Paul and Robert were their brothers; the former still went to school, but the latter was apprenticed to the worthy godfather," who kept a grocer's shop close by.

66

Monsieur Dupart, or, the "godfather," as he was always styled in the family, was, in reality, a worthy, good-hearted man, and although, as a national guard, he wore a very thick pair of moustaches, yet this outward fierceness of expression was finely contrasted with his mild and playful manner towards children.

The evening at length arrived, and with it the expected "godfather." He was in uniform, for on that day he had been on duty. The children, at other times when he came, would cling about him, and jump upon his lap, as he, of course, always came provided with something; but this time he could not allow it, inasmuch as he had all his pockets, and his very cap, loaded and crammed full of presents.

"Well, my children," said he, "here we are once more altogether; it's a beautiful thing to be thus able to pass the Christmas eve amidst bright contented faces. It is not every family in Paris can do that. Come, my good children," he continued, "I feel quite happy that we have met in such good health, and for that, if for nothing else, we ought to feel grateful and contented towards the Almighty." Just at this moment his eye fell upon the little stranger. "Bless me, children, why who have you got there, pray?-Who is that little girl?"

The good mother and the sisters now briefly related to him the particulars connected with poor Marie's distressed situation, and how they had determined to give her a home amongst them. "Well, that is good and kindly done," said

the "godfather," as he stroked his moustaches, which he always did when he felt pleased; “and you are an excellent girl, Manon. Come here, my good Marie, look here; I am the 'godfather' of all these children here, and now I will be yours too-have you any objection?"

Joyful, grateful tears, were the only reply the happy Marie could return to this benevolent man, intermixed with some bitter sobs of lamentation at the recollection of her mother and brother.

Monsieur Dupart, being told of the loss she had sustained, and having made every inquiry respecting his appearance, age, size, &c., assured them that he would lose not a moment in applying to the proper authorities, to institute every possible search for him. And now the moment arrived for the distribution of the various presents; and amongst the happy ones who received them, the adopted stranger was not forgotten, for each of them had generously arranged beforehand, with their mother, that she should take something from their own portions, and give it to Marie; and which the matron, with gratified feelings, had not failed to do.

The good "godfather" then took an affectionate leave of all; and thus was spent an evening full of love and gratitude to God!

With these good people Marie lived to see very happy days. They treated her as their own child and sister; and she saw punctually and carefully after whatever was given her to do, profiting, at the same time, by the instruction she received in their business.

One day Manon came home highly delighted, for she had just received a very large order, amounting to several hundred

francs, from a lady of great wealth and distinction. And now the good girl made her calculation how long the job would take her to execute and complete, and how long they could all live upon the profit. Amidst her joy, however, she had forgotten to purchase something still necessary; and so she said to Marie: "Go, my dear Marie, run and fetch me some ribbon like these patterns; here's the money."

Marie bustled along, looking neither right nor left, when she felt herself suddenly clasped by two arms. As she looked up, the simultaneous exclamation was: "Marie!" "Seppi!"— and, rushing into each other's arms again, they affectionately hugged one another closely, and shouted and wept for joy: and then they had so much to ask of each other-they had so much to tell-that Marie naturally quite forgot all about her dear Manon's commission. The latter, finding she did not return, became very anxious, and fearing something serious might have happened to her, she determined to seek for her, and was just leaving the house, when she was met by Marie, safe and sound, happy and joyful, with her brother and Monsieur Dumenil. She perceived at once the happy cause of the delay; for she had not the slightest doubt but that it was Seppi, the lost brother.

"Yes, mademoiselle," said Monsieur Dumenil, "it is indeed Seppi; and, thank God, the dear and affectionate brother and sister have at length been restored to each other!"

They all went up stairs, and there the good mother and her family expressed the most affectionate delight at this happy event. The "godfather" was sent for, and soon came running down the street in his dressing gown and slippers, and joined cordially in the happy feelings of all present.

Y