Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-09-05
From Shop to Mansion.
The Romantic Story Of a Dress
Makers Rise in Life.
BY MRs. F. M. Howard.
Copyrighted, 1ss2.l
CHAPTER III.-CoSTINUFD.

I6TlaDS you are TlSlb,' Alrs. SLanIOTt
replied, more cordially than she had We
spoken; she loved to be looked up to as al
thority in society matters. ''If she is teach
able and intelligent it may not be so bad
after all, but what freakr'
If people would only follow the Stanfords
proposed example, and make the best Of
things in this vexing whirl of life, what Z
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.
lean trait, and traceable in some degree to
dyspeptic pie and other indigestIble stuffs
however that may be, we could proftably
exchange some of our excessive ability for
worrying for little of the German stolid-
Ity, or the French elasticity, and be hap
pier and more agreeable Nation.
''This is your choice, then, Mrs. Fal-
conerf'' They were standing before two
elegantly pictures in a popular
artists studio; one, wonderful piece of
coloring in the Yellowstone Park; the other
a sunset in the Alps, 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 hay pink tint from the setting sun,
which gave bewitching effect.
Isabel had never had the privilege of ex
ercising her taste in the selection of expen-
sive pictures before, and she enjoyed the
novel experience hugely.
YES" she replied, with enthusiasm, sit
rests my eyes to look at it, and l am sure
Miss Stanford will like it."
Mr.. Falconer said few words to the art
jst, 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 a 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
dozen before her and 10 limits as to ex-
pense, she made out her programme at
home, carefully studying her own needs and
style to a nicely.
The shOp-woman who took her measure
and orders perceived at once that her Gus
toner was lady of artistic tastes, and
waited upon her with pleased alacrity.
-'What would she think if she knew that only
last week l stood behind the counter also"
was Isabel's inward comment, and she con-
trived before she went to speak 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 exultingly to himself: ga
true lady, every inch Of her; my intuitions
have not betrayed me-"
I" Have you ever learned to ride?" he
said, as they were once more seated in
their carriage.
mot since was a child and rode bare
back in primitive style" She smiled at the
recollection. "But think should like it
exceedingly well, however"
Then you had better order a habit, for
Doll, one of the carriage horses, is a very
gentle animal, and am very fond of horse
back riding. With few lessons at the
riding school think you will make very
graceful rider"
She turned to him gratefully. "You
forget nothing that can add to my happi-
ness" she said, and involuntary tears of
pleasure stood in her eyes.
it would be objectionable should l invite
a lady to my home and then neglect her."
They were riding now out beyond the
business portion of the city, past elegant
residences and palatial homes.
You have told me so little of your early
ife,'' he said. AZ should like to hear how
your childhood was spent"
1t was q meager and cramped child
hood" she replied, thoughtfully. "Of my
parents L remember nothing, and Aunt
Debby always seemed strangely reticent In
regard to them"
- And your aunt"
<'Was always very kind to me, so far as
she dared to be; Uncle John is very IN
reasonable when he has been drinking, and
not only abuses me, but his own children
and his wife. His downward career has
been very rapid for the last five years, and
from being the owner of a comfortable
home he is now obliged to live IN miser-
able rented cottage, not nearly large enough
for the family, while they would actually
suffer for necessities if aunt did not sew con-
stantly. / have helped her to clothe the
children, what 1 could from my own scanty
earnings, but must confess did not see it
duty to go beyond that in the family of