"There, ma'am," she exclaimed, "that is proof enough. Oh, if only my dear
mistress had lived to see this day!"

"We will believe she does see it," returned Miss Elton, "and I am sure she
is glad with us."

The dressing was quickly finished, and with his shining face and
nicely-combed hair he looked, as Miss Elton said, "like a little prince."

Taking his hand, she led him down to the dining-room and exhibited him to
the others. Mrs. Blair gazed at him open-mouthed. Gladys ran to him, and,
throwing her arms round his neck, kissed him delightedly, saying, "G'adys
'ove 'oo, 'ickle boy!"

Bob alone made no sign. He did not know what to make of this new Willie.
Miss Elton called him to her. "Bob," she said, "many years ago my little
nephew was stolen away from his home. I have searched for him everywhere,
but could not find him; but to-day I have found out that you have been
taking care of him for me all this time. Are you glad that Willie is my
little boy?"

"Will 'e be always dressed like that?" asked Bob.

"Yes," was the answer.

"Won't 'e be 'ungry and cold any more?"

"No, my boy."

"Then I'm glad--but oh, Willie," and he broke down sobbing.

"Why, what is the matter?" asked Miss Elton.

"Oh!" sobbed the boy, "I shan't never see 'im no more!"

"Why, Bob," said Miss Elton, "what are you saying? Of course you will see
Willie. Do you think I would separate you after you have been so good to
him? Listen to me. Would you like to come and live here with Willie? Then
you could go to school, and still look after him as you always have done."

And so it was settled. Gladys was delighted with her new brother,
and she ruled him like a little queen, while he became her willing slave
and gave in to her in everything. They went down into the country to live,
where Bertram soon grew rosy and strong, while Mrs. Blair was given a
pretty little lodge to live in at the gate, which she said reminded,
her of her old home when she was a girl.

Bob was sent to a good school, where he himself so eager and quick to learn
that Mr. Elton sent him on to college; and when he became a clergyman he
chose a parish in the East End of London, where he devoted his life to
working among boys who were as poor as he himself once was.

-- A -- . SELECTION . OF Illustrated Books FOR Girls & Boys.
___.___

PUBLISHED BY S. W. PARTRIDGE & CO. 8 & 9, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C.

1s. 6d. each.
THE BRITISH BOYS' LIBRARY.