m all the time."

"Where is his nurse, is it Miss Sybil? Ah, the brazen, piece! She's gone
and got married to Saundy McGruder the livery-stable keeper--master of
him who brought the news of your 'rival! _Ugh!_" exclaimed Miss Tabby
in strong disgust. _She_ had never taken upon herself to get married,
and she set her face steadily against all such improprieties in the
young servants that were under her control.

"And so she deserted her charge? Poor baby! Hard to lose his mother and
his nurse at the same time," said Sybil, compassionately. Suddenly she
changed the subject, and inquired:

"Miss Tabby! did _you_ ever believe I did that?"

"Did which, honey?"

"What they accused me of?"

"Now I wish you hadn't axed me that there question, Miss Sybil! I do so!
for it looks just as if you had a doubt on me, as never doubted you,"
exclaimed the faithful creature, with an injured look.

"Heaven bless you, good soul! Then you _don't_ believe it!" cried Sybil,
in delight.

"Now look here, honey! I've nursed you ever since you was a month old,
and how _could_ I believe you would do a thing like that! Though the
good Lord knows as you had aggravation enough to drive you out'n your
seventeen senses, and into anything! But you never did that! I'd stake
my soul on to it. Why, see here! When that ignorant nigger, Dilly, as
was a crying and a howling after you, fit to break her heart, when she
axes me, 'Oh, Miss Tabby, do you think as my mistress _did that_?' I
fetches her sich a box of the years, as I shouldn't wonder if they ring
yet, though that was a matter of nigh two months ago!"

"Thanks, dear old friend, for your faith in me. And now, dear Miss
Tabby, did you notice that fair boy whom we brought home with us?"

"I never see such a heavenly looking boy in all my days. To be sure I
noticed of him. Wherever did you pick him up, Miss Sybil?"

"On my travels, old Tabby. I will tell you all I know about him, when
you and I sit down together to gossip by that winter evening fire we
spoke of."

"And, oh, how much you'll have to tell me, my child. I looks to have my
hair bristle up on ind!"

"Then wear a strong cap, and tie the strings under your chin tightly,
that it may not be lifted from your head," laughed Sybil. "But about the
boy; he is to make his home with us; and so I want you to have one of
the best bedrooms prepared, and a plate always put on the table for him;
and to instruct the servants that they are to trea