"It is true that I disapprove of indiscriminate charity; but, under the circumstances, I----" "Think I am a deserving object? Well, I'll take it." With a sigh of relief, I took a note from my pocket-book, and gave it her. "I'll pay it back soon," she said. "Never let me see your face again." "Apologize for me to the Guntons. Good-by." She jumped out lightly, and I sank back, murmuring, "Thank Heaven!" After I got rid of her my journey was peaceful and happy, and I forgot my troubles in the warm greeting my old friend Bob Gunton and his wife gave me. The girl must have lied about the telegram; at least, Bob made no reference to it. He had a fine family of boys and girls, and presented them to me with natural pride. "That's my lot--except Addie. She's gone to see some friends; but we expect her back every minute. They keep me alive, I can tell you, Miller." After tea, my host and hostess insisted on taking me for a stroll on the terrace. It was a beautiful evening, and I did not mind the cold. As we were talking together, I heard the rumble of wheels. An omnibus stopped at the gate. "Ah, the 'bus," said Gunton; "it runs between here and our market-town." I hardly heard him; for, to my horror, I saw, descending from the 'bus and opening the gate, that girl! "Send her away!" I cried; "send her away! On my honor, Bob, as a gentleman, I know nothing about her." "Why, what's the matter?" "I solemnly assure Mrs. Gunton and yourself that----" "What's the matter with the man? What's he talking about?" "Why, Bob, that girl--that barefaced girl!" "That girl! Why, that's my daughter Addie!" "Your daughter?" The little minx walked up to me with a smile, dropped a little courtesy, and said: "I knew, Mr. Miller, that it wasn't true that you would refuse to help a really deserving case. The others said you would; but I thought better of you." And she had the effrontery, then and there, to tell her parents all about it! I think parents are the most infatuated class of persons in the community. They laughed, and Mrs. Gunton said, "How clever of you, Addie! You must forgive her, Mr. Miller. My dear girls are so playful!" _Playful!_ And she never returned the five-pound note! A GUARDIAN OF MORALITY.