Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-07-25


serenely unconscious of the fact. A lady
called in the afternoon. Mr.. Falconer's
CAT Homen cards had met few re-
sponses, the most of the recipients. being
out of town, but Mrs. Colonel De Long
was an old-time friend of the Falconers,
and had made tit point to call while on
flying visit to the city.
She was the leader of a select circle of
Philadelphia's best society, and upon her
depended much of Mrs. Falconer's social
success.
She was, happily, one of the frank, open
hearted women whom society can not
spoil, her heart remaining in state OF
healthy development, in spite of the re-
qulrements of fashionable life, and Isabel
recognized in her a congenial spirit, and
appeared at her best, to Mrs. Stanford's
surprise, for she had looked to see her
abashed in the presence Of the stylish
stranger.
II do believe the girls effrontery will
carry her through any thing" she COM
Tnuned with herself, as the ladies chatted
easily on various topics; still she was
secretly pleased, also, with the ability OF
her new relative TO acquit herself so
creditably in such presence.
"You have reason to congratulate your
self on such charming accession TO your
family" said Mrs. De Long, as Isabel ex-
cused herself for moment to bring book,
of which they had been speaking, from the
library. 1--WE shall be delighted TO wei
come her among us" and though Mrs. Stan
ford received the communication with a
sense of relieved gratitude, she was still in
a tremor of anxiety lest it leak out in some
unlooked-for manner that she had been one
of the despised class, among certain class
of aristocrats, ''a shop-girl"
''What do you think of hers" Isabel had
gone to her room, and the brother and sister
were alone.
"Really, Harvey, she acould be an excep-
tionally- line woman if it were not1n and
Mrs Stanford stopped abruptly.
For the terrible fact that she has once
earned her bread by the honest toll of her
hands, said Mr.. Falconer, finishing her
sentence with q slightly sarcastic smile.
Now see, my dear sister, how differently
you and view this question; in my eyes
this fact only strengthens my admiration for
her, and shows me that she is a woman of
resources and ability
''Yet you do not proclaim it publicly
said Mrs. Stanford, q little irritably; $50
you see you are not consistent"
'sYou will admit, however, that the fact
quietly; syou are onlyeone of large circle
who have this foolish prejudice against
honest labor. The fact will be known,
sooner or later, of course, but prefer that
Isabel shall have the opportunity to form
certain acquaintance first, after which
have no idea that the knowledge will harm
her in the least"
Mrs. Colonel De Long seemed charmed
with her to-day" said Mrs. Stanford, re-
hectively, 'and must confess never saw
any one who dropped more readily and
easily into luxurious belongings"
''You will find that mere externals are
not all there is commendable in Isabel"
resumed Mr.. Falconer, with q gratif1ed
smile, 'and Mrs. De Long is just the
woman to find these out, and with her
friendship" but as the rustic of Isabels
dress was heard on the staircase, no more
was said.
"You have not inquired for Nine.
Arnot," said Mrs. Stanford, as Isabel was
seated; Oracle was in Mrs. Montford's
room, and the three were together; there
was little malicious curiosity in the re-
mark, to see how Isabel would take the
alluslon TO her past life.
50 am not aware that have any desire
to hear from Nine. Arnot,r she replied,
coldly; she recognized the covert fling
which sought to bring her former poverty
to her mind
"Why?n said Mrs Stanford, elevating
her eyebrows with well-affected surprise.
g Because she is q selfish, cruel woman"
replied Isabel with more heat than she had
shown since she had become Mrs Falconer,
"and because she has little power which
money gives her she rules her work-women
with rod of from
Z" What, that weak, pretty little womanl"
said Mrs Stanford, incredulously
1.-THE very same" replied Isabel, wrath.
fully. "R sing from.the most abject poverty
herself she has no pity for others who are
poor, and grinds every ounce of work and
humiliation and self-respect out of her girls
that is possible. / should like TO hear how
Lottie ard Jennie and the other girls ore,
but do not care to hear Of Nine. Arnot"
She was complaining bitterly Of her
trials when | was in there last" said Mrs.
Stanford, ignoring Isabels last remark.
{" In the first place, you, who had always
been her favorite, her right-hand assistant
how much of that she put on for my benefit
/ do not know Qsabel's nose went up
scornfully) had left her suddenly; Jennie
Dewey had gone soon after, and the girl you
call Lottie was sick ~
"Iottie sick, dear sweet little Lottie
sicR,n interrupted Isabel; 'did she say Of
whatl'
Her lameness, 1 believe, which had be-
come so painful that she could not getto
and from her work"
Poor little girl! She is the dearest and
sweetest little martyr that ever lived"
cried Isabel pitifully; sit must be the
fever sore has broken out again, and her
parents are so poor they need every penny
she can earn" Tears stood in Isabels
eyes, aud she was scornful no longer. Mrs
Stanford, won't you go and see her when
you returnl"
".Hei well, that would be new role for
me to appear in, replied the lady; ''proba-
bly, she lives in some low, filthy street;
really. my dear Mrs. Falconer, that is ask.
ing too much, but I'll tell the district Wis
itors or send the servants.if you wish.'
''My dear, dainty sister," said Mr.. Fal-
coner, who had been q silent listener to the
conversation, with q touch of wholesome
disdain in his voice, IF the Lord of Glory
had come on earth in your time, you would
decide at once that manger was altogether
too low place for you to visit Him in, and
would no doubt send your respects by a
servant or district visitor
Harry Falooneri1 The lady was really
shocked What an idea; as if there were
any parallel between the two cases.
trm not an extensive Bible reader, but 1
have q faint recollection OF something in il
like this Inasmuch as We have done it
unto the least of these. We have done it unto
Me-" replied Mr.. Faleoner, quietly.
pardon me if l seem rude, Mrs. Stan
ford, > said Isabel, shut recall my request.
Please DO not 60, for Lottie is so sensitive,
so quick to read hearts and faces. that she
would detect proud or unsympathetic
thought at once"
Have no fears; / didn't have the least in
teution Of going,' replied Mrs. Stanford.
with hard little laughs sits quite out OF
my line; but speaking OF my return, have
proposition to make. What do you say 70
lending Oracle to me for few months.
Lille IS gone and l am very lonely" she
spoke feelmgly now. aud with a much softer
tone
Isabel looked inquiringiy at Der husband