The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-06-27
SAB e Il:
From Shop to Mansion.
The Romantic Story OF Dress
Makers Rise In Life
Nv Mns. T. M. hoWAno.
Copyrighted. 1ss9.1

lS0pyTfyseteus AooS.I
CHAPTER Iv.-CoNTINUEp.
"Purple pansies shall be my flowers when
wear this" she said, half in soliloquy, as
she stood by the glass, while skiliful Mrs.
Gould took out stitch here and there in
the drapery. and looped il more artistically.
ayes, Mrs. Falconer," she replied, ''there
il . harmony between the sweet pure
flowers and white which all do not recog-
nize; to my mind there is nothing so purely
elegant in dress Is white lace, and this
creamy stun is Of such delicate pattern"
The riding habit came also, and fitted
beautifully. Isabel had fine form and
carriage, and was capable Of great improve
ment under the Transforming touch Of dress,
and the dark navy blue of her habit was
very becoming, as well as the hat, with its
long. dropping feather, which reached
nearly to her shoulder and mingled grace
fully with her curls, which she wore habit
ually now, 40 Mr.. Falconer liked to see
them.
"A suitable length of time IN which to
dress is luxury in ITSELF said Isabel. as
she stood before her mirror brushing her
hair, and recalled Nine. Arnot's, where the
tired girls were obliged to be on duty at
such an hour, under all circumstances. II
think, dear madam, il you are expecting 70
see me behind your counter again III one
year, or ever again. you are doomed to dis
appointment and she laughed a low. hap
py little laugh, as she pinned back her curls
with silver arrow which Oracle had given
her the day before.
s'Will you ride this morning. Mrs. Fall
coner. 1t was her husbands voice which
interrupted her laughing soliloquy.
If you please" she replied; III is a rare
morning.
Then be ready, and Tom will have the
horses at the door in half hour he said,
as he turned to 60 down.
The pretty chestnut mare arched herneck
coquettishlv as her new mistress appeared.
Isabel loved y horse dearly, though she had
Of late years had little opportunity of cul-
tivating their acquaintance. but she adj
mircd their dainty thoroughbred ways.
and could tell a fine horse almost as readily
as man.
II am sure we arc going TO be the best of
friends, pretty Dolly" she said. as she held
lump of sugar in one hand and caressed
her glossy coat with her other. Dolly, thus
propitiated, turned her large liquid eyes
upon her mistress with a look of almost
human intelligence. crunehing the sugar in
her strong white teeth.
The riders had been gone but few moments
when carriage came up the drive. BLESS
me if it isn't Mrs. Stanford said Mrs.
Montford, in futter, as she hurriedly
smoothed her hair and went forward 10
meet the visitor.
That good lady had resolved upon a
strategic move, thinking that If she could
surprise the enemy she would have better
opportunity 10 judge Of its resources. so
She had sent no iniimatlon OF her arrival.
Her keen eyes were on the alert 10 Oh
serve any tokens Of unNelcone changes or
innovations as Mrs. Monttord met her in
the hall
Mr. and Mrs. Faleoner have just gone
horseback riding she said, AS Mrs. Stan.
ford met her greeting with an inquiring
look.
Mrs. Montford was not All ardent admirer
Of Mrs. Stanford: that lady had always as
sumed m air OF lofty patronage toward
her, especially CALLING to her self-respect
and had in addition shown disposition Il
dictate in the management Of her brothers
household, q proceeding resented by the ex
perenced housekeeper. who rightly though,
that, ~ 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