I remember the time to which you refer as perfectly as if but a week had passed.

Now, dear, try if you can recall any thing beyond that." "Beyond that, mother?
Oh, why do you ask?
You make me feel so strangely.

Can it be that some things I have thought to be only the memory of dreams, are indeed realities ?" "What are those things, my child ?" "I have a dim remembrance of a pale, but beautiful woman who often kissed and caressed me--of being in a sick-room--of a strange confusion in the house--of riding in a carriage with father to a funeral.

Mother! is there any thing in this; if so, what does it mean ?" "That woman, Fanny," said Mrs.Claire, speaking with forced composure, "was your mother." The face of the young girl grew instantly pale; her lips parted; and she gasped for breath.

Then falling forward on the bosom of Mrs.
Claire, she sobbed-- "Oh, mother! mother! How can you say this?
It cannot, it cannot be.
You are my own, my only mother." "You did not receive your life through me, Fanny," replied Mrs.
Claire, so soon as she could command her voice, for she too was overcome by feeling--"but in all else I am your mother; and I love you equally with my other children.