'Listen, and I will tell you,' replied the lady, 'About two hours ago,
the street-door bell rang violently, which caused me to despatch a
serving maid to ascertain from whom this loud summons proceeded. She
immediately went to the door and opened it, but found no one there. Upon
turning back again into the entry, her ears were assailed by the faint
cries of this dear babe, whom she soon after discovered, esconced very
comfortably in a large wicker basket. This with its contents was soon
conveyed to my presence, and upon removing the infant from its place of
rest, I found this note attached to its dress.'

So saying, Lady Armstrong handed a letter to her husband, which he
opened, and then read from it as follows:

'To the Right Honorable George Armstrong, Earl of
Derwentwater.

Sir: The writer of this, being well aware that your
matrimonial union still remains unblest with children, would
earnestly entreat you to adopt the infant which this
accompanies, as your own. If you should see fit to comply with
my request, you can rest assured that no pecuniary means shall
be wanting, to insure to her, if she lives, all the
educational and other accomplishments fitting to your rank,
and that to which at some future day she herself, will be
entitled. A draft for the necessary funds will be punctually
placed at your disposal at the commencement of each year,
until those who have a right, shall claim her at your hands.
If you do right by her, you will gain the approval of a good
conscience; if not, you will feel the vengeance of a parent's