The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1889-06-08

|
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 q 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
hirelin 8 in any capacity, but in this case
her curiosity got the better of her judg-
ment, and she said, in a half whisper, as she
sank on the drawing room sofa:
s'Pray, Mrs. Montford, what do you think
of the new Mrs. Falconer?'
"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 lucky man to have found such an ex-
ce]lent wife"
i Mrs. Stanford was confounded. She had
said: "Poor Montford,'' many times since
| hearing the news and expected to find the
! houselzeeper in a state of jealous illhu1nor
at this sudden invasion upon her long-es-
tablished position.
She had said 'sPoor Gracie," also, and
mad made it a part of her plan to take the
child back with her to New York for an H.
| <1oTr ctoyy mis- a w
remove her from the atmosphere of the new
stepnother.
"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-
c1ded improv ement on Mrs. Montford's rath-
err stiff style of juvenile adornment.
ooh, auntie,' she cried, 'spapa and
mamma will be so surprised to see you!'
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. "She
is such dear, good mamma, how could I
help it?''
'sAnd papa loves her, toe, suppose said
Mrs. Stanford, artfully
"Why, yes, s'pose So" replied the little
girl; she don't say much, but he looks at
her.
Mrs Stanford laughed, as she said to her.
self: ''He can not look at her for the sake
of her beauty, certainly
Meantime the husband and wife were
having delightful ride in 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
4 -,
ing was over, she sat in her saddle with
ease and fearlessness, and could guide gen
i tie Doll with scarcely an effort.
"I'm not sure that you will need any les
sons,' said Mr.. Falconer, ad1niringly, as he
noted her erect carriage. >sYou seem to be
natural rider, 'and With daily practice you
will do nicely. Doll gal]ops beautifully,
when YOU become enough accustomed to the
saddle to try her"
Isabels cheeks were 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 q 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
for the identifying effects of happiness,
the change which ''peace and plenty"
coming into q 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
once thin face plump and ruddy, the eyes,
heavy with overwork and discouragement,
now bright and sparkling, and she COM
mented within herself: Goodness!
shouldn't have known her"
ssMy dear sisterl" said Mr.. Falconer, TAX
ing Mrs. Stanford's hand in his, s'this is in-
deed surprise, for we expected telegram
before you arrived.'' Then, with as much
respect as if presenting Duchess he said:
ssLet me present to you my wife, Mrs. Fall
coner.'
CHAPTER v.
| Isabel took the offered hand of her sister,
in-law, saying with gentle dignity: "Wel-
! come to our home, Mrs. Stanford; permit