The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-07-25
ISABEI L;
From Shop to Mansion.
The Romantic Story Of . Dress
Makers Rise Ia Life.
Nv Mns. =. N. howAao.


NrA Belmond's reception was the most
elegant affair which Isabel had ever at
tended, and she felt almost lost in the crush
Of splendid toilets and bewildering adorn-
ments; the spacious rooms were beautiful
" decorated, and on every hand was a
lavish display Of wealth and luxurious taste.
Mrs. Falconer was looking her best, to
her own satisfaction as well as her hus-
bands, who had looked at her with salts
lied air as she appeared before him.
She had chosen the lavender gray in q
combination of plain and brocaded velvet,
and it was very becoming to her clear COM
plexion, and Nine Norand had outdone her.
self in the tasteful manner in which it was
made. A handsome set Of diamonds gave q
finishing touch Of brilliancy to its some
what quiet effect, and the DIAMOND locket
had been reburnished by her jcwelcr. and
hung conspicuously about her neck. She
had an object in this beyond display; an
ever-present hope that it might yet lead to
the discovery Of her family.
She was listening with rapt attention to
the performance Of a skilled pianist, when
upon lifting her eyes she observed gentle.
man watching her intentiy: he was an elder
" man, tall and with distinguished mill
tary bearing, and noting that his gaze was
observed, he turned away and began speak
ing to another gentleman.
He was evidently a person Of note among
the guests. for wherever he went there was
marked attention paid him, as Isabel noticed
curiously, after having her attention drawn
by the fixed look with which he had re-
garded her.
Mrs. Dwight, had strolled into the conserya-
- I'd, N,c no1u ~ lnvsv a
rare collection Of plants. She stood by q
wonderful specimen OF the lily tribe, its
heavy pendulous blossoms filing the air
with rarely sweet perfume, when she felt
light touch upon her arm, and Mrs. Colonel
lie Longs familiar voice said, slowly:
Mrs. Falconer, allow me to present to you
Major Darlington, Of Richmond"
She started and looked up: the tall gen.
tlelnan who had watched her by the piano
stood by her side, holding out his hand to
her. with his eyes fixed, not upon her, but
upon the lockct which she wore.
She turned pale, as momentary deathly
faintness seized her at hearing the name SO
familiar TO her. but she mastered her emo
ton and gave him her hand, managing to
speak few words OF conventional greeting.
"Pardon me for approaching personal
topics, Mrs. Falconer." he said, as he led
her to q quiet corner Of the music room
where they could converse freely. ~ sought
this introduction. because the lockct you
wear has made me very curious TO know
more OF you. II is the exac, counterpart ol
one worn by dear friend Of mine, and
am anxious to know how 1t came in your
possession"
"Aajor Darlington" she said. her heart
beating unanimously, ~ have Worn Tho
locket in the hope that it might lead 10 Tho
discovery OF my family" and she unciaspel
the trinket from her neck and laid it il
his hand; he opened it, starting as tn,
familiar faces within met his eye.
"Who are your he cried, in agitation
"and how came you by this!'
II ,cds Isabel Darlington" looking up y
him with eyes moist with her emotion
land the pictures are Of my father IN,
mother; and you, Major Carrington.''
IF what you say is true l am your uncle
my dear" he replied, more composedly ant
looking searchingly in her face; you ar
very like your father, my brother
''Oh, tell me of my fathcr!' she cried
earnestly, sweet hope springing up in he
heart at the words. .sIs be livng.'
Eyes, he is living" he replied, slowly an!
doubtfully.
'.And shall see him. She clasped he
hands In grateful emotion. "Oh, ! am .
happy
Yes, you will see him; but, my dea
child, why do you not inquire why you hay