Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-09-19

u &~AI-,& ~ sze4sN,
"wHAT DREADFUL THING TO BE BORN WITH
OUT COMMON SENSE"
Hervey; 'actually, auntie, l shall be
ashamed to look Mrs. Falconer in the face"
81 would suggest to you, now that Mrs.
Monteith has made such a display of the
matter that it can not fail to cause remark"
resumed Aunt Katy, ''that you and other
of her friends, whose position in society is
incontrovertible, take special pains to in
troduce and stand by her"
''That we WILL" replied Mrs. Hervey. 81
am positive Mrs. Colonel De Long will look
at it just as 1 do, and am sure there is no
one will refuse to follow her lead"
Mrs. Monteith's stay at the Hervey's was
not a long one; Aunt Katy carelessly
dropped remark which showed the proud
dame that in spite of her diamonds and
velvets her reign as kitchen girl in the
family was not forgotten, and she took her
departure in huff.
''I'm so glad" said Mrs. Hervey; 'for
could not have gone to Mrs. Durand's with
out her, and would not have brought her
in contact with Mrs. Falconer again for the
world"
Mrs. Durand's gathering was a complete
success so far as Isabers social appearance
was concerned; IT was her first formal en-
trance into Philadelphia society, and some
thing of a test of her position in the future.
She was beautifully dressed in white, and
before leaving home Mr.. Falconer had pre-
sented her with set of pearls, exquisitely
mounted, which added the finishing touch
to her already elegant costume.
Society, as rule, is very much like
docile flock of sheep who follow their leader
submIssively over the wall without ques-
tion, and as Mrs. Colonel De Long, aided by
Mrs Dwight and Mrs. Hervey, introduced
her effusively as my friend, Mrs. Fal-
coner," society at once ignored the rumors
they had heard, and adopted her unani-
mously and heartily.
''Mr. Falconer." They were sitting in
the home room the evening after the party,
and Isabel was rocking Oracle, robed in
her daintily ly-emb mbroidered night-dress, and
the child had fallen asleep with the touch Of
a loving hand smoothing her soft hair, as
the young step-mother looked thoughtfully
upon her.
1t was a pleasant picture, and Mr.. Fall
coner's eye rested gratefully upon it, as he
replied: What is it, Isabel?"
II have been thinking of Lottie Ford to-
49,
she had means to have proper medical at
tendance her lameness might be cured.
You do not know how sweet and good she
is" and she looked in his face wistfully.
sShe was all that kept me from growing
hard and wicked there"
"Then 1 owe her a debt of gratitude"
he said, kindly. ~ think there is a re-
quest vailed under that wistful look,' he
resumed, smiling, land Ihope you are not
going to be modest and fear to make it
known"
81 have been thinking to-day that, if you
were willing, should be so glad to have
her come and live with me,'' she replied
"Gracie is old enough to begin learning,
under a wise governess, who would not
overtax her, and Lottie would be such a
gentle, patient teacher, as well as com
panion for me. Teaching was her chosen
vocation, but she was obliged to give it up
on account of her lameness.n
"a capital aian," replied Mr.. FalcOner,
heartily. 81 am glad you have mentioned
it."
"Lottie is proud, as well as poor" re-
sumed Isabel; land, while she could not
afford to come independently, she would
not be willing to accept what we would SO
gladly give her unless she could feel as if
she were earning 1t in some way"
San honorable feeling" said Mr.. Fal-
coner, warmly, land leave it to your good
taste to offer such inducements in such
manner as you think best"
&" did not look for such hearty co-opera-
ton in my plan,'' and Isabel looked into his
kindly face with gratitude. 81 will write
to Lottle tomorrow"
81 do hope, my dear wife, that you will
not doubt my readiness to aid you in any
plan you may wish to make for the benefit
Of those who have befriended you," he said
gravely and earnestly.
"Surely, what have is yours, also, ant
it is pleasure to me to know your wishes
that may crafty them. Did not short
time since endow you with all my worldly
goods!" he added, more playfully.
She looked up at him. Her dark eyes filled
with tears. You are too kind to me, and
do not feel as if 1 had any right to the en-
dowment not alone of your goods, but OF
the unvarying kindness you are ever show
ing me, when recognize the fact that can
not meet it with love which wife should
give; the sweet love which makes it easy
for her to ask and receive her husbands
gifts"
my dear Isabel" he replied, gravely,
IT do not wish TO hasten you in the least,
but will confess that it will be happy
hour when you can say, truthfully and
from your heart: L love you;' but do
not, beg, refuse me the pleasure Of doing
for you and Of loving you in the meantime.
I assure you it is privilege"
"'Do for me and with me as you will,
she cried, with deep emotion, ''only do not
regret taking me to your home. 1t would
break my heart had reason to fear that
you repented our marriage. / am so happy
here" and she looked down on the sweet
face OF the child, and the bright tears ran
down her cheeks and dropped on the fair,
unconscious head.
Have no fears, Isabel" he replied.
''your love for the child would alone make
that an impossibility. You brighten and
make my home a happy one also; so dry
your tears, dear wife, and all will yet be as
we would have it"
How little one can tell what day may
bring forth; the letter to Lottie was never
written, for Just as Isabel had seated her
self at the desk, Mr.. FaIconer came IN with
a telegram from her aunt, announcing the
death of John Harmon, and asking her to
come at once.
ssPoor auntie," she said, with sigh,
ssthough it IS really blessing, yet it viii be
such a shock TO her, for she loved him, and
was always hoping against hope that hs
would yet reform"