Year: 1875

them, for most of their former acquaint
ance had lost sight of them i'm the
humble sphere in which they were now
moving. But aunt Fanny was indie.
fatigable, and the difficulties of the
task only gave vigor to her resolution


Mrs. AlcOtt must he able to give mt
some information" she said to herself
as she ascended the steps of a hand
some house in one of the mos
fashionable streets of the city.
recOllect that she was a great friend
of Julia's. | will take the liberty OF
calling upon her.


"NOt at home, madam" said the
spruce-loOking waiter, who answered
her ring at the bell.


| An echo of the words met her ear as
she turned from the door.


Not at hOmei l thought it was the
Door only who were not at home.-


The simplicity of the words caused
her to observe the speaker attentiyely
A little girl of seven or eight years
stood gazing wistfully toward the
elegant mansion. Her large dark eyes
clustering ringlets and delicate skin
formed a striking contrast to the
miserable garments which served as q
scanty protection against the chilling
breeze. And yet there was an effort at
neatness and even gentility in her dress
which could not escape the observation
of an attentive observer, and which
gave evidence of better days gone by.
lrresistibly drawn toward her, aunt
Fanny paused near where she stood
and said in kind voice:


"And why did you think that it was
the poor only who were not at home,
child n


The little one hung her head, but
answered mOdestly.


because 1 never feel at home now
that we are poor, and | know that
mother never feels at home, nor father
either. 1t is like staying in a strange
place. But then if we are all good we
shall go to Gods home. Is not that a
comfort r.


As she asked this question she raised
her eyes and looked with great earnest
ness in aunt Fanny's eyes.


Tears dimmed the eyes of the kind
hearted old lady as she replied:


at is, ineeed, my child. But tell me
your name and where yOu live, for
should like to be a friend to YOU


"Oh, thank You, ma'am. And per-
haps you would be a friend to my poor
father, now he is so sick, and my
mother works so hard. My name is
Fanny Lawrence. maam, and | will
show you where live if you will come
with me.n


A few brief enquiries convinced aunt
Fanny that she had found the object
of her search, and giving her hand to
the little guide. with voice trembling
with emotion she bade her lead her to
her mother.


The day had been discOuraging one
for Julia, even more SO than usual. A
little exertiOn had brought on Henry's
fever again, and the physician who was
summoned to attend him had spoken
in strong terms of the absolute neces-
sity for perfect rest and freedom of
excitement. How was this possible
when hour after hour he must lie upon
his hack and see his wife tOiling be-
yond her strength for their mainten-
ancei And then it was sometimes
difficult to procure work.. and Julia
absolutely trembled as she thought of
the suffering they must undergo should
this means of support he cut OFF. Some
kind neighbOr had advised her to apply
mt collar mandatory near by, where
many women and Young girls found
constant employment. She had done
so with success, and at the moment
that her old friend entered she was
gazing mournfully upon dozen collars
which sne had taken upon trial. They
were nicely stitched by sewing
machine, and she had engaged to bind
them and make three buttOn-holes in
each for the small sum of one cent
apiece. "A starving price," she mur-
INJURED to herself, and she seemed lost
In sad reverie, from which she was
aroused by the soft voice of Fanny.


Mamma. | have brought lady to
see you. She will I've our friend"


Julia looked up in surprise as Fanny
spoke, but in an instant her wonder
was turned into joy. and twining her
arms around Aunt Fanny's neck, she
sobbed like child.


Composure was at length restored.
and then there was SO much to tell ami
tn be told, that the good old lady took
off her bonnet, and said she would
make herself quite ut home, and pass
the evening with them.


You cannot be at home here" said
Fanny, "because it is not pretty enough
for home"


Julia sighed rs her child spoke, but
Aunt Fanny answered:


"iIome is where we find those we
love, little one. 1t matters little in
what place we find them. So this is
my home for the evening, and now,
Julia, rs your husband needs attention,
just give me your work and will sew
for you. My thimble is in my pocket
as usual. You see retain my old
habits.'


"You are still the same dear Aunt
Fanny" was the reply. ''Ilere is my
work-tO bind these collars. Do y0u
remember our conversation the day
that purchased those cheap collars
Every word of it is fresh in my mind.
| was very thoughtless then-but q,
aunt Fanny, /, too, now had n peep
behind the scenes"


"YOu have, indeed, my poor child
but now see to your husband, and when
he is comfortably arranged we will sit
together by his bedside and have
quiet chatP


The events of years were soon talked
over, and ere aunt Fanny rose to bid
them good night, she said:


"And now my dear young friends, |
am ready to accept your invitation and
become an inmate Of your family


"Oh aunt Fanny exclaimed Julia,
1--WE have no longer q home to offer
you. This is the hardest trial of all"


Listen, my child. l am becoming
infirm and shall soon need the care
which | have bestowed upon Others.
There are none who seem nearer to me
than yourself. My means are ample,
for my generous relative has added
largely to my little fortune. We will
look for a suitable dwelling. and you
will be tn me as affectiOnate children"


Tears were her only answer, but
these were sufficient to speak the feel
ings of the heart.


In after years neither of the party
had cause to regret this arrangement.
Closer intimacy only served to endear
them still more to one another. In the
midst of her hcrhapDinessJuliane forgot
the uses of atilictiOn, and would often
feelingly refer to her peep behind the
scenes


shops I'm China.


Chinese shona ara vorv inviting in