Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-07-24

innovations as Mrs. Montford 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 inqulrlng 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 galling to her self-respect, 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 a half whisper, as she sank on the drawingroom sofa
 "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 disappointmen in the tone, and took up the defensive at once. "Why, think she's a born lady, ma'am, and that your brother is a lucky man to have found such an cx- cellent wife,"
 Mrs. Stanford was confounded. 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 sPoor Gracie," also, and mad made it part of her plan to take the child back with her to New York for an ln- definite stay, as missionary proceeding, to remove her from the atmosphere of the new stepmother.
 "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, a de- c,ded improvement on Mrs. Montford's ratb- CT stif style of juvenile adornment. "Oh, auntie," she cried, ''papa and mamma will be so surprised to see you" "Mamma, indeed," exclaimed Mrs. Stan ford, inwardly, as she drew tho little girl to her embrace. ''So 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 help itp
 "And papa loves her, too, I suppose said Mrs. Stanford, artfully.
 "Why, yes, s'pose so," replied the little girl; "he 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 a beautiful park, with no idea of the arrival in their home. Isabel found that her early practice in bare. l back riding was of use to her, and after the first awkwardness 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.
 'Tm not sure that you will need any les sons," said MT. Falconer, admiringly, as he noted her erect carriage. "You seem to be natural ,!and with daily practice you will do nicely. Doll gallops beautifully when you become enough accustomed to the saddle to try her."
 Isabel's cheeks were glowing with exer pise 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 MT. Falconer's.
 !. They fingered moment in the hall aftel Tom had taken the horses, and Mrs. Stan ford had time to brace herself and put or her most aristocratic air before Isabel, fol lowed by her husband, entered the room.
 Mrs. Stanford had made no allowance! for the beautifying effects of happiness the change which ''peace and plenty coming into a starved, cramped lift can make, and she could scarcel, believe her eyes when she saw he brothers wifa and recognized sthat homel. girr' in the tall, graceful creature, th once thin face plump and ruddy, the eyes heavy with overwork and Encouragement now bright and sparkling, and she com mented within herself: ssGoodpess{
 shouldn't have known hem t'My dear sisterp' said Mr. Falconer, tax . ing Mrs. Stanford's hand in his, "this is in deed surprise, for we expected telegram ' before you arrived" Then, with as muc ;, respect as if presenting Duchess he said ! "Let me present to you my wife, Mrs. Ed
 coner."
 CHAPTER Y.
 Isahel took the offered hand of her sister