The Irish standard., 1889-06-01

from her perfect face, came running down
The massive steps, with beaminR smues, %
meet them.
ssPapa, dear papa!" she cried, as nhs
thew herself eagerly into his Arms.
CHAPTER III
81 have brought you present, Oracle"
he said, as he embraced the child, then
placed her on the walk, and turned %
isabel, ''a mamma, and hope you WILL pc
very good little daughter to her."
"a mamma" repeated the little g1r4
looking up at Isabel with shy eyes; she had
never known mothers care, and could not
realize what it implied.
"My DEAR" said Isabel, her heart waru-
Ing at once to the little one, an orphan IKE
herself, and taking the little hand IN hsra.
she pressed kiss on the sweet red lips, III
am sure we shall love each other very GEAR
ly."
"Mrs. Falconer, this is Mrs. Montford,
NV housekeeper," said Mr. Falconer, %
they were met in the spacious hall by an
elderly woman, simply dressed IN olack;
She had good, sensible face, ana lsaDeA
felt as if she would find in her 8 TREND IN
her new and uutried position.
Mrs. Montfcrd dropped q little courtesy
and welcomed the new conner in splits OK
chosen words, and then looked inGuiringly
81 Mr. Falconer.
II should have apprised you OF the
event. he said, smiling, ''but wished to
surprise you. Please show Mrs. Falccner
to the east room and see that she is made
comfortable after our journey. The trunks
will soon be here, and will have yours
gent 70 you Immediately" turning to lsa-
bel, land you had better lie down and resi-
before dinner"
1t was Large and beautiful soom nto
which Mrs. Montford led the way, and fur.
nishe.i elegantly with every thing needful
for restful toilet. The furniture was OF
heavy walnut, and the draperes of rioh 4,
crimson terry gave rich, shaded light
which was very grateful to the Sired eyes OF
the traveller; the soft carpet yielded to hcr
tread like velvet and the touch IL luxury
was everywhere apparent
SIS this really you, Isabel Grant?'' she
said to herself, as she stood before . large
mirror and looked ut her face. somewhat
dusty and jaded with travelling, and gave
herself sly pinch as she die so. "Ons
week an unhappy retainer IN @11e.
Arnot's train, with no prospect 1t ho1ae,
but corner in Aunt Debbys crowded cot.
taee, this next a wife and n1other IN this
elegant house.
ssWhy did you not tell ms you had q
daughter?" she asked, az MIR. Falconer ap-
peared two hours later. She had had q "a.
freshing nap and was dressed Tor dinner.
"You did not ask me-" he said; ''rsmeas~
Der, you did not wish to skip any OK tho
pages in your book OF experience il 1ts
d.stastefnl onel'
nit" she replied, smiling, ''to find myself
all vrvifo
tice, but,'' and she looked in his ,ace with
earnest eyes, ~ will strive to prove myself
worthy Of the trust you have shown in me-"
81 am sure you will, he said, touching his
lips to her hand; it was the first s!gn Of =
ca:ess he had given her, aud she blushe6
wildly.
'iGracie is very like her mother" and
he toyed absently with tbs charms on his
watch chain, land think you will find hsr
very docile and easily managed"
"She reminds me Of Lilly Stanford RS
piled Isabel, "ana loved her at fret eight"
Chilly is indeed a lcvahle girl, md II you
can train Oracle 70 be like hes, in spirit al
well as IN looks, shall be well satisfied. 10
tell the truth her birth was the cause OF
her mothers death, and fear was neg
,ectFul OF her for that reason, and 1t is only
of late that have known much about her.
years, and have trusted thu child to her
care entirely"
f:Sha will naturally be q little sensitive
about giving her up to the care ofanother.
said Isabel, thoughtfully.
'sProbably, and a little fearful and Jealous
OF you as a step. mother to her Charge, bus
leave it TO your good sense, to be SC kinG
an, considerable chat this difficulty will
soon be overcome WITH mutual respect and
goodwill re main;og. Mrs. Montford is az
excellent christian woman, and has every
claim on our consideration, and the fact o1
her being my honsekeeper does not detract
from her worth in the }east.:'
ssSurely have too lately been an employs
myself to feel any superiority TO Mrs.
Montford on that ground" said Isabel,
quickly.
"And YET, airs Falconer, allow me to
suggest chat you keep that fact buried liz
your own bosom.' he spoke, earnestly;
"while despise ssso6 above all things, and
would have you treat our dependents with
all kindness and courtesy; still there is 20
need for then. or society at Large. TO know
that you were not born to q position equaa
to that you now occupy; you may be trife
awkward at first IN small matters, but
doubtless Mrs. Stanford will gladly post
you on society points; she is en- expert in
these things, though I must confess have
PAID little attention to them myself, as fash.
ions in etiquette change almost frequently,
as in bonnets.'
"Ah, Mrs. Stanford'' aud the young
wife sighed deeply. II fear she will be
too angry with me to do me sisterly nnd~
ness"
81 think you are distressing yourself
without cauee," said Mir. Falcon r, kindly.
I'M /, ! I~.