The Iola register., 1889-10-04

ssWith the aid of my crutches," and she
fitted them under her slender arms and
walked few steps.
"Then If you think you can be ready We
will start tomorrow afternoon and ] viii
telegraph to Mr.. Falconer to meet u.s." re
piled Isabel; ''and As railway officials are &c
kind to ladies', and especially invalid ladies,
have no doubt we shall get along nicely v
"The Lord will bless you, Mrs. Falconer, y
said Mrs. Ford, following her to the hall
below, "nothing could be more opportune
for Lottie, and though shall miss her sc
much, am very grateful" and tears gath
cred in her eyes again.
"Mrs. Ford,n and Isabel looked affection.
ately at the loving little woman, II should
be ungrateful, indeed, if did not use ths
great blessings which have come to me fol-
more than my own selfish pleasure; rest
assured it is a delight, both to Mr.. FalconeI
and myself, to do this for Lottie," and she
waved her hand with q smile at the pale
little woman as the carriage drove away.
Mr.. Ford entered thankfully into the plar
with full heart when he came home to din
ner; the news spread like wildfire through
the house that Lottie was to go away and
live with a rich friend who was to do all fol
her that her parents were too poor to do
and they all rejoiced in her good fortune.
All these humble neighbors were more OF
less interested in the pale little invalid. who
had in her days Of comparative strength
been blessing to all Of them in turn, and
now that she was going away they were
anxious to add mite from their scanty
stores to aid in her preparations.
One brought in q collar, another piece OF
bright ribbon, and when Mrs. Mccarthy
came bringing white apron ironed to the
last degree of nicely and her only article OF
luxury, Lottie could not refrain from tears.
Some were only able to offer assistance,
and busy hands helped to put the slender
wardrobe in perfect order and pack the lit
tie trunk, and when Mrs. Stanford's car
riage again drove to the door Lottie was
helped down the stairs by strong, willing
hands, eager to help, and hearty good wishes
followed her from the humble homo
"Shure, min, an Miss Lottie III come
back to yees as well and strong as any body
belikes," said Mrs. Mccarthy, wiping her
eyes on the corner of her apron; "bless her
swate heart, an may all the saints bless the
good Teddy that gives her the chance"
Mr. Fa!coner was in the train nearly as
soon as it stopped, and his greedy eyes
whispered, fondly, as he pressed her hand.
heard so MUCH" and he took the little IN
valid's slender hand in his strong clasp.
has the journey fatigued you mucha"
"She has borne it wonderfully" said lsa-
bel, answering for her.
As soon as the invalid was sufficiently
rested from the journey DR.. Conroy was
called. He was a comparatively young
physician, but he had made speciality of
this class of diseases, and had already per,
formed some remarkable cures in the
city, and Mr.. Faiconer had great faith in
his skill.
After an examination of the limb, ard
careful inquiry into the cause and progress
Of the disease, he, to Isabel's great delight,
gave most favorable opinion, IN case his
directions were implicitly followed.
"But, Miss Ford, you will have to do q
great deal of resting" he said, with a glance
of authority from under his shaggy eye
brows. ''If you heat your blood and irri-
tate the sore by over-exercise can not an
swer for the consequences"
He had great black eyes and heavy eye
brows, and might have passed for a pirate
if his smile had not been SO thoroughly
kindly, lighting up his whole face and bring
ing out two good-natured dimples; he had
an odd habit of running his fingers up
through his hair when he was in any way
perplexed or annoyed, leaving his rather
stubby black locks sticking up straight like
porcupine quills.'
sIndeed, DIR. Conroy," said Isabel, 81
shall be only too willing to see that your
directions are carried out, for really her
ambition is really reprehensible."
''Then appoint you guardian to see that
1 am obeyed," giving minute directions for
treatment.
There was sound of hammering and
mysterious going on in the room adjoining
the home room for day or two, and then
Isabel and Mr.. Falconer assisted Lottie up
the stairs and ushered her into it, with the
that it was hers.
Isabel had followed her idea Of her
friends character in its furnishings. White
and blue were the predominating tints, and
purity itself was personified; deep-cush-
ioned lounge, a large invalid's wheel chair,
bright, cheerful pictures, books, and every
where delicate white laces and azure rib
bons wherever they could be used.
In an airy alcove dainty bed was made
up, and curtained of with lace, and at its
head, in easy reach of her hand, little
cabinet in which her medicines and lotions
were kept.
snow, my dear little invalid" said Isabel,
''let me see how you look in your chair"
sOh, Isabel" was all surprised Lottie
could say, as she sank down into the soft
cushions of her chair.
"You see we were selfish in doing this"
said Isabel, speaking rapidly SO that Lottie
could have no opportunity for formal
thanks, and indeed there was no need, for
the eloquent face told all that the lips would
have spoken, ''for we wished you to spend
your evenings with us in our room, and we
can wheel you back and forth when you are
not able to walk, you see."
ssIt is so lovely" said Lottie, looking at
Mr.. Falconer with grateful eyes. II Won
DER" she added, refectively, 'if it Is more
blessed to give than to receiver
sit is very pleasant to give, assure you,"
he replied, answering her look with smile.
81 don't imagine that man who hid his talent
in a napkin to have been a very happy man,
do you, Miss Fordr'
Mr. Falconer had received Isabers COM
munication in regard to her birth with
pleased surprise, and had heartily approved
of all she had done for Mrs. Harmon; he
had never been what is termed a benevolent
man, yet it was not from a lack Of heart,
and when Isabel showed disposition to be
unselfish and helpful to others he fell In
line heartily and cheerfully.
The first Mrs. Falconer had been quiet
little woman who did not allow her right
hand to know what her left hand did, and
having fortune of her own, she dispensed
her charities silently, and Mr.. Falconer had
no opportunity of entering into them, but