The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-06-27

outwar,ily. thought inwardly: "Oar home,
indeed. a shopgirl welcoming me to our
home with such ali air.
She could not deny to herself that, after
the awkwardness Of the first meeting wore
of, the new mistress did the hon0rs of the
household with graceful dignity. and she
found herself involuntarily almiring her as
she came down alfred in an afternoon dress
OF heavy silk. beautifully made, and worn
with an unconscious nochalance far re-
moved from the .'dressed up" pd,renu air,
which Mrs. Stanford SO heartily dcspised
She had come with the benevolent inten-
tion OF giving her new relative numberlcss
lessons in department. but she hardly knew
where to commence and wisely concluded
TO defer her instructions.
She watched every movement, fully
prepared TO criticisc. though Isabel seemed
serenely unconscious of the fact. A lady
called in the afternoon. Mr. Falconer's
AT Home cards had met few re-
sponses, tic most Of the recipients being
out Of town. but Mrs. Colonel DE Long
was an Old time friend Of the Falconers,
and had made it IL point TO call while on a
flying visit TO the city.
She was the leader Of a select circle of
Philadelphia best society. and upon her
depended much Of Mrs. Falconers social
success.
She was, happily. one of the frank, open
hearted women whom society can not
spoil. her heart remaining in state Of
healthy development. in spite or the re-
quremenis of fashionable life. and Isabel
recognized in her Il cengenial spirit. and
appeared at her best. To Mrs Stanford s
surprise, for she hal looked 10 see her
abashed III the presence Of the stylish
stranger.
Il do believe the girls cffrontcry will
carry her through any thing she com
muned with herself, as the ladies' chatted
easily on various topics: still she was
secretly pleased, also, with the ability Of
her new relative TO acquit herself SO
credi,ably in such 4 presence.
You have reason to congratulate your
self on such charming accession 10 your
family" sand Mrs. DE Long, as Isabel ex-
cused herself for "A moment TO bring q book.
| Of which they had been speaking. from the
library. I'VE shall be delighted TO wei
come her among us, and though Mrs. Stan
ford received the communication with a
sense Of relieved gratitude, she was still in
trcmor Of anxiety lest it leak out in some
unlocked for manner that she had been one
OF the despised class, among certain class
Of aristocrats, "a shop girl
What dc you think Of her.'' Isabel had
gone to her room, and the brother and sister
were alone.
'Really, Harvey, she vou,d be All excep-
tifnally fine woman if it were not and
Ms. Stanford stopped abruptly.
For the terrible fact that she has once
earned her bread by the honest toll Of her
han dc cnta EatA a.,sa 4.
sentence with slightly sarcastic smile.
Now see, my dear sister, how differently
you and view this question: in my eyes
this fact only strengthens my admiration for
her, and shows me that she is q woman OF
| resources and ability"
Yet you do not proclaim it publicly
| said Mrs. Stanford, little irritably; .sso
you see you are not consistent"
You will admit, however, that the fac,
| did not influence my CHOICE he replied
| quietly; ''you are only one of q large circle
| who have this foolish prejudice aRains,
honest labor. The fact will be known
sooner or later. Of course. but prefer that
Isabel shall have the opportunity to forM
certain acquaintanccs first, after which
have no idea that the knowledge will harm
| her in the least
| Mrs Colonel DE Long seemed charmed
with her to-day" said Mrs. Stanford, re
fectively, land must confess never saw
any one who dropped more readily an,
easily into luxurious belongings
You will find that mere cxternals ar,
not all there is commendable in Isabel,
resumed Mr.. Falconer, with gratifie,
smile, ''and Mrs. DE Long is just tn,
woman to find these out, and with hel
friendship" but AS the rustic Of Isabel,
dress was heard on the staircase, no NOR,
was said.
"You have not inquired for Nine
| Arnot," said Mrs Stanford, as Isabel wa
seated: Oracle was in Mrs. Montford'
room, and the three were together; their
was little malicious curiosity in the re
mark, to see how Isabel would take tn
alluslon to her past life.
am not aware that have any desir
! to hear from Nine. Arnot," she replied
coldly; she recognized the covert fin,
which sought to bring her former povert,
to her mind.
"Why!" said Mrs. Stanford, eleyatin,
her eyebrows with well-affected surprise
Because she is q selfish, cruel woman,
replied Isabel, with more heat than she ha,