you are mistress here henceforth,
wouldn't you like to look over your do
main p


oh, certainly, couldn't rest con-
tented here another hour without
knowing what this house contained


'What great bump of curiosity you
must have said he, laughing.


ooh, yes; and if the theory you
men preach is true, We all have them
80 you cannot laugh at me alone.
! Il do not care what their theories
are; but as for mine, 1 say they are
all that is good and true, if they are
like you.'


There, don't praise me you do not
know what a naughty girl may be.
But come and show me the library


Each room and it's furniture was in
spected and criticised, and pronounced
perfect from garret to cellar.


oh, shall be happy here! said
she as they walked out arm in arm on
the veranda; nothing can ever trouble
me in such an Eden as this


I am glad you like it, for l selected
everything with great care, suiting
your tastes as nearly as knew how.


'And 1 could not have suited my
self half so well. How can l evel
thank you for it


How can you thank me? What 6
question you silly child! Why. IthinE
! 1 have had my thanks already
in seeing how happy it has made you
Good gracious how late it is, said he
opening his watch. Indeed l must
go. There, don't look so sad, Pet
1 hate to leave you, but you know
must not neglect my business if
would be something more than cen
fdential clerk some day. You won't
be lonely, as mother is with you, and
undoubtedly you will have. quite G
number Of callers to-day. Give me 6
kiss. There! Good bye, little one.'


She watched him until he drove out
of sight, then felt as il she could have
taken good cry. But I am not go
ing to do it, said she, her face bright
ening. 4 have been child long
enough; DOW I am going to be a
woman


Crying, Lillian?' asked Mrs. Tren-
ton, coming out at the door.