So intently was she thinking of Charlie that she did not hear the patter

of little feet in the hall without. Tired of staying by himself, and

spying the open door, Willie hastened toward it, pausing a moment on the

threshold as if to reconnoiter. Something in Anna's attitude, as she lay

with her long hair falling over the pillow, must have reminded him of

Alice, for, with a cry of delight, he ran forward, and patting the white

cheek with his soft baby hand, lisped out the word "Arn-tee, arn-tee,"

making Anna start suddenly and gaze at him in wondering surprise.

"Who is he?" she said, drawing him to her at once and pressing a kiss

upon his rosy face.

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Pamelia told her what she knew of the stranger waiting in the

reception-room, adding in conclusion: "I believe they said you did not

want her, and Jim is to take her to the depot when it's time. She's very

young and pretty, and looks so sorry, Jim told me."

"Said I did not want her! How did they know?" and something of the

Richards' spirit flashed from Anna's eyes. "The child is so beautiful,

and he called me 'Auntie,' too! He must have an auntie somewhere. Little

dear! how she must love him! Lift him up, Pamelia."

"I must see his mother," Anna said. "She must be above the ordinary

waiting maids. Perhaps I should like her. At all events I will hear what

she has to say. Show her up, Pamelia; but first smooth my hair a little

and arrange my pillows."

Pamelia complied with her request; then leaving Willie with Anna, she

repaired to the reception-room, and arousing the sleeping Adah, said to

her hurriedly: "Please, miss, come quick; Miss Anna wants to see you. The little boy is

up there with her."




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