The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-06-20
Il;
From Shop to Mansion.
Tho Romantic Story Of q Dress
Makers Rise In Life.
~ MRs. 2. m. HoWAao.
Copyrighted. 1859. ]
CHAPTER lfI.-coNTfNrED.

perhaps you are right" Mrs. Stanford
replied. more cordially than she had yet
spoken: she loved to be looked up to as au-
thority in society matters. IF she is teach
able and intelligent it may not be SO bad.
after all, but what freak
II people would only follow the Stanfords
proposed example. and make the best Of
things in this vexing whirl Of life, what a
world Of trouble would be saved. but the
most Of US fret and worry, beating our
wings against the inevitable, to the prema-
ture development of crows feet and gray
hairs. Perhaps this is distinctly Amer
ican trait, and traceable in some degree to
dyspeptic pie and other indigcstible stuffs;
however that may be, we could probably
exchange some Of our excessive ability for
worrying for little of the German stolid-
lty, or the French elasticity, and be q hap
pier and more agreeable Nation.
This 10 your choice. then, Mrs. Fal-
conera" They were standing before two
clegantly-framed pictures in popular
artists studio; one. q wonderful piece Of
coloring in the Yellowstone Park: the other
. sunset in the Alps, o rare gem, the pur-
pie tips of the mountains, the tops of the
tall trees, and even the shrubs which
fringed the brook in the valley tipped
with hazy pink tint from the setting sun,
which gave . bewitching effect.
Isabel had never had the privilege Of ex.
crcising her taste in the selection Of expen-
sive pictures before, and she enjoyed the
novel experience hugely.
.Yes," she replied, with enthusiasm, ''it
rests my eyes to look at it, and am sure
Miss Stanford will like it..
Mr.. Falconer said few words to the art
ist, and the picture was taken from the
easel and paid for
Mr.. Falconer watched his wife at Nine.
Morand's with great satisfaction: she gave
her orders in quiet, concise manner. and
with the air Of one who understood herself
perfectly, and knew exactly what she
wanted; in decided contrast to fussy
creature OF the vulgar rich class, who kept
one counter in q ferment with her conflict
ing orders.
Isabel had often wished that she might
have the opportunity Of choosing one cos
tune for herself, without the necessity OF
counting the dollars spent in its construc-
ton, and now with the prospect Of half a
dozen before her and no limits as to ex-
pense, she made out her programme at
home, carefully studying her own needs and
style to nicely.
The shop-woman who took her measure
toner was lady of artistic tastes, and
waited upon her with pleased aiacrity.
What would she think if she knew that only
last week stood behind the counter also, .
WAS Isabels inward comment, and she con-
trived before she went to speak q word Of
kindness To the woman. whose tired face
lighted up with pleasure as she replied
gratefully.
Harvey Falconer observed the little trans
action, and said cxultingly to himself: "A
true lady. every inch OF her: my intuitions
have not betrayed me-"
Have you ever learned to rldes' he
said, as they were once more seated in
their carriage.
Not since was child aud rode bare
back in primitive style She smiled at the
recollection. But think should like il
exceedingly well, however
Then you had better order habit, fol
Doll, one Of the carriage horses, is q very
gentle animal, and am very fond OF horse
back riding. With n few lessons at lii,
riding school think you will make yer,
graceful rider"
She turned TO HIM gratefully. "Yot
forget nothing that can add 10 my happl
ness.' she said, aud involuntary tears o
pleasure stood in her eyes.
should nope mol, he fepllsd, sMiling
1T would be objectionable should ! invit,
lady to my home and then neglect her"
They were riding now out beyond thu
business portion of the city, past elegan
residences and pal .tial homes.
You have told me SO little of your earl.
lifc,. he said. ~ should like to hear HOY
your childhood was spent
1T was meager and cramped child
hood she replied, thoughtfuliy. "Of III.
parents / remember nothing, and Aun
Dcbby always seemed strangely reticent II
regard to them"
And your aunt.''
WAS always very kind TO me, SO far a
she dared to be; Uncle John is very I'm
reasonable when he has been drinking, an,
not only abuses me, but his own children
and his wife. His downward career ha