"He's his father's first of all," faltered Mrs. Cobb; "don't
let's forget that; and we'd ought to be glad and grateful that
John Winslow's come to his senses an' remembers he's brought a
child into the world and ought to take care of it. Our loss is
his gain and it may make a man of him. Come in, and we'll put
things away all neat before your Uncle Jerry gets home."

Rebecca sank in a pitiful little heap on Mrs. Cobb's bedroom
floor and sobbed her heart out. "Oh, Aunt Sarah, where shall we
get another Jack-o'-lantern, and how shall I break it to Emma
Jane? What if his father doesn't love him, and what if he
forgets to strain the milk or lets him go without his nap? That's
the worst of babies that aren't private--you have to part with
them sooner or later!"

"Sometimes you have to part with your own, too," said Mrs. Cobb
sadly; and though there were lines of sadness in her face there
was neither rebellion nor repining, as she folded up the sides of
the turn-up bedstead preparatory to banishing it a second time to
the attic. "I shall miss Sarah Ellen now more'n ever. Still,
Rebecca, we mustn't feel to complain. It's the Lord that giveth
and the Lord that taketh away: Blessed be the name of the Lord."



Second Chronicle
DAUGHTERS OF ZION

I