Edward Claire was in no doubt as to the reception the motherless child would receive from his kind-hearted wife.

A word or two of explanation enabled her to comprehend the feeling from which he had acted.
"You were right, Edward," said she in hearty approval.

"I am glad you brought her home.

Come, dear," speaking to the wondering, partly shrinking orphan, "let me take off your bonnet." She kissed the child's sweet lips and then gazed for some moments into her face, pleased, yet half surprised, at her remarkable beauty.
Little Fanny felt that she was among friends.

The sad expression of her face soon wore off, light came back to her eyes, and her prattling tongue released itself from a long silence.