Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-09-12

upon her mistress with a look of almost
human intelligence, crunching the sugar in
her strong white teeth.
The riders had been gone but a 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 to
meet the visitor
That good lady had resolved upon a
strategic move, thinking that if she could
surprise the enemy she would havea better
opportunity to judge Of its resources, so
she had sent no intimation of her arrival.
Her keen eyes were on the alert to OBJ
serve any tokens of unwelcome changes or
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 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 disposition to
dictate in the management of her brothers
household, 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
a hlreling 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:
pray, Mrs. Montford, what do you think
of the new Mrs. Falconerl"
Think of her, Mrs. Stanford replied
Mrs. Montford, heartily-she read curiosity
and disappointment in the tone, and took I'D
the defensive at once. "Why, l think she's
born lady, ma'am, and that your brother
is lucky man to have found such an ex-
cellent wife"
Mrs. Stanford was COMPOUNDED. 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 ''Poor Oracle" also, and
had made it part Of her plan to take the
child back with her to New York for an In
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-
clded improvement on Mrs. Montford's rath
er stin style Of juvenile adornment.
ION, aunue," she cried, papa and
mamma viii be so surprised to see your
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. sShe
Is such dear, good mamma, how could I
helpitr
And papa loves her, too, 1 suppose" said
Mrs Stanford, artfully.
why, yes, 1 s'pose sou replied the little
girls "he don't say much, but he looks at
herr
Mrs. Stanford laughed, as she said to her
sell; 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
first of the mount and start
ing was over, she sat in her saddle with
49, ~lA~ ASAA ASSSuSSSs dHO COUIO guide gen
tie Doll with scarcely an effort
I'm not sure that you will need any les
sons" said Mr.. Falconer, admiringly, as he
noted her erect carriage. ''You seem TO be
natural rider, and with daily practice YOU
will do nicely. Doll gallops beautifully,
when you become enough accustomed TO the
saddle TO try herr
Isabeps cheeks were glowing with exer-
else as they reached home. her hair Ivhirl,
the breeze had blown into q state of fiuffv