done this
simply to cloak an advance of money to me," she said, indignantly. "I
suppose that you meant it in kindness, but you have put me under an
obligation which I hate and which it will take me years to repay."

"There is no question of obligation," he replied, gently. "If I, as
the child's foster father, wish a portrait of her, it is my own
business whom I get to paint it, and how much I pay for it. I have
made arrangements to care for Carlotta, and I wish you to finish the
portrait for me, so that I may have something to remember her and this
happy time by, when she grows up and leaves me."

"Oh, Tom, you must not take her away from me!" exclaimed Elizabeth, in
dismay. "If you will let me finish this portrait and exhibit it, I am
sure that it will bring me other orders, and then I can repay you and
keep her with me."

"Do what? Keep the child with you?" asked Tom, in amazement.

"Yes, if you will help that much," she faltered. "I have thought it
all out since the woman translated for me. I know that I can get other
orders from this portrait, and I will be able to keep her, if the
parents will permit it, and they have so many children that I am sure
they will. Oh, Tom, it has been so lonely here, and now I can't let
you come any more--and I want her so!" She covered her face with her
hands, and, although Tom was not a man to be amused by a woman's
tears, he smiled and winked solemnly at the frightened looking child,
before he took them and held them in his own.

"Elizabeth Thornton," he said, seriously, "I will not relinquish my
claim on Carlotta, and if you want her, you must take me, too. It is
time to stop this foolishness about 'life work,' and to remember that
you are a woman, with all the weaknesses of the sex, which we condone,
and with all of its sweetness, which we love."

Carlotta looked at them wonderingly as Elizabeth put her arms around
his neck and her head on his breast; but when he raised Elizabeth's
face and kissed her lips, she clapped her tiny hands and gave a crow
of joy; for she knew that her friends had found happiness.

SONG

Love planted my rose in his garden fair--
My rose of heart's delight--
And he laughed with joy when he saw it bear
A crown of blossoms bright.

But the harsh wind shattered the petals red
'Twixt darkness and the dew;
What blossoms were living, what blooms were dead,
Ah, Love nor cared nor knew!