Mary Erskine slept sweetly for two full hours, and then was awaked by the nestling of the baby.
[Illustration: THE WIDOW AND THE FATHERLESS.] When Mary Erskine awoke she was astonished to find her mind perfectly calm, tranquil, and happy.

She looked down upon her children--Bella asleep and the baby just awaking--with a heart full of maternal joy and pleasure.

Her room, it seemed to her, never appeared so bright and cheerful and happy as then.

She carried Bella to the bed and laid her gently down in Albert's place, and then, going back to the fire, she gave the baby the food which it required, and rocked it to sleep.
Her heart was resigned, and tranquil, and happy, She put the baby, at length, into the cradle, and then, kneeling down, she thanked God with her whole soul for having heard her prayer, and granted her the spirit of resignation and peace.

She then pushed open the curtains, and reclined herself upon the bed, where she lay for some time, with a peaceful smile upon her countenance, watching the flashing of a little tongue, of flame, which broke out at intervals from the end of a brand in the fire.