Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-08-22
ISABEIA u:
-) OR Co.
From Shop to Mansion.
The Romantic Story OF a Dress
Makers Rise in Life.
BY MRs. r. M. HOWARD.
[copyrigAtea, 1879. !


a ride of rev miles through lovely
scenery brought them to the natural parii
of elms, from which the place was named,
Elm Park, the carriage winding through
them, past miniature lake, and bank after
bank of roses and other flowers, which,
though not in bloom, were yet green and
suggestive Of their summer beauties. The
house was fine specimen of a Southern
home, wide verandas on all sides, support
ed by heavy pillars. around which twined
wide-spre aiding branches of the lovely Bal
timore Belle, Marechal Mel rose and clus-
tering clematis.
"My dear girl, welcome, thrice welcome
to our home,n said Mrs. Darlington, tall,
stately lady, who came out upon the veran-
da to meet them, taking her in warm
embrace.
"And here is Caroline, waiting to well
come her cousin" said the Major, as tall,
graceful girl, and the image of her mother,
came to the door of the hall, while Mrs.
Darlington gracefully welcomed Mr.. Fal-
coner and Oracle. Caroline grasped Isa-
bels hand with cousinly warmth, and then
J introduced her to Adelaide, her sister, also
tall and graceful, but with more of the Car
rington style Of features.
!. Isabel could scarcely control her emotions
] as she entered the house, though she could
not have analysed her feelings, but Mrs.
4 Darlington coming in was quick to observe
and assign a reason for her agitation, and
kindly led her to small sitting room off
! the nall, and, summoning portly colored
woman, she gave directions that the guests
should be taken at once to the rooms they
were TO occupy.
"DiQner will be served in about an hour
~ thatsgjll give you time to rest" said the
Major, as they were ascending the stairs.
"Plenyy of time" replied Mr.. Falconer
"a bath anS a five minutes nap will render
mSe, at least, capable of doing full justice tc
your hospitality"
.fMy dariipgi' said Mr.. Falconer, tender
ly, las Dinah, after stirring the fire in the
gr ate, which was, at this season OF the
yes r, necessary even in the sunny South
and showing Isabel where to find clothes
pres IS and bath rooms, at last disappeared.
He saw that she was on tho verge Of
tealis, and drew lrer to his arms. II am Sc
strangely happy" she said, as she leaned
her head upon his sheltering breast anC
burst into tears of excitement
at is wonderful experience for you,
he said, smoothing her hair gently, as be
removed her hat, land you have need OF al
your fortitude to take you through it With
out over-taxing your nerves." She was
trembling even now like leaf.
"How selfish 1 am" she said, after she
had become more calm. II forgot in my
own thoughts how weak you are still" fol
he was trembling, too, in his sympathy foI
her. "Forgive me, DEAR and she In hel
turn became the comforter, and forced hin
to lie down upon an easy couch, while she
opened trunks, and made preparations fol
the toilet
They were large, airy rooms which has
been given them, the windows opening on
upon delightful prospect, with distant
Richmond just appearing in view.
.Oh, how funny" said Oracle, who hat
been exploring the bedrooms and looking
from the windows. There's just ever 81
| does Major Darlington have tenement
houses to rentl'
"Yes, my dear,n replied her father
| smiling at her natural mistake; "but tha
tenants are his own workinRpeople-the
| colored people you saw about the place
| who, with their families, occupy thesl
| houses"
| Meanwhile discussion was going on be
| low ashes pure Darlington, isn't shef
said Caroline, as she languidly dropped int
| chair.
1.-THE very image of Chester" said Mrs
4 Darlington.
| "Her eyes and hair win remind you O
Alicia when you see her again" remarked
the Major "By the way, where Is Ches
terfn
He is having one of his gloomy fits to
dav," answered his wife, "and though
told TIN ais daughter was coming, II seemes
- MAKE no impression upon his mind, ans
he has wandered on"
He isn't alonein said the Major, littl
anxieusly,