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"Yesterday morning," said Mrs. Rodman to her husband, who had returned home from an ordination in a neighboring town, "yesterday morning, I had a call from our queer young friend Jims."

"Indeed," said he. "Well, what said Jims?"

"Oh! he became quite sociable, and as usual got off some smart things."

"I presume so."

"Yes, indeed. He said Captain Bunce wasn't afraid of any thing but lightning and ghosts; and they had lately frightened him most out of his seven senses, by telling him Joe Harnden's ghost was walking about the orchard with a dagger all covered with blood in his hand!"

"Frightful! frightful! wife. What shall be done? What a place that poor-house is -- especially for this boy to be educated in. What can be done about it and about him?"

"I don't know as you have thought of the thing any further, but I have seriously reflected on that hint of yours, that we should take him. He isn't a bad boy. He is a very smart lad, and may be taught aright even yet."

"Oh, yes, I think so. But it would require much attention and time."

"True, it would -- perhaps more than we could well devote to him."

"I don't know," said the pastor, thoughtfully.

"He might be of much help to you about the horse and cow. He could do nearly all your chores, and make the paths in winter. I think we might find him enough to do when out of school, to keep him from idle habits, and it certainly would be a relief to you."

"I think it might -- I really think it would," said he.

"Suppose then," said she, "we ride down to Mr. Haddock's this afternoon and talk with them about it."

"This afternoon, eh?"

"Yes, if you are able to spend the time, and do not feel too much wearied."

"This afternoon -- let's see -- Thursday -- to-morrow's

Friday -- then Saturday. Thursday? Well, so be it, wife, we'll go."

* * * * *

Mr. and Mrs. Haddock had made arrangements to spend the afternoon of Thursday at Judge Fuller's in the next town, a drive of about eight miles. Mrs. Fuller was Mrs. Haddock's sister, a very estimable and intelligent lady. They were just on the point of starting from home, when Judge Fuller's sleigh, containing himself, wife and daughter, drove up to their own door. They came for a ride and a call, "and," said Mrs. Fuller, "we came for a bit of your cold chicken which we know you had for dinner, and for one of your handsome daughters to take this other seat in the sleigh, when we return to-morrow. She must, she must, she shall now go back with us and stay a week, and then you all come over for her, and we'll have a time, eh?"

"Do, aunt Haddock, do, do say yes, will you?"

"Why, of course she will!" said the Judge. "How can she do otherwise?"

In fact it was not possible; and as the Judge was going to see a brother lawyer a few miles off, the Haddocks' ride for that day was postponed. The Fullers left before three o'clock, and then arrived the Phillips.

How singularly things do happen in this world! The Haddocks were going from home on this Thursday, and were just about driving off when the very persons they were intending to visit came to see them, and they were prevented from leaving.

At the same time several persons, without any concert with one another, had made plans to call on the Haddocks, on more than usually interesting business. It would have been a disappointment to all parties had they not met -- and how nearly they failed of it!

"Yes," said Mr. Phillips, "this afternoon, if you please."

"Be it so," said his wife; "early?"

"Why, not so very -- say by two or three o'clock."

"You would like to be home before dark?"

"If possible -- oh, yes."

"It is a singular affair."

"Very."

"Do you think any thing can be brought to light?"

"Yes, I do; don't you?"

"Somehow or other I fancy so."

"Why shouldn't there be? here's evidence."

"Yes, as far as it goes."

"It is almost demonstration."

"What does it need to make it so?" she inquired.

"To prove it is her writing."

"And that the boy is Jims?"

"Very true. Well, well, we will go to Haddock's."

"You say early after dinner?"

"Put it at two o'clock," said he.

At three o'clock the Phillips came up to the door of Mr. Haddock, and were gladly received. The excitement of Mr. and Mrs. Haddock was very great when the box and its contents were shown them, and the manner of finding came to be explained.

"I remember perfectly well," said Mr. Haddock, "there was a belief in the community, years ago, that Jims wasn't Annie Sue's child. There was a report that Julia Sherman's baby did not die, and that it was given to 'Annie Sue' to nurse. But then the people took no very great interest in the affair; and without investigation -- for what real difference would it have made so far as the pauperage was concerned? -- what real difference will it make even now? -- it was suffered to die away."

They were talking on the subject, when who should drive up but old Mr. Warren, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Herring. And before the party were well through their greetings in came Mr. and Mrs. Rodman!