The Fates, however, seemed determined to interfere with
Jason Babb's connubial plans ; but the next time it was upon
himself, and not upon his wife, that the lot fell. Having no
children of his own, by either wife, he besonght Fortitude,
with his latest breath, to be both father and mother to the
doubly-orphaned little Bute Wilson. It must be admitted
that Mrs. Babb faithfully performed her promise. The true
feeling of parental tenderness had never been granted to her,
and the sense of responsibility — q^ ownersAip— which came in
its stead — was a very mild substitute ; but it impressed the
boy, at least, with a consciousness of care and protection,
which satisfied his simple natare. Mrs. Dennison, with btT
kind voice, and gentle, resigned old face, seemed much more
the mother, while Mrs. Babb, with her peremptory ways and
strict idea of discipline, unconsoionsly assumed for him tha
attitude of a father. The latter had come to Lakeside at a
time when Mr. Deunison's confirmed feebleness required hia
wife to devote herself wholly to his care, Mrs, Babb, there
fore, took charge of the house, and Arbutus, at first a younger
companion of Henry Dennigon, afterwards an active farm-boy,
finally developed into an excellent farmer, and had almost tha
exclusive management of the estate for some years before Mrs.
Dennison's death.
