ants, and stuck them up in
his home for appearance's sake, in some such manner as the proprietor of
a summer hotel once stuck a number of trees in his grounds, to make a
sandy, barren spot seem fertile and enticing. But by and by we became
convinced that these little human shoots were his very own, not alone
because they evinced some disagreeable crotchets similar to his, but
also because of the love he bore them, and the change they wrought in
his character and life. Even around court the man was regarded
differently; warmth and esteem being extended him now in place of the
dislike he had formerly aroused. He had never ceased to be a study to
me, and a certain flavor of romance hung about his home--a delightful
flavor, that made it an attractive visiting spot. So it was with
considerable pleasure that I called upon this particular day.

I was shown into the parlor--a comfortable room, back of which was a most
home-like apartment, called the study. As I sat there, awaiting Mrs.
Bachelor's coming, I noticed that her husband's desk, which stood in the
center of the study, was strewn with dolls, and paraphernalia closely
related thereto. My observations were interrupted by the entrance of
Mrs. Bachelor, who welcomed me in her cordial, cheery way. A minute
later Mr. Bachelor came in, and gave me what was for him, a most
friendly greeting. He excused himself in a little while, and went into
his study. He had, so his wife explained, been ill with a cold for a
day or two, and had been working at home the while, to make ready for
the approaching trial of an important case.

Upon his entering the study, a scene occurred which I shall endeavor to
give you as near to the life as possible. As a matter of course he
steered directly for his desk, and his eye immediately fell upon a
quantity of grandchildren, variously disposed thereon.

"Well, I declare!" he exclaimed; "if this isn't outrageous!" and he
gathered up the whole crop--there were fully a dozen dolls, in all stages
of development, and much doll furniture, and toggery of all kinds.

After dumping the obnoxious elements on to a divan, he returned to his
desk, and with much grumbling sorted out his law-papers, and went to
work. But soon after he had cleared his visage, as it were, his small
daughter--a pretty child, four years old--ran into the room hugging two
puggy puppies, and two kittens of tender age. It did not take her long
to grasp the situation. Running to the div