Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-08-08
CHAPTER TX.


Mrs Belmond's reception wac the most
elegant affair which Isabel had ever at
tended, and she felt almost lost in the crush
of splendid toilets and bewilderng adorn-
ments; the spacious rooms were beautiful
Iy decorated, and on every hand was
LAVISH display of wealth and icXurlou3 taste.
Mrs. Falconer was looking her best, to
her own satisfaction as well as her hus-
bands, who had looked at her with q salts
fed air as she appeared before him.
She had chosen the lavender gray in
combination of plain and brocaded velvet,
and it was very becoming TO her clear COM
plexion, and Nine. Morand had outdone her.
self in the tasteful manner in which it was
made. A handsome set Of diamonds gave
finishing touch of brilliancy to its some
what quiet effect, and the diamond locket
had been reburnished by her jeweler, and
hung conspicuously about her neck. She
had an object in this beyond display; an
ever-present hope that it might yet lead to
the discovery of her family.
She was listening with rapt attention TO
the performance OF . 9Eilled pianist, when
upon lifting her eyes she observed gentle
man watching her nteatly; he was an elder
ly man, tall aud with q distinguished mill
tary bearing, and noting that his gaze was
ing to another gentleman.
He was evidently q person Of note among
the guests, for wherever he went there was
marked attention paid him, as Isabel noticed
curiously, after having her attention drawn
by the fixed look with which he had re-
garded her.
Supper was over and she, with her friend
MIRO. Dwight, had strolled into the conserva-
tory to admire Mrs. Belmond's large and
rare collection Of plants. She stood by
wonderful specimen of the lily tribe, its
heavy pendulous blossoms filing the air
with Q rarely sweet perfume, when she felt
light touch UPON her arm, and Mrs. Colonel
De Longs familiar voice said, slowly:
MIRA. Falconer, allow me to present TO you
Major Carrin gton, Of Richmond"
She started and looked up; the tall gen.
tleman who had watched l. = by the piano
stood by her side, holding OUT his hand TO
her, with bis eyes fixed, not upon her, but
upon the loel,et which she wore.
She turned pale, as 9 momentary deathly
faintness seized her at hearing the name so
familiar to her, but she mastered her emo
ton and gave him her hand, managing to
speak few words Of conventional greeting.
"Pardon me for approaching personal
topics, Mrs. Falconer," he said, as he led
where they could converse freely. "Isought
this introduction, because the locket you
wear has made me very curious to know
more Of you. II is the exact counterpart Of
one worn by dear friend of mine, and
am anxious TO know how 1t came in your
possession
"Major Darlington" she said, her heart
beating unanimously, Il have worn the
locket in the hope that it might lead to the
discovery of my family and sne unc.asped
the trinket from her neck and laid it in
his hand; he opened it, starting IS the
familiar faces within met his eye.
"Who are yout" he cried, ia agitation,
stand how came son cv thisF'
II scas Isabel Darlington" looking up at
him with eyes moist with her emotion,
s'and the pictures are Of my father and
mother; and you, Major CarriugtOnT'
"If what YOU say IS true / am your uncle,
my dear he replied. more oomposedJy and
looking searchiugly in her face; . sou are
very like your father, my brother"
"Oh, tell me Of my fatherl" she cried,
earnestly, a sweet hope springing up in her
| heart at the words. rs be livingF
'Yes, he is hving,n he replied, slowly and
| doubtfully.
'.And shall see himr' She elasped her
hands in grateful emotion. "Oh. / am SC
happy
'sYes, you win see him; but, my dear
child, why DO y0a not inquire why YOU have
been left all these years. unclaimed and ap-
parently unclred fUran
II have but recently come 10 the kn0wl-
edge OF who NY FANNY were, she replied,
simply, ssand have laid our separation 70
the fortunes ef war"