I have always taught her to look upon me as her mother." "I presume so.

My visit has reference to her." "Can you tell me anything of her parentage ?" inquired Mrs.Harding, eagerly.
"I was her nurse," said the stranger.
Mrs.Harding scrutinized anxiously the hard features of the woman.

It was, at least, a relief to know that no tie of blood connected her with Ida, though, even upon her assurance, she would hardly have believed it.
"Who were her parents ?" "I am not permitted to tell." Mrs.Harding looked disappointed.
"Surely," she said, with a sudden sinking of the heart, "you have not come to take her away ?" "This letter will explain my object in visiting you," said the woman, drawing a sealed envelope from a bag which she carried in her hand.
The cooper's wife nervously broke open the letter, and read as follows: "MRS.

HARDING: Seven years ago last New Year's night a child was left on your doorsteps, with a note containing a request that you would care for it kindly as your own.

Money was sent at the same time to defray the expenses of such care.