"I knew that the poor lady was dead," answered the Judge, feelingly. Isabel was weeping; she could not reply, but Mary answered in a faltering voice, "Yes, sir, we are both orphans!" "And would you not like to go away from here where you will have a new fine home, with pretty clothes and books and birds to amuse yourself with?" said Mrs. Farnham, bending over Isabel and kissing her. The child did not answer. She only turned very pale, and drew back toward Mary. "Would you not be pleased with all those pretty things?" said the Judge, who observed that Mary Fuller turned white as death when they spoke of taking Isabel away. "If _she_ can have them, too. Will you take her, sir? if not I would rather stay here!" "But we do not wish to adopt more than one little girl," said the lady, hastily. "You have no mother, I will be one to you. In a little time you will forget all about the people here." "I shall never forget her, ma'am," replied Isabel, firmly, "never." "Lead the child away and talk with her alone. This little creature seems intelligent, I will gather something of their history from her," said the Judge. When Mary saw that the gentleman was about to address her, she arose and stood meekly before him, as he leaned against the elm. "So, you would not like to have the little girl go away and leave you here?" Mary struggled bravely with herself, her bosom heaved, she could not keep the tears from swelling to her eyes, but she answered truly and from her aching heart. "If she will be better off. If you will love her as--as I do, as they did, I will try to think it best!" "You will try to think it best," repeated the gentleman, and the smile that trembled across his lips was beautiful; "if she goes, my little girl, you shall go with her!" "Me!" said Mary, lifting up her meek eyes to his face. "Oh, sir, don't make fun of me. Nobody would ever think of making a pet of _me_!" "No, not a pet, that is not the word, but, if God prospers us, we will make a good and noble woman of you!" said the gentleman, with generous energy. "Oh, don't, don't--if you are not in earnest--don't say this!" said the child, almost panting for breath. "I am in earnest, heaven forbid that I should trifle with you for a moment. If we take the other child you go also. Now, sit down and tell me about yourself." Mary obeyed with a swelling heart. She told him simply that they were both orphans--that no one on earth could claim them; but with the first few words her voice broke. So the gentleman arose, sought Isabel and led her back to the elm tree, then he took the lady aside and conversed with her long and earnestly. The little girls watched her countenance in breathless suspense. It was dissatisfied,--angry, but she had the will of a strong mind to contend against, and Judge Sharp was resolute.