Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-09-12
CHAPTER Y.

CHAPTER v.
Isabel took the offered hand Of her sister
in-law, saying with gentle dignity: "Wel-
come to our home, Mrs. Stanford; permit
me to hope that our acquaintance will prove
mutually agreeable"
Nothing but Mrs. Stanford's willingness
to find fault in her could have construed
the quiet sentence into any thing improper,
but that lady, with some politely civil reply
outwardly, thought inHardly: "Our home,
indeedl a shop girl welcoming me to our
home with such an air."
She could not deny to herself that, after
the awkwardness Of the first Erecting wore
off, the new mistress did the hCoors of the
household with graceful dignity, and she
found herself involuntarily admiriTy her as
she came down attired in an afternoon dress
of heavy silk, beautifully made, and worn
with an unconscious nochalance far re-
moved from the dressed up'' pdrUenu air,
which Mrs. Stanford so heartily despised.
She had come with the benevolent inten-
ton of giving her new relative numberless
lessons in department, but she hardly knew
where to commence and wisely concluded
to defer her instructions.
She watched every movement, fully
prepared to criticise, though Isabel seemed
serenely unconscious of the fact. A lady
called in the afternoon. Mr.. Falcener's
"At Home" cards had met few re-
sponses, the 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 point to call while on
flying visit to the city.
She was the leader of a select circle of
Philadelphia's best society, and upon her
depended much of Mrs. Falconer's social
success.
She was, happily, one Of the frank, open
hearted women whom society can not
spoil, her heart remaining in a state of
healthy development, in spite of the re-
qulrements of fashionable life, and Isabel
recognized in her a congenlal spirit, and
appeared at her best, to Mrs. Stanford's
surprise, for she had looked to see her
abashed in the presence of the stylish
stranger.
II do believe the girls effrontery 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
creditably in such presence.
"You have reason to congratulate your
self on such a charming accession to your
family" SAID Mrs. De Long, as Isabel ex-
cused herself for moment to bring book,
of which they had been speaking, from the
library. 1--WE shall be delighted to wei
come her among u.s." and though Mrs. Stan
ford received the communication with
sense of relieved gratitude, she was still in
tremor of anxiety lest it leak out in some
unlOoked-fOr manner that she had been one
of the despised class, among a certain class
Of aristocrats, "a shop-girl."
''What do you think of herr" Isabel had
gone to her room, and the brother and sister
were alone.
''Really, Harvey, she 'rouId be an excep-
tionally fine woman if it were not" and
Mrs. Stanford stopped abruptly.
''For the terrible fact that she has once
earned her bread by the honest toll of her
hands," said Mr.. FaIconer, finishing her
sentence with a slightly sarcastic smile.
NOW see, my dear sister, how differently
you and l view this question; in my eyes
this fact only strengthens my admiration for
her, and shows me that she is a woman of
resources and ability
''Yet you do not proclaim it publicly
said Mrs. Stanford, little irritably; $50
you see you are not consistent"
''You will admit, however, that the fact
did not influence my choice" he replied,
quietly; ''you are only one of large circle
who have this foolish prejudice against
honest labor. The fact will be known,
sooner or later, of course, but prefer that
Isabel shall have the opportunity to form
certain acquaintance. first, after which l
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 and
easily into luxurious belongings"
"You will find that mere externals are
not all there is commendable in Isabel"
resumed Mr.. Falconer, with a gratified
smile, land Mrs. De Long is just the
woman to find these out, and with her
but as the rustic of Isabers
dress was heard on the staircase, no more
was said.
you have not inquired for Nine.
Arnot," said Mrs. Stanford, as Isabel was
seated; Oracle was in Mrs. Montford's
room, and the three were together; there |
was little malicious curiosity in the re-
mark, to see how Isabel would take the |
anuslon to her past life.
I am not aware that have any desire |
to hear from Nine. Arnot," she replied, |