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

innovations as Mrs. Alontford 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. Stanford; that lady had always as
sumed an air of lofty patronage toward
her, especially CALLING to her self-respect,
and had in addition shown disposition TO
dictate in the management of her brothers.
household, a proceeding resented by the eX-
perienced housekeeper. who rightly thought
that, as long as the 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
hireling In any capacity, but in this case
her curiosity got the better of her judg-
ment, and she said, in half whisper. as she
sank on the drawing room sofa:
'fPray, Mrs Montford, what DO you think
Of the new Mrs Falconerln
"Think of her, Mrs. Stanford" replied
Mrs Montford, heartily-she read curiosity
and disappointment in the tone, and took up
the defensive at once 'Why, think she's
born lady, ma'am, and that your brother
is a lucky man to have found such an ex-
celient wife,
Mrs. Stanford was COMPOUNDED. She had
said: poor Montford' many times since
hearing the news and expected TO find the
housekeeper in a state of jealous ill-humor
at this sudden invasion upon her long-es-
tablished position.
She had said "Poor 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 a missionary proceeding, to
remove her from the atmosphere of the new
stepnnother.
Poor Oracle" came dancing into the
room, her cheeks rosy with health, her lit
tie face beaming with happiness, and
dressed with the most perfect taste, de-
cided improvement on Mrs Montford's rath-
er stiff style of juvenile adornment
"oh, auntie," she cried, papa and
mamma will be so surprised TO see 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. tShe
is such dear, good mamma, how could /
help itF'
"And papa loves her, too, suppose" said
Mrs Stanford, artfully.
"Why, yes, spose so,' replied the little
girl; "he don't say much, but he looks at
her
Mrs. Stanford laughed, as she said tn her
self: she can not look at her for the sake
of her beauty, certainly"
Meantime the husband and wife were
having delightful ride in q beautiful park,
with no idea OF the arrival in their home.
Isabel found that her early practice in bare
back riding was of use to her, and after the
first awlswardness of the mount and start
ing was over, she sat in her saddle with
ease and fearlessness, and could guide gen.
tie Doll with scarcely an effort.
sim not sure that you will need any les
sons,n said Mr.. Falconer, admiringly, as he
noted her erect carriage. You seem to be
a natural rider, land with daily practice you
will do nicely. Doll gallops beautifully,
when you become enough accustomed to the
saddle 70 try her"
Isabeps cheeks We're glowing with exer-
else as they reached home; her hair, which
| the breeze had blown into state of fluffy
disorder, crept out from under her pretty
| hat in little moist rings upon her forehead,
and she was smiling happily at some sally
Of Mr.. Falconer's.
They fingered n moment in the hall after
Tom had taken the horses, and Mrs. Stan
| ford had time TO brace herself and put on
| her most aristocratic air before Isabel, fol-
lowed by her husband, entered the room.
Mrs. Stanford had, made no allowances
Tor the identifying effects of happiness,
the change which peace and plenty
coming into a starved, cramped life
can make, and she could scarcely
believe her eyes when she saw her
brothers wife and recognized ''that homely
girl' in the tall. graceful creature, the
0nce thin face plump aud rudy, the eyes,
aeavy with Overwork and Encouragement,
aow bright and sparkling, and she COM
I mented within herself .'Goodnessl /
shouldn't have known her.
my dear sisteri'' said Mr.. Falconer, tax