38 THE FIRST GLASS OF WINE;

 

carried in hor hand. She almost smiled as

she thought how pleased they would be at
the little surprise she had in store for
them. , a |

“¢ She lighted a tallow candle, which she
took from asmall pine table, and then, as
_ the children saw the expression of her face,
they took courage and advanced towards
her. ~The: eldest, a girl of about twelve
years of ave, was a fair, delicate child with
a pleasing countenance, though it bore
traces of want and sorrow. The second
was a boy, manly, and rather good looking,
but his clothes were much too ta for him >
In the arms and legs, and were adorned with
many a patch. The had was a girl of | )
seven, pale, sallow, and sickly. She wag
plainer looking than either of the others,

and seemed prematurely old and careworn.