Year: 1870

pity for her aunt, and that pity was still
uppermOst in her heart, but she antici-
pated the expected return of Aurelins
and Kate with pride aud emotion, for
they had both repaid her generosity by
the most studious application to study.
Mr.. Julian in one of his visits had re-
ported the improvement in Reel as al
most incredible. As the time drew
near for the fulflment of the vision, FL
inor came full of hope, to await the
coming of her darling with Flora but
the second anniversary past away with
nothing to mark its flight. She said to
Flora one day. 81 will return home, it
is my presence here which delays her
coming. was not in the visiOn;" but
Flora smiled sadly for she feared now
that the vision would never be fulfilled.
After Mrs. Julian left Penway prOmis-
.fng,tO return, when she was called back,
Flora felt herself strangely restless. She
tried to busy herself in decorating the
new house in every thing that could add
to its comfort or elegance, but in vain,
nothing she could do or employ her
self with brought tranquility of mind.
She took long walks in heavy grove
near by and would sometimes come back
wearied out. After one of these ram
bles, she entered little after mid day
into the long pleasant parlOr, on the
east side of the spacious hall and sank
on q divan. a gentle fragrance came
through half open french window and
q light breeze disturbed the snowy dra-
peries of lace inside. A delicious IangOr
stole softy over Flora's slight figure as
she lay thinking Of coming events and
she fell into a gentle slumber. She was
suddenly awakened by the music of a
hand organ and looking up, beheld
through the open window, which ex-
tended to the floor, weary looking wo-
man who was grinding. the instrument
for her benefit She had watched these
strOlling players before, but they and
the children who usually followed them,
had always disappointedher in hersearch
for Claire Julian, and from this cause
she almost hated the sound of one.


'Pshaw! she thought why should 1
notice 1t. twill only fret me and make
me more restless" But at this instant
the woman, q handsome gipsy, but pale
and hollow eyed as if she had hardly re-
covered from a long fever, moved near
er to the window, and by her side the
figure of child came in view. She was
lovely little thing, with a sweet ma.
donna face and a prOfusion of sunny
ringlets. Her small feet were bare and
thin calico dress scarcely covered her
Flora had seen a life size picture ol
Claire, and she had in her keeping two
small ones, given to her by ElinOr,
which she daily studied. She gave a
start of surprise and joy, when she saw
in this child the living original, but this
passed unnOticed by the strangers, and
she feigned sleep again to gather time
for thought.


81 must be cautious" F." she thought, 'or
the woman may suspect me-"


The organ ceased its monotonous sound,
and the woman said wearily.


''NOw Birdie'' song for the pretty la
dy and she will may be give you money
to get shoes.


"Oh Greta, 1 am too tired. ''I cannot
sing'', answered the child.


Just one song dearie, 1 wont ask more.


A singularly sweet voice struck up a
plaintive air, and when it was ended
Flora rose up and went to the window.
DO you want any thing my good wo.
man, she said.


1--WE are very poor said the gipsy,''
and the rich give as they please to such
as we.n


The poor creature had such pitiable
look, that FIora's heart was almost soft.
ened towards her; but justice must be
done she felt and she feared the wO.
man might resist her or commit some
violence if she attempted to claim the
child.


"There that will do, she cried as the
woman began grinding again. THE child
is tired and you look sick, go through
that side gate to the kitchen and I will
order the cook to give you both some
dinner"


"Thank you lady," said the gipsy
"but may not read your fortune y!


"Perhaps So" after awhile. ego now
and rest. When they disappeared from
her view, Flora despatched boy who
was working on the lawn for a consta.
ble and the town jailOr and several times
during his absence she went to the llitch,
en- to make sure that they would not ge
away. Her heart smOte her invoIunta
rily when she observed the deep affec,
tiOn which the gypsy undoubtedly had
for the child. The servants had placed
a dinner for them and the woman had
the little. thing Oh her lap, seemingly
absorbed in providing for her wants.
The child ate like one almost famished
When the officers arrived, Flora receiv
ed them in the parlOr and the story was
soon told to them and the pictures o
Claire Julian given to them with which
to confront the gypsy.


"Oh we have her safe enOugh,U crieC
the jailer, producing a pair of hant
cuffs, "but these gipsies are awful to dea
with, and shall clamp them on til,
first thing I do. She may carry fir,
arms and might destroy the child before
she would submit to separation"


"Ia am sorry such severe treatment i,
required said Flora. She looks 50 ill il
it really necessary Sirv'


'I expect Miss it is the best way.
have dealt with her kind and they art
mighty apt to be desperate" Ia,


"Oh by all means get the child away
from her first then. will do it myself
I cannot bear to see the poor creature
handcUffed. Remain in the hall till
return gentleman e" She went into the
kitchen and said indiherently.


"Come little one with me. have
something for you" She took the hanC
of the child who looked wishfully in hel
face. = s#E YIHr.-. t.#


'Tet Greta go too, pretty lady said thu
sweet voice.


"Of course, she can follow us'' criec
Flora.


The gypsy arose slowly and Wake,
after them but she was very weak anC