ld be
ever happier with each other, like a harmonious tone, responded in their
hearts, and brightened their countenances. In the mean time, the shadows
of evening began to grow broader, and a soft rain pattered on the
window. The sonorous voice of the Candidate, as he told stories to the
children, interrupted occasionally by their questions and exclamations,
was heard in the saloon. A feeling of home-peace came over the heart of
the father; he took the hand of his wife affectionately between his, and
looked joyfully into her gentle countenance, whilst she was projecting
little domestic arrangements. In the midst of this sense of happiness a
cloud suddenly passed over the countenance of the Judge, and tears
filled his eyes.

"What is it, Ernst?--what is amiss, Ernst?" asked his wife tenderly,
whilst she wiped away the tears with her hand. "Nothing," said he, "but
that I feel how happy we are. I see you, I hear our children without
there, and I cannot but think on that unfortunate child opposite, which
will be ruined in that wretched home."

"Ah, yes!" sighed Elise; "God help all unfortunate little ones on the
earth!"

Both cast their eyes involuntarily towards the nearest window of the
before-mentioned house. Something was moving before the window; a female
figure mounted on the window ledge, a dark child's head peeped out from
between her feet, was kicked away, and a large white cloth, which was
quickly unrolled, hid all within.

"He is dead!" said both husband and wife, looking at each other.

The Judge sent over to inquire how it was; the messenger returned with
the tidings that Mr. N. had been dead some hours.

Lights were now kindled behind the blind, and people appeared to be busy
within the chamber. The Judge walked up and down his room, evidently
much affected. "The poor child!--the poor little girl! what will become
of her? Poor child!" were his broken exclamations.

Elise read the soul of her husband. She had now for some time, in
consequence of a wish which she had perceived in his heart, accustomed
herself to a thought, which yet at this moment her lips seemed unwilling
to express: "Ernst," at length, suppressing a sigh, she began, "the pot
which boils for six little mouths will boil also for seven."

"Do you think so?" asked he, with pleasure, and with beaming eyes. He
embraced his wife tenderly, placed her beside him, and inquired--"Have
you proved your own strength? The heaviest part of this adopt