to economize very closely. This preyed
upon my husband's mind and seeing his anxiety, I set about considering
how I could help him, and earn my share of the expenses.

"One day in looking over the advertising columns of a New York paper I
saw the following advertisement:

"'For adoption--A healthy male infant. The parents are able to pay
liberally for the child's maintenance, but circumstances compel them to
delegate the care to another. Address for interview A. M.'

"I had no sooner read this advertisement than I felt that it was just
what I wanted. A liberal compensation was promised, and under our
present circumstances would be welcome, as it was urgently needed. I
mentioned the matter to my husband, and he was finally induced to give
his consent.

"Accordingly, I replied to the advertisement.

"Three days passed in which I heard nothing from it. But as we were
sitting at the supper table at six o'clock one afternoon, there came a
knock at our front door. I opened it, and saw before me a tall stranger,
a man of about thirty-five, of dark complexion, and dark whiskers. He
was well dressed, and evidently a gentleman in station.

"'Is this Mrs. Fowler?' he asked.

"'Yes, sir,' I answered, in some surprise

"'Then may I beg permission to enter your house for a few minutes? I
have something to say to you.'

"Still wondering, I led the way into the sitting-room, where your
father--where Mr. Fowler----"

"Call him my father--I know no other," said Frank.

"Where your father was seated.

"'You have answered an advertisement,' said the stranger.

"'Yes, sir,' I replied.

"'I am A. M.,' was his next announcement. 'Of course I have received
many letters, but on the whole I was led to consider yours most
favorably. I have made inquiries about you in the neighborhood, and the
answers have been satisfactory. You have no children of your own?'

"'No, sir.'

"'All the better. You would be able to give more attention to this
child.'

"'Is it yours, sir?' I asked

"'Ye-es,' he answered, with hesitation. 'Circumstances,' he continued,
'circumstances which I need not state, compel me to separate from it.
Five hundred dollars a year will be paid for its maintenance.'

"Five hundred dollars! I heard this with joy, for it was considerably
more than my husband was able to earn since his accident. It would make
us comfortable at once, and your father might work when he pleased,
without feeling any anxiety about our