like that, he need not ask his mother. Why should he, she is nobody
now."

"Then you consent," said the Judge, impatiently, for he saw the
anxious looks of the little girls and pitied their suspense.

Mrs. Farnham removed the handkerchief with its sable border from her
eyes, and shook her head disconsolately.

"Yes, I consent. What else can I do--a poor heart-broken widow is of
no account anywhere."

The Judge turned away rather abruptly.

"Well, now that it is settled let us go; the poor children are
suffering a martyrdom of suspense. The Commissioner is on the other
side; we can settle the whole thing at once."

"I fancy he'll wonder a little at your taste. But I wash my hands of
it--this is your affair. I submit, that is a woman's destiny,
especially a widow's."

Judge Sharp advanced toward the children.

"Say to your matron that we may call for you at any minute, and shall
hope to find you ready. Tell her that you are both adopted!"

"Together, oh, Mary! we are going away, and together!" cried Isabel,
casting herself into the arms of her friend. Mary answered nothing,
her heart was too full.