WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 141

 

Jeast done our duty toward Fanny in making this
demand on her guardian. And now, the question
left for us to decide may be whether it will be just
toward her, and also toward our own children, still
to keep her in our own family, and let her share,
with the others, the best that it is in our power to

ive.”
oe And will it be hard to make that decision ?”
said Edith, a slight flush coming into her earnest
face.

“J think not,” was the firm reply.

“Have we loved her less than our own?” asked
Edith.

“T believe not.”

“Love seeks the highest good for its object.”

“'Yes—yes.”’

“(Can a stranger love the child as we have loved
her ?”’

Claire shook his head.

“Qan a stranger, even with more of what the
world gives, yet with less of a genuine affection, se-
cure for her, as we may, what should justly be re-
garded as the highest good in life.”

“No stranger can ever be to her, Edith, what you
have been, and will continue to be.”’

‘“ We must not thrust her out, Edward. We can-
not thrust her out. While God permits her to re-
main, let us keep her, assured that He will send for
her use all things needful.”

“Most cheerfully will I prolong my daily toil for
her sake,” replied Claire; ‘‘ and cheerfully will I
make sacrifice of personal comfort. Yes, let her re-
main where she is, so long as, in God’s providence,