y grasped by a strong manly hand, and a look so
serious and determined was riveted upon her, that she trembled before
it, and resigned herself to the power of the stronger.

The Judge lifted her up, and set her on his knee, whilst she trembled
violently.

"Do not be afraid of us," said Elise, caressingly; "we are your good
friends. If you will come with me this evening to my little children,
you shall have sweet milk and wheaten bread with them, and then sleep in
a nice little bed with a rose-coloured coverlet."

The white milk, the rose-coloured coverlet, and Elise's gentle voice,
seemed to influence the child's mind.

"I would willingly go with you," said she, "but what will my father say
when he wakes?"

"He will be pleased," said Elise, wrapping a warm shawl about the
shoulders of the child.

At that moment a sound was heard on the stairs; little Sara uttered a
faint cry of terror, and began to tremble anew. Mr. N.'s housekeeper
entered, accompanied by two boys. The Judge announced to her his
determination to take the little Sara, as well as the effects of her
deceased father, under his care. At mention of the last word, the woman
began to fume and swear, and the Judge was obliged to compel her to
silence by severe threats. He then sent one of the boys for the
proprietor of the house, and after he had in his presence taken all
measures for the security of the effects of the deceased, he took the
little Sara in his arms, wrapped her in his cloak, and, accompanied by
his wife, went out.

All this time an indescribable curiosity reigned among the little
Franks. Their mother had said, in going out, that perhaps, on her
return, she should bring them another sister. It is impossible to say
the excitement this occasioned, and what was conjectured and counselled
by them. The Candidate could not satisfy all the questions which were
let loose upon him. In order, therefore, somewhat to allay their
fermentation, he sent them to hop through the room like crows, placing
himself at the head of the train. A flock of real crows could not have
fluttered away with greater speed than did they as the saloon door
opened and the father and mother entered. Petrea appeared curious in
the highest degree, as her father, opening his wide cloak, softly set
down something which, at the first moment, Petrea, with terror, took for
a chimney-sweeper; but which, on closer inspection, seemed to be a very
nice thin girl of about nine years ol