WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 187

 

Mrs. Claire took upon herself the task of breaking
it as gently as possible.

A woman in age and stature, yet with all the gen-
tle deference of a daughter, Fanny moved by the
side of Mrs. Claire with a loving thoughtfulness,
daily sharing her household duties. Some months
before she had left school, but was still taking les-
sons in music and French, and devoting a portion
of time to practice in drawing, for which she had a
decided taste.

On the day after Mr. Claire’s interview with Jas-
per, Mrs. Claire said to Fanny, with a seriousness
of tone and manner that brought a look of surprise
to her face— .

‘Come to my room with me, dear. I have some-
thing to say to you.”

Fanny moved along by her side, wondering to
herself what could be in her mother’s mind. On
entering the chamber, Mrs. Claire shut the door, and
then, as she sat down, with an arm around the young
girl’s waist, she said, in a thoughtful, earnest voice—

“Fanny, I want you to tell me the first thing
you recollect in life.”

“The first thing, mother?” She smiled at a re-
quest so unexpected, and Mrs. Claire smiled in re-
turn, though from a different cause.

“Yes, dear. I have a reason for asking this.
Now, let your thoughts run back—far back, and
recall for me the very first thing you can recollect.”’

The countenance of Fanny grew thoughtful, then
serious, and then a half-frightened look flashed
over it.