had determined to keep her for the present."

"You don't mean to say," said Jack, "that any such letter as that has
been written?"

"What, has it not been received?" inquired Peg, in the greatest apparent
astonishment.

"Nothing like it," answered Jack. "When was it written?"

"The second day after Ida's arrival," replied Peg, unhesitatingly.

"If that is the case," returned Jack, not knowing what to think, "it
must have miscarried."

"That is a pity. How anxious you all must have felt!" remarked Peg,
sympathizingly.

"It seemed as if half the family were gone. But how long does Ida's
mother mean to keep her?"

"A month or six weeks," was the reply.

"But," said Jack, his suspicions returning, "I have been told that Ida
has twice called at a baker's shop in this city, and, when asked what
her name was, answered Ida Hardwick.' You don't mean to say that you
pretend to be her mother?"

"Yes, I do," returned Peg, calmly.

"It's a lie," said Jack, vehemently. "She isn't your daughter."

"Young man," said Peg, with wonderful self-command, "you are exciting
yourself to no purpose. You asked me if I _pretended_ to be her mother.
I do pretend; but I admit, frankly, that it is all pretence."

"I don't understand what you mean," said Jack, mystified.

"Then I will take the trouble to explain it to you. As I informed your
father and mother, when in New York, there are circumstances which stand
in the way of Ida's real mother recognizing her as her own child. Still,
as she desires her company, in order to avert all suspicion, and prevent
embarrassing questions being asked, while she remains in Philadelphia
she is to pass as my daughter."

This explanation was tolerably plausible, and Jack was unable to
gainsay it, though it was disagreeable to him to think of even a nominal
connection between Ida and the woman before him.

"Can I see Ida?" asked Jack, at length.

To his great joy, Peg replied, "I don't think there can be any
objection. I am going to the house now. Will you come now, or appoint
some other time?"

"I will go now by all means," said Jack, eagerly. "Nothing should stand
in the way of seeing Ida."

A grim smile passed over the nurse's face.

"Follow me, then," she said. "I have no doubt Ida will be delighted to
see you."

"Dear Ida!" said Jack. "Is she well, Mrs. Hardwick?"

"Perfectly well," answered Peg. "She has never been in better health
than since she has been in Philadelphia."

"I