The Black-Sealed Letter | Page 8

to-night on my return. Mark my words, Clara,"
he emphatically added, and putting the shilling into his pocket he

departed, leaving them to consider seriously over the matter.
As soon as he had gone Clara and her mother began talking over the
affair, premeditating what they should do with the child. They felt
suspicious of the threats made by Collins, who, it appears, for several
weeks past, had used somewhat coarse language to Clara, especially
since he had discovered that there was no immediate prospect of her
removal.
While thus suggesting what was best to be done a rap was heard upon
the door; and in the course of a few seconds Mrs. Charlston and her two
eldest daughters entered. They had come on a visit to spend the
afternoon and have a friendly conversation; but their object was more
particularly to find out if Frederick had made known to Clara what his
intentions really were, as he had given them no decided answer at home.
Mrs. Collins and Clara were delighted to see them, but more especially
on that occasion, as it afforded a sort of relief to their dejected hearts,
and perhaps be the means of suggesting the best expedient for the
adjustment of their condition under the present circumstances. Tea was
being prepared, and a pleasant conversation was entered into. After
having digested Fred's Canadian-bubble-scheme, as Mrs. Charlston
termed it, the unhappy affair that had occured was made known by Mrs.
Collins. She expressed herself, that she did not really know what to do
with the child, as Collins would most assuredly put his threat into
execution.
"Oh! that's easily settled," exclaimed Mrs. Charlston. "The child is now
nearly eight months old; it is time it was weaned--so it will serve both
purposes to send it up to our house. I assure you I will be happy to take
it into my charge; and Clara can come to see it as often as she can find
it convenient."
"Oh, yes, ma,--that is delightful," exclaimed Eliza.
"Yes, ma, we'll take the dear little darling along with us," said Amelia,
embracing the infant more lovingly, and imprinting a kiss tenderly
upon its smiling lips.

"O, but, perhaps, it will be too much trouble and inconvenience for
you," said Clara.
"Not in the least, I'm sure Mr. Charlston will be perfectly delighted
with the child," replied Mrs. Charlston.
"It will, perhaps, put him in remembrance of old times," said Mrs.
Collins.
"Yes, and perhaps make him conceited enough to fancy himself twenty
years younger than he really is," added Mrs. Charlston.
"O, yes, I'm sure pa will be infinitely happy," exclaimed Eliza.
"Yes, and so will Fred," added Amelia with a sly wink.
It was, therefore, agreed upon that little Richard, for so he was named,
should go to his new home that very evening. Tea being over, he was
dressed in his best clothes. A couple of carpet bags were filled with
other necessary articles. All things being in readiness Mrs. Charlston
and her daughters took their departure, accompanied with Clara and the
child.
When they arrived home Mr. Charlston and the others of his family
were at tea, Mrs. C. entered carrying Richard in her arms, followed by
the others.
"Look here, old lad, and guess what I have got, as a present for my
good behavior this afternoon," exclaimed Mrs. Charlston.
"Only a baby," said Mr. C. "You seem as much excited as if you had
found a purse of gold."
"Just look at the sweet, little, silvery-mouthed hazle-eyed, rosy-cheeked
cherub," said Mrs. C.
"'Tis little Richard, I declare," shouted Charlotte, springing forth to see
him. "What a sweet little fellow he is. Just come, pa, and see the little
darling." "O, Fred come and see him, he is your very picture, what a

dear lovely angel he is," &c.
After the excitement had abated, they all removed to the sitting-room.
Every one had to kiss and fondle little Richard; and even Frederick,
whose heart had become softened by the touch of tender humanity,
took the child into his arms, and with a parent's affection bestowed a
dozen of fond kisses upon its ruby lips, feeling at the same time as if he
could have similarly complimented Clara, as an expression of his
affection, and a recompense for the abrupt manner in which he had
treated her at their previous interview. Mrs. Charlston then told them
that Richard had come to stay with them until he was weaned. Mr.
Charlston felt apparently well pleased with the idea; it seemed to him
as a happy acquisition to his household.
Clara at length prepared herself to depart, and before leaving bestowed
a dozen of fond kisses on the dear little fellow, and with a lingering
look bade them all good night, promising