ould she? That she must keep her at all cost, was the thought
uppermost in her mind. She was her own child, a part of her very self.
The girl had been wonderfully brought to her, and was it not a sign
that she should stay? But what about the girl's foster parents? Could
they claim her still?

Twice during the quiet morning hours Mrs. Hampton had stolen gently
into the girl's room and stood watching her as she slept. She could
see her plainly by the shaded lamp on the dresser. A deep feeling of
pride and love welled up in her heart as she looked upon the fair, pure
face. She was certain she could detect the father's features in
forehead, mouth and chin. He had been a handsome man, and this girl
resembled him in a marked degree.

During the second visit as she was about to leave the room Jess
suddenly opened her eyes. Seeing Mrs. Hampton, a smile illumined her
face.

"I have had such a beautiful dream," she said. "I dreamed that you
were my mother, and that you were rescuing me from people who were
trying to steal me away from you. Wasn't it funny?"

Mrs. Hampton gave a slight start, and looked searchingly into the
girl's eyes. Then she knelt by her side and gave her a fervent kiss.

"Would you like to have me for your mother?" she asked.

"Would I! Oh, how glorious it would be! I have known you only a few
hours, and yet you seem more like my mother than anyone I have ever
met. You are so kind and loving, just what I have often longed my own
mother to be like."

"She has been good to you, though, has she not?"

"Oh, yes. In a way she has been very good, though there was something
lacking which I cannot explain. I never saw her look at me as you are
looking at me now. I could never confide in her, nor go to her with my
little troubles. She did not wish to be bothered. She was just as
affectionate to our cat and dog as she was to me. But you are
altogether different. I wonder why it is? I believe you really love
me, and for love my heart has been longing for years."

"Then stay right here with us, dear," Mrs. Hampton replied, at the same
time pressing the girl's hand in hers. "I want you to be my daughter,
and I shall love you to your heart's content." She was going to add
that John would, too, but she refrained. Just what understanding there
was between the two she was not sure, although she had the feeling that
they loved each other dearly.

"But suppose daddy finds me here and takes