The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1889-06-08
said Isabel; "certalnly if love can accom-
plish it, there need be no failure"
The room which Isabel had chosen for hel

near by; the carpet, which was of set fig
ure in dull browns, was replaced by rich
velvet, having for its groundwork 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 were 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, 6
handsome desk and book case combined
afforded facilities for reading or writing.
and light easy chairs, adapted for resi-
rather than show, stood in coy disorder
ready for use.
A large sofa covered in crimson plush
with deep, easy springs, and soft downy
pillows at each end, was the very embodi
ment of restful repose. An upright piano
at enc side provided for musical evenings
but the bay window was the browning beau
ty of it all; a stand of blooming plants con
trasted beautifully with the lace curtains
and running vine was pinned over thu
of green. A gilded cage hung on each
happy songs increasingly.
isabel had procured copy of locke
picture Of the first Mrs. Falconer, which
Oracle wore. and this, beautifully framed.
was hung in an admirable light, the smiling.
tender eyes looking down upon her as if II
commentator Of her work, and in one cor
ner there was a deep cornice across the top
from which was suspended curtains O.
handsome lace Topped back with crimson
ribbons. and in the little alcove thus formed
stood pedestal, on which a merry, laugh
ing little cupid looked out mischievously.
f:Won't papa be pleased" said Oracle
looking at the whole with an innate arts tit
delight.
81 hope he will, my DEAR" was the reply,
"and we will try the effect of our work upoI
him this evening""
The child could hardly allow him time tt
finish his dessert of fruits and coffee, sht
was 50 eager to show him the surprise, and
danced along before him like sprite, as hi
followed her leisurely with Isabel.
"Isn't it lovely, papaa" she cried, eagerly
as she threw open the door and revealed
the pretty room flooded with soft, pinl
light.
eyes, my dear, it is beautiful" said Mr.;
Falconer, taking in the details with critlca
eyes; he had not as yet had any revelation
of his wife's taste, and the result pleased
him greatly.
Ills eyes fell on che picture Of his wife
with surprised and tender delight; it was
such an unexpected and thoughtful atten.
ton, and he appreciated 1t fully.
elbow did you get it?'' he asked, gently.
"From thiso she SAID. touching tbs
]ocket which Oracle Wore. II thought W.T.
would be more gentle and kindly family
if we had the influence of her sweet face
with us.''
He looked at her gratefully. "You'
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 a home in the fullest sense Of
tine word, and he was an intensely home
loving man.
s'r did not get every thing which [ nigh
have done to complete it's she said, looking
up at i,im--she, too, had so longed for 6
home--'sbut l thought us we each came
across any thing particularly appropriate
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 ane
dressing-gown," said Oracle, bringing the
articles from little clothes press. and III
terrupting, with a dash Of the prosaic. the
scene, which might have become scnti
mental. Isabel had given her this little tasl
as her special duty, aud she delighted in /
with a loving child's pleasure, fitting abou'
him as he made himself comfortable for the
evening, hanging his coat upon hook ir
the closet, which Isabel had placed within
her reach, and putting away the discarded
4, oil and 7,rariSin11
ssWhat helpful little maid it ISL said Mr.
Falconer, patting her head tenderly, as she
brought her little wicker chair and sat b,
his side.
s'She is mammals little right hand al
ready" said Isabel, affectionately, and, in
deed, she spoke the truth, for she did lear
upon the little girl, as g. source of comfor
and help, in becoming accustomed to he>
new position; the child's lips had taken w
the title Of ssmamma" very readily, and thu
sound was becoming very sweet to Isabel
The new garments came home in due
time. and it is not to be denied that theil
owner tried them on with a thrill Of graf
fled pleasure; she loved rich and beautiful
things, and she enjoyed the glimpse in the
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 make
any needed alterations; it was rich garnet
velvet, made up with just enough spark
ling ridescent trimming to relieve its plain
ness, sand that real lace set is just tbs
thing to wear with it,
Another, an airy black lace, Topped up IL
every available spot with tiny gold stars
which cleaned in and out like frefiies
''You must wear natural flowers in crimson
with this,n said Mrs. Gould. teither rose
buds or fuchsias." :.
A rich white brocade satin combined with
creamy lace was the next, and Isabel was
as near being a beauty in it as she would
ever be.
"Purple pansies shall be my flowers when
wear this" she said, half in soliloquy, as
she stood by the glass, while skillful Mrs
Gould took out stitch here and there in
the drapery. and Topped it more artistically
eyes, Mrs. Falconer," she replied, s'there
is harmony between the sweet pure
flowers and white which all do not recog-
nize; to my mind there is nothing so purely
elegant in dress as white lace, and this
creamy stuff is Of such delicate pattern"
The riding habit came also, and fitted
beautifully. Isabel had fine form and
corr;ooa opd 1pae canah1e of great imrrOve-