Slip u seated at the niauo. Low
tremulous throbs of music filled the
apartment. Sail, and sweet, and tender
were the sounds, while the woman,
though pale and pensive, was very fair
l look upon. Her brow was white;
her eyes brown and liquid ; her mouth
curved with red lips hiding teeth like
pearls ; her cheeks were pale and smooth
a- alanasier, yet once iiicy nau giowcu
continually with crimson that only
changed by becoming deeper at times.
Her form was evidently slender and
graceful. No one could look at her and
call her anything but fair and pure.
She had come a few days previous to
the country mansion of Judge Duncan
unit asked to be taken in as a boarder for
a short time. She gave her name as
Eloise Herbert. She was not alone, but
a little girl probably four years of age
auu-ompamed tier, ine child called ner
mamma."
Judge Duncan's family had never
taken boarders before, but the fair
ect face of Eli use Herbert won their
hearts so that they could not refuse
what he asked. Sow she hail been
with them a week.
Presently she ceased playing, and
walked to an open window. Sue lifted
the lace curtains and stepped outside
upon the piazza.
"Mamma." said a child's voice-
voice as sweet as the music Kloise hail
been ulaving.
What is Nina's wish ?" Eloise asked.
The child stepped from the piazza and
Siaiising for a moment, reached hack her
and toward her girl-mother. Then she
started down the avenue, saying:.
