"  How  kind  of  Mrs.  Campbell  to  take  charge  of
our  feeble  baby,  when  she  had  one  of  her  own  so
near  the  same  age."

"  Yes,"  said  Mary,  "  she  is  a  noble  woman.  If
we  could  only  see  our  darling  half  as  healthy,  it
would  be  such  a  comfort."

Just  then  the  baby  woke,  and  seeing  only  strange
faces,  began  to  cry,  and  Mrs.  Campbell  entered  at
the  same  moment.  After  welcoming  her  guests,
she  took  the  child,  who  clung  half  frightened  to
her  neck,  slily  watching  the  intruders.
"  Don't  think  me  impatient,  dear  Mrs.  C.,"  said
Mary,  "  but  I  am  anxious  to  see  my  baby."

"  Then  you  will  not  acknowledge  this  little  part
ridge?  Forgive  me,  I  ought  not  to  tease  you
when  you  are  so  weak ;  do  you  not  recognize  little
Susie?"

"  Surely  you  do  not  mean  to  say  that  this  stout,
ruddy  little  girl  is  our  own !"

"  Certainly.  I  am  surprised  that  you  think  her
so  changed.  It  has  been  so  gradual  that  I  did  not
once  imagine  you  would  not  know  her  instantly ;
and  waited  longer  than  was  consistent  with  good


158  FROM   DAWN   TO   DAYLIGHT.
manners,  that  your  first  meeting  might  be  without
witnesses."

"  Why,  Mrs.  Campbell,  I  cannot  credit  it.  I  do
not  see  a  shadow  of  resemblance.  Even  her  eyes
and  hair  have  changed.  Come  to  mother ',  darling  !
Why,  George,  she  doesn't  know  us — her  own  father
and  mother  /"  And  kind  Mrs.  Campbell  did  not
think  her  ungrateful,  when  she  hid  her  face  in  the
pillows  to  conceal  the  tears.
