rought it up, for I takes me
meals here now, accordin' to the masters' orders. Please, ma'am, shall I
take away the shawl, and fetch you the one you always wear?'

"'No, stay where you are,' I said, sinking into a chair, and dropping my
head into my hands to hide my disappointment from the keen eyes that
watched me.

"Presently there was a kind of gasping, strangling sound from the
cradle. The girl sprang forward with a sudden cry of fear.

"I was beside her in an instant. The child was in convulsions.

"Then followed a scene of wild confusion. Every thing was immediately
done for the little sufferer that could be thought of, in the moment of
terror, and the best medical advice called in.

"But our efforts were unavailing. When the gray morning light stole in
at the window, little Lina lay like a waxen lily, and her spirit had
returned to Him who gave it. While I, her unhappy mother, could not
grieve now that this was so, but rather felt thankful that she was
sheltered in the loving arms of the Good Shepherd. For her there was no
more sorrow, nor crying, neither was there any more pain.

"When the funeral rites were over, and I could think calmly, continued
the lady, I realized how this child's loss would affect my future. I had
now no object to strive for. Had my little Lina lived, God only knows
how all this would have ended. I could never have given her up to the
father who did not love her. I would have struggled desperately for my
child while life lasted. For myself, I cared not. I had thought that
night, when my innocent darling was so suddenly taken from me, of
fleeing away with her to some place of safety, until this storm had
passed, but now that she was no more, I had no fears.

"I knew, though, that a change must come soon. My husband was resolute
and never abandoned a purpose once formed. I was fully aware that I need
not expect any mercy at his hands, neither that our mutual loss would
soften his heart. It had, indeed, quite a contrary effect.

"'There is now no obstacle to a separation,' he said, once, speaking of
our differences. 'We have now no longer any interest in common. If you
will go your way, quietly and peaceably, I will provide for your wants,
by settling a life-long annuity upon you. Of course this sum would not
be large, for you will not require a great deal to sustain you in
comparative comfort. Now, that you have no means of your own, of course
you must expect to live in a different