The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1889-07-06
IS Alb e Il;
From Shop to Mansion.
The Romantic Story Of a Dress
Makers Rise in Life.
Ely Mas. s.. M. HoWAsp.
tCopyrigh's}, 1891

Oracle was a very artectlonare cnlld, ana
as she saw the sad, puzzled expression on
the face Of her new acquaintance, She
reached her little arm around bis neck,
saying swaelly: IL win be your little
laughter, sir, if you'wiSil RE to-" locking
% her father tor his approval.
Ee nodded kindly, and size rrattlevd on,
acr sweet voice evidently acting Oh toe
s|ouded mind like music, for he listened
atently while she told him how Tom had
shown her the big green parrot who had
spoken her name, md told her solemnly
that Polly wanted q cracker, and how the
nocking-bird hail sung the same song which
.AuDet sang at home.
isabel had conquered her emotion, and
;urning viewed the scene with s. renewed
hope that the little Child might be the agen-
" through which her fathers mind might
And light, for she could not give up the
idea thai in some way there was to be
rift in tue dark clold which obsclred it.
tCome, Alicia let us go and see the rab-
5its,r he said to the child, mildly, as he put
her from his knee and rose to his feet.
"But, sir nv name is Gracit,'' she said,
aa he took her hand.
eyes, yes, Oracle Alicia; it has a sweet
.ound, hasn't it. little tiaugnter!o and the
great ma small child passed out together,
sfl,e locking up at him With mute, wondering
ayes, lie looking down at her with q tender,
protective air, without a thought or look for
the real dau gnter, VINO looked after him with
a heart almost bursting with grief and dis
appointed affection.
'How did he receive you, dearies" said
the little grandmother, coming in as the
pair Went cut at the hall door, The group
In the parlor had bccu III ~ qnivero OF curious
expectancy since they had seen the tall form
enter the library.
4 burst Of tears was the answer, as lsar
bel laid her head on til, loving little snoul-
der and burst Into tears, sobbing out her
grief. "iJh, gran:lNamma, he did not own
me ut all and have onged for him sop
The small .je.yalct; hand moved caressing-
" over tho hair, the same motion which had
con,forteti inc beautiful young mother in
the years past, and the sweet, tlenulous
voice said tend eriy: "Fhcn, my dearest.
we must love yon the more TO compensate
for his lack Of recognition How he would
dote on you if h. were only himself, for he
has such u loving heart. my poor Chester' -
and she sighed deeply.
ssI assure you, my dear niece, am sur
prised and GratitleG at the result OF the
meeting.:' said Major Carringto1 encour-
agingiy. ~ think the interest he has taken
Ia the child is really ,'omarknble. It is
marked departure from his ordinary de-
rneanor, and if there is any hope for him it
nay come through herr
! "Let Us hope SO, at least" said Mr.. Fal
coner, kindly. After all, my dear, it is
not surprising that your father failed to
grasp the idea Of the relationship, when, if
ho had any tleeting recollections of having
daughter, he must naturally think OF her
ms {. babe or Il little child"
"Yes, I presume 80, and l viii try and be
patient and brave" She raised her head
and wipcu away the tears resolutely. ''At
least viii not cloud dear grandmamma's
faco with my griefs.' and she patted the
aged cheek 1endcrly; she was such i little
grandmother, that it. seemed as natural tc
oct and caress her rs if she had been a
child
"Chestcr did not comprehend Isaoel's
identity as we hoped he might" said the
Major as they went buck to the drawing
room, Mrs. Pembrol1e's arm linked lovingly
in Isabel:s, ";sn,: has taken the fancy that
the little girl is Alicia"
Mrs Darlington saw at q glance hov
gvieved and disappointed her niece had
been, and with ~ few words OF kindly tact
changed the subject deXterously, and pro-
posed some music.
Adelaide aud Caroline were both fine per-
formers, and d selection OF duets and
choice music was brought out, and in their
artistic rendering OF some of her specla!
lsayoritcs, together with their lively sallies,
for they were sparkling and witty CONVERSE
tionulists, she forgot her s0.Tovgs, and
spent delightful hour.
~ have one favor to ask, Mr.. Falconer,"
said Mrs. Pembroke, as she laid her goved
hand on his arm; her carriage was II the
door, and tue family were On the broad
veranda.
'syo the half of my kingdom, dear
madam he replied, gallantly.
CIT is that you spare Isabel to me alone
Tor one tlay' she said, pleadingly. Slt is
an old woman's whina, know, but I want
my Alicia's child all to myself for one
sweet day" She looked in his face, her
fine eyes moist with feeling.
$50 be surc,' he answered her, heartily
and sympathetically. ''Who could refuse
ouch natural request!'
"Euch q funny gentleman" sai0 Oracle,
as she sat by lsabel's side before retiring
Mrs Carriagton had spoken with Isabel OF
the matter, and Lizette was TO take charge
of the little girl during their stay, but she
had not yet appeared. "He called me
Alicia all tine Tune, all nc Sa!Ci ne nau OlLeu
dreamed he had little girl like me, but he
had never found her be fore.''
s'Let us hope ON, dear wife," said Mr..
Falconer. IF he can not see as we wish,
the child may be Is great blessing to him.
81 will be patient" She looked up at him
with sad eyes and a quiverins lip. ~ can
al least imagine what q fathers love might
have been.''
From that time the child was the con-
slant companion of Chester Darlington,
and, with Pompey in the rear to look after
their safety, took loug walks over the plan
1ation, visiting the negro cabins and enter.
ing into their simple lives with childish
zest.
Oracle had never before come in close
contact with the race. and they were a
source of great curiosity and pleasure tc
her, as she listened to their quaint songs
and tales.
Maum Dinah. the second cook in the
establishment, always had a choice bit laid
away for ''Ittle Missy" for child was
great treat on the place, and every one OF
them were ready and willing at any time tc
do her favor, or contribute to her enter
tainnent.
l1rs Don, hrolxe,,s carrja on came for Tsa.