The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-06-20

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49,
.THES MA'AM, rot HAVE SOME Guide"
velvet, having for its groundwork 4 warm
brown tint upon which was scattered tiny
bouquets OF bright rosebuds and leaves,
with ferns. whose delicate fronds suggested
the fragrant forest at every STEP
Crimson and white were the prevailing
colors, and the hight shone softly through
the crimson curtains which We're overhung
with elegant lace, giving an indescribably
soft and beautiful tint to the room. A large
round table occupied the center, upon which
was strewn the late literature Of the day, a
handsome desk and book case combined
afforded facilities for reading or writing.
and light easy chairs, adapted for rest
rather than show, stood in coy disorder
ready for use.
A large sofa covered in crimson plush,
| with deep, easy springs, and soft dc'-ny
pillows at each end, was the very cinbodi-
ment Of restful repose. An upright piano
at one side provided for musical evenings,
but the bay window was the browning beau
| ty of 1t all; . stand Of blooming plants con-
trasted beautifully with the lace curtains,
and q running vine was pinned over the
| curtain, reaching up and forming an arch
Of green. A gilded cage hung on each
side, and golden canaries trilled their
happy songs increasingly.
Isabel had procured i copy OF locket
picture of the first Mrs. Fa.coner, which
Oracle wore and this, beautifully framed,
| was hung III an admirable light. the smiling,
tender eyes looking down upon her as 4 III
commentator OF her work, and in ono cor
ner there was deep cornice across the top,
from which was suspended curtains of
handsome lace looped back with crimson
ribbons, and IN the little alcove thus formed
stood . pedestal, on which o merry, laugh
ing little cupid looked out mischieyously.
"Won't papa he pleased. said Oracle.
looking at the whole with an innate artistic
delight.
!. / hope he will, my lca,,'' was the reply,
''and we willtr the effect Of our work upon
him this evening"
The child could hardly allow him time to
finish his dessert of fruits and coffee. she
was so eager to show him the surprise, and
danced along before him like sprite. as he
followed her ieisurely with Isabel.
y " W
as she threw open the door and revealed
the pretty room flooded with soft, pink
light
Yes, my dear, il is beautiful said Mr..
Falconer, taking in the details with critical
eyes; he had rot Us yet had any revelation
Of his wife's taste, and the result pleased
him greatly.
His eyes fell on the picture of his wife
with surprised and tender delight; il was
such an unexpected and thoughtful attcn-
| ton, and he appreciated 1t fully.
| how did you get it," he asked. gently.
From this" she SAID, touching the
locket which Gracie wore. Il thought we
would be more gentle and kindly family
| if we had the influence of her sweet face
with u.s.
| He looked at her gratefully. "Your
thoughts are beautifully harmonious, as
evlnced in the furnishing of this home
room,' he said, his voice lingering lovingly
on the words; 1t had been five years since
he had had home in the fullest sense of
the word, and he was an intensely home
loving man.
Il did not get every thing which might
have done to complete it, she said, looking
up ut him--she, too, had SO longed for a
home-"but ! thought as we each came
I
for it that it would be pleasant to have
room TO add our offerings from time to time
it is our home shrine, you know
"See papa, here are your slippers and
dressing-gown,' SAID Oracle, bringing the
articles from little clothes-press, ard in
terrupting, with dash Of the prosaic, the
scene. which might have become nenti
mental. Isabel lad given her this llttle tasl
as her special duty, and she delighted in j,
with loving chiid's pleasure, fitting Hbou,
him as he made himself comfortable for the
evening, hanging his coat upon q hcuk in
the closet, which Isabel had placed within
her reach, and putting away the discarded
boots with neatness and precision.
'Wnat helpful little maid 1t is, said Mr.
Falconer, patting her head tenderly, as she
brought her little wicker chair and sat b,
his side.
..She is mammals little right hand al
ready said Isabel, affectlonately, and, in
deed, she spoke the truth, for she did lear
. upon the little girl, as source OF comior
and help, III becoming accustomed to he
new position; the child's lips had taken III
the title of .'mamma" very readily, aud III
sound was becoming very sweet to Isabel
The new garments came home in du'
time, and it is not to be denied that thei
owner tried them on with = thrill OF graf
fled pleasure; she loved rich and beautiful
things, and she enjoyed the glimpse in tn
; glass OF the well-dressed reflection Of her
self.
. This Is exceedingly becoming said Mrs
. Gould, the shop-woman before mentioned
: who had been sent with the dresses to max
any needed alterations; it was a rich game
velvet, made up with just enough spark
ling iridescent trimming to relieve its plain
ness, land that real lace set is Just tn
thing to wear with it,"
Another, an airy black lace, topped up i
> every available spot with tiny gold star
. which cleaned in and out Ike irefiie:
you must wear natural flowers in crimso
with this said Mrs. Gould, "either rose
buds or fuchsias."
A rich white brocade satin combined wit
creamy lace was the next, and Isabel wa
as near being q beauty in it as she woul
ever be.
fro BE CONTINUED.