"'Twas the fifth birthday of the little girl, and well he knew it. Ascending the steps of her father's house, he rang the bell, which was soon answered by a servant, and behind him came a bevy of little girls, the foremost being the original of his picture, his little 'guardian angel.'
"'More presents for me?" she asked, as he handed the precious parcel into her tiny hands, extended for it.
"'No, little one, for your father! Will you tell me your name?' he asked.
"'Oh, yes! My name is——'"
"What was it?" eagerly asked Mrs. Morely.
"Why are you so anxious? I'll punish you a little for interrupting me, by not telling you," answered the judge, playfully.
"Well, well, no matter; only go on," answered his wife, showing plainly how deeply she was interested in his story.
"The little one held her hand, saying:
"'I am five years old to-day. Shake hands with me, Mr. ——I do not know your name. Every one shakes hands and kisses me to-day.'
"The youth clasped the dear little hand (held forth with the sweet innocence of childhood and combined with a dignity well worthy of a maid of twenty), and pressed on it a pure kiss, at the same time breathing to himself the vow that, with God's blessing and help, to win such a position that should enable him to seek and know this child in her home. To try and make himself worthy of her; to win her love, and in years to come to have her as his 'guardian angel' through life.