The Irish standard., 1889-06-29

York If il were not for that should feel
as if I must pass my last months OF maiden
life with mother"
"Oh, isn't that lovely!'' cried Isabel, ''if
you can have the little mother near you:
abe will have to adopt me, too, for long for
mother So" and she gave sigh for the
lost mother in her grave.
|sMother's heart is large enough for ua
BOTH" replied Lottie, smiling, land only
fear that Ishall have occasion to be jealous
of you. They will come in the spring, II
all works as we expect, and AS DR.. Conroy
is almost positive it will"
sThen fear I am to be disappointed in
having the pleasure of making darling lit.
Gle wedding for you," said Isabel, shade
coming over her face. II had anticipated
having such quite select affair"
sWeli," replied Lottie, t'you and mother
may decide that when the time comes, for
must confess that with father and mother
here, your home would seem as much like
my home as any place could"
"You darling,'' said Isabel, relieved.
ssThen shall coax our mother until she is
obliged to consent to be rid Of me; of course
you will go to housekeeping at once"
"Yes, DR.. Conroy is so thoroughly tired
of boarding, though upon what scale T. am
sure know not; I have never questioned
him."
"Not pinched one, my dear" said lsa-
bel, nodding her head knowingly. 1.-THE doc
tor is far from being q poor man."
clam glad of that" said Lottis, sw-eetly.
II had feared so much that [ might be
hindrance to him, if he was yet poor, and
struggling for SUCCESS, but if he can afford
such an expensive luxury as weakly wife
is liable to be, shall feel better satisfied,
for of course it would be folly for NE to ex-
pect to be as strong as many are.''
ayes, my little friend. you might as well
decide that you are never gong to bear the
world on those slender shoulders of yours,
aud save yourself some inevitable disap-
pointment; but you nave mission of
sweetness and patience, which no one but
YOU can accomplish, and which the most Ut
us would fail in. So be comforted, Fly dear:
it seems to be one OF the compens tious Of
life that the weakness of the flesh adds
strength and grace to the spirit"
Major Darlington met the travellers at
the station when they alightcd, and vel
coined them with warm Southern hospital
ity MI. Falconer had borne the Journey
even better than he expected, and though
languid and pale, was in good spirits, and
| prepared to be pleased with all he saw.
A roomy travelling carriage was waiting
for them, and the burly, colored coachman
looked curiously, yet respectfully, at Isabel.
as she came forward, for the news had
spread among the older colored people that
'sMissy Alicia's' long-lost daughter was
coming, and this faithful fellow had been
on the place ever since he was born. before
the war as slave, since as hired 5erv'
ant.
A ride of a few miles through lovely
scenery brought them to the natural park
OF elms, from which the place was named.
Elm Park. the carriage winding through
them, past a miniature lake, and bank after
bank of roses and other flowers, which.
though not in bloom, were yet green and
suggestive of their summer beauties. The
house was fine specimen of Southern
home, wide verandas on all sides. support.
! ed By heavy pillars, around which twined
wide-spre aiding branches of the lovely Bal
timore Belle, Marechal Mel rose and clus-
tering clematis.
MY dear girl, welcome, thrice welcome
to our horne,' said Mrs. Darlington, tall,
stately lady, who came out upon the veran-
da to meet them, taking her in warm
embrace.
And here is Caroline, waiting to vel
come her cousin" said the Major, as tall,
graceful girl, and the image of her mother,
came to the door of the hall, while Mrs.
Darlington gracefully welcomed Mr.. Fal-
coner and Oracle. Caroline grasped Isa-
bells hand with cousinly warmth, and then
introduced her to Adelaide, her sister, also
tall and graceful, but with more of the Car
rington style Of features.
Isabel could scarcely control her emotions
as she entered the house, though she could
not have Analysed her feelings, but Mrs.
Darlington coming in was quick to observe
and assign reason for her agitation, and
kindly led her to small sitting room Oil
the hall, and, summoning portly colored
woman, she gave directions that the guests