Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-07-24


 cussing styles. ''f you will allow mo to compliment you," said Mrs Stanford, as she inspected the garnet velvet with the eye of an ex- pert, 'T must say you have shown the most perfect taste in your selections" She had half expected to see a gaudy display, such mistake as might easily have been made by less pure taste.
 Isabel received the commendation with a flush of pleasure; she was anxious to be friendly with this naughty sister-in-law, though she did not intend to crlnge, or sac rifice shade of her self-respect, to gain her friendship, and it was pleasant to hear a compliment from her, even upon the sec ondary topic of dress.
 tsIt is the first time have ever had the opportunity of pleasing myself without re- gard to expense" she replied, quietly, "and doubtless my taste will improve with oppor- tunity and culture"
 II don't see how it can," said the other, with candor. 'I haven't told you of Lilly's wedding gifts, have I2' she continued, with a mothers pride in her only daughters marriage festivities.
 ''I shall be delighted to hear," said Isabel, cordially. II admire Mrs. Norton so much, and am in such haste to make her acquaint- ance."
 The balm was soothing to tho mothers heart, and she replied cordially also, with little laugh: "The admiration is mutual, then, for Lilly quite raves over you; that picture which you and Harvey sent quite captivated her, and it is a beauty; it takes front rank in her list of gifts," and then followed description of the wedding and trousseau, which occupied the remainder of the morning
 In the afternoon moro callers came in Mrs. Harry Dwight among them, another prominent lady in tho circle which Isabel was expected to enter.
 She had tired of Newport, she said, and had come homo to rest; shc was bright, captivating little body, and, like a bracing breeze, cheered and cleared the atmosphere wherever she went. Society had quite failed to spoil her, and she carried her warm heart where nature had placed it, in direct communication with her bright, busy brain, and her deeds of charity and kind ness will perhaps never be estimated until she meets them again in that hereafter. where even the kindly word and modest cup of cold water are not forgotten. "We shall have such delightful oppor tunity to get acquainted before the season commences" she said, brightly. s'If only knew how to knit I would put on black | silk apron and come over and bring my | knitting, as grandmamma used to do" "But in lieu of knitting, please lay aside | formality and come in without ceremony" said Isabel gracefully, meeting her callers l eordiality. Mrs. Stanford was moro than | ever impressed with her new sisters abil. | ity to make her way in society, and she was in very amiable frame of mind as evening drew near, which fact MT. Falconer ob- served with pleasure.
 "We will spend the evening in the home room,'" he said to Isabel in a low voice, as l they passed out of the dinin 2 room. l "Very well,' she said, looking up, with a l happy smile. "I have to speak to Mrs Mohtford a moment, and will join you | there"
 "This is our snuggery; where we keep the altar fires of home burning" said Mir. Falconer, as he threw open the door and ushered his sister in. It was revelation to her, and she looked about her in sur prise; as well she might, for there was nothing in her elegant home which com pared with it for beauty and purity of de sign.
 "It is Isabeps work" said MT. Falconer. "She and Oracle planned it all.'
 "Even to the portraits" said Mrs. Stan ford, inquiringly, as she paused before the picture h surprise. She had imagined fair Mattie's face banished from the new wife s presence.
 "That was her thought, also, and a com plete surprise with the rest.'
 "I surrender, Harvey.n The sister turned with tears in her eyes toward her brother and placed her hand upon his arm affection ately She had a tender heart, though, as we have seen, it was surrounded with g heavy crust of worldliness. "You have in deed found treasure among women, and together we will fight her battles, if neec be, before the world.
 l The remainder of Mrs. Stanford's visit
 was very pleasant and she seemed striving
 to atone for her first unklndness. If there
 is any thing in which can be of assistance to you," she said the following morning a. they were sitting in the library. She spok'
 with a little hesitation; she did not wish t. be patronizing, but she was so accustomed
 to being so that she feared to blunder into
 unconsciously.
 "Iam ignorant on some points, Twill con
 fess," replied Isabel, frankly. "There ar
 certain forms and ceremonies In society i,
 which have hitherto had DO need to educat