The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1889-08-01

upon her mistress with look Of almos
human intelligence, crunching the sugar il
her strong white teeth.
heridcrs had been gone but a few moment.
when a carriage came up the drive "BIess
me if it isn't Mrs. Stanford" said Mrs
Montford, in fiutter, as she hurriedlJ
smoothcd her hair and went forward tC
meet the visitor.
That good lady had resolved upon q
strategic move, thinking that if she could
surprise the enemy she would have better
opportunity to judge of its resources. SO
she had sent no intimation of her arrival.
Her keen eyes were on the alert to DO
serve any tokens of unweIcome changes or
innovations as Hrs. Montford met her in
the hall
Mr.. and Mrs. Falconer have Just gone
horseback riding" she said, as Mrs. Stan
ford met her greeting with an inquiring
look.
Mrs Montford was not an ardent admirer
Of Mrs Stanfordi that lady had always as
sumed an air OF lofty patronage toward
her, especially CALLING to her self-respect,
and had in addition shown a disposition to
dictate in the management Of her brothers
household, proceeding resented by the OK
perlenced housckeeper. who rightly thought
that, rs long as tho master was satisfied
with her methods, Mrs. Stanford had no oc-
casion TO interfere.
Mrs. Stanford was usually too well bred
and discreet to discuss family matters with
hlreling In any capacity, but in this case
her curiosity got tac better of her judg-
Eent. and she said, IN Z. half whisper, as she
sank on the drawing room sofa:
Pray, Mrs Mont.ortl. what do YOU think
Of the new Mrs. Falconers''
"Think Of her, Ms. Stanford replied
Mrs Montford, heariily-she read curiosity
and disappointment in the tone, and took up
the defensive at once. '-Why, think she's
n born LADY, ma'am, and that your brother
is lucky man to have found such an ex-
ccilent wife.i'
Mrs Stanford was COMPOUNDED. She had
said: Poor Montford,'' many times since
hearing the news and expected to find the
housekeepcr in a state Of jealous ill-humor
at this sudden invasion upon her long-cs-
tablished position
She had said sPoOr Gracie," also, and
mad made it part of her plan to take the
child back with her to New York for an IN
definite stay, as missionary proceeding, to
remove her from the atmosphere Of the new
stepmother.
Poor Gracie'' came dancing into the
room, her cheeks rosy with health. her lit
tie face bcaming with happiness, and
dressed with tho most perfect taste, de-
cided Improvement on Mrs Montford's rath-
er stif style of juvenile adornment.
"0h, auntie," she cried, papa ard
mamma will be so surprised to sec your'
Mamma, indeed" exclaimed Mrs. STAN
ford, inwardly. as she drew the little girl to
her embrace. $50 you love this new
mamma, do you, my dear, she said aloud.
oh, yes, auntie," cried the child "Shc
issuch dear, good mamma, how could /
help itlp
And papa loves her, too, / suppose said
Mrs Stanford, artfully
"Why, yes, s'pose So" replied the little
girl; "he don't say much, but he looks at
her
Mrs. Stanford laughed, as she said To her
self: s.He can not look at her for the sake
OF her beauty, certainly"
Meantime the husband and wife were
having delightful ride in beautiful park,
with no idea Of the arrival in their home
Isabel found that her early practice in bare
back riding was Of use 10 her, and after the
ing was over, she sat in her saddle with
case and fcarlcssness, and could guide gem
tie Doll with scarcely an effort.
"rm not sure that you VIII need any les
sons,r said Mr.. Falconer, admiringiy, as he |
noted her erect carriage. s.You seem 10 be 1
4 natural rider, and with daily practice you
Win do nicely. Doll gallops beautifully, 1
when you become enough accustomed 10 tho
nddlo . try hor.n
Irnboi'o ch.oko Woro glowing with oxor.
- IHnu reached hofiot her hnir, which
~ hluwn Inso = s,als u nuaS