The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-08-08

formed an idea OF what the daughter which
Major Darlington had told him Of would he
like, 1t was that she would be a little child
nike Oracle.
He looked at her tenderly, aud sitting
down he took her on his knee and kissed
her. MAJOR Darlington looked at him in
surprise, for since his injury he had never
noticed child. and his affectionate nature
had seemed to DO buried in the &. ave of the
past
Oracle was very affcctionate child, and
rs she saw the sad. puzzled expression on
the face OF her new acquaintance, ahc
reached her little arm around his mock,
saying sweetly: II will be your little
daughter. sir. II you wish me to- looking
to her father for his approval.
He nodded kindly, and she prattled on,
her sweet voice evidently acting on the
clouded mind like music. for he listened
intently while she told him how Tom had
shown her the big green parrot who had
spoken her name. and told her solemnly
that Polly wanted q cracker, and how the
mocking- bird had sung the same song which
Lnnet sang ut home.
Isabel had conquered her emotion. and
turning viewed the scene with renewed
hope that the little child might be the agcn-
cy through which her fathers mind might
find light, for she could not give up the
idea that in some way there was to be a
rift in the dark cloud which oDscnred ii.
"Come, Alicia, let US g. and see the rab-
bits, he said 10 the child. mildly. as he pu,
her from his knee aud rose TO his feet
'But, sir, my name Is Oracle she said,
as he took her hand.
Yes, yes. Oracle Alicia; il has sweet
afH.pR haSn3t n lsffla n tnr onl Z ha
great and small child passed ont together.
she looking up at him with mute, wondering
eyes. he looking down at her with tender,
protective air. without q thought or look for
the real daughter.who looked after him with
heart almost bursting with grief and dis
appointed affection.
..How did he receive you, deariet' said
the little grandmother. coming in rs the
pair went out At the hall door. Tie grOup
in the parlor had been in n culver Of curious
expectancy since they had seen the tall form
enter the library
A burst OF tears was the answer, as Isa-
bel laid her head on the loving little shout
der and burst into tears, sobbing out her
grief. "Oh. grandmamma, he did not own
me at all, and have longed for him so!''
The small, jeweled hand moved caressing.
" over the hair, the same motion whici, had
! comforted the beautiful young mother in
the years past, and the sweet, treMulous
voice said, tend erly: Then, my dearest,
| we must love you the more to compensate
for his lack OF recognition. How he would
dote Oh you il he were only himself, for he
has sncn loving heart, my poor Chester
and she sighed deeply.
Il assure you, my dear niece, am SUR
prised and gratified At the result OF the
meeting said Major Darlington, encour-
agingly. 81 think the interest he has taken
in the child is really remarkable. IL is u
marked departure from his ordinary de-
meanor, and il there is any hope for him it
may come through her,
..Iet us hope SO. ct ieast,' said Mr.. Fal-
coner, kindly. AFTER all, my dear, it il
not surprising that your father failed 10
grasp the idea OF the relationship, when, ii
he had any decting recollections Of having
q daughter, he must naturally think Of her
as a babe or a little child
"Ies. presume 80, and will try and be
patient and brave" She raised her head
and wiped away the tears resolutely. AT
least will not cloud dear grandmamma' IS
face with my gricfs," and she paited the
aged check tenderly; she was such a little
grandmother, that it seemed rs natural to
pet and caress her as. il she had been q
child.
"chester did not comprehend Isabel's
identity rs we hoped he might said the
Major, as they went back TO the drawing
room. Mrs. Pembroke's arm linked lovingly
in Isabel's, land has taken the fancy that
the little girl is Alicia
Mrs. Darlington saw at Il glance how
grieved and disappointed her niece had
been, and with few words of kindly tart
changed the subject dex,erousiy, and pro-
posed some music.
Adelaide and Caroline were both fine per-
formers, aud o selection OF duets and
choice music was brought out, and in their
artistic rendering OF some of her special
favorites, together with their lively sallies,
for they were sparkling and witty converse,
tionalists, she forgot her sorrows, and
spent delightful hour.
81 have one favor TO ask. Mr.. Falconer."
said Mrs. Pembroke, as she laid her gloved
hand on his arm; her carriage was at the
door, and the family were on the broad
veranda.
ITO the half OF my kingdom, dear
madam" he replied raliaptly.