Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-09-05

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velvet, having for its groundwork warm
brown tint upon which was scattered tiny
bouquets of bright rosebuds and leaves
with ferns, whose delicate fronds suggested
the fragrant forest at every step.
Crimson and white were the prevailing
colors, and the hight shone softly through
the crimson curtains which were overhung
with elegant lace, giving an indescrlbably
soft and beautiful tint to the room. A large
round table occupied the center, upon which
was strewn the late literature of the day, a
handsome desk and book case combined
afforded facilities for reading or writing,
and light easy chairs, adapted for rest
rather than show, stood in coy disorder
ready for use.
A large sofa covered in crimson plush,
with deep, easy springs, and soft downy
pillows at each end, was the very embodi-
ment of restful repose. An upright piano
at one side provided for musical evenings,
but the bay window was the browning beau
| ty of it all; a stand of blooming plants con-
trasted beautifully with the lace curtains,
|
curtain, reaching up and forming an arch
of green. A gilded cage hung on each
side, and golden canaries trilled their
happy songs increasingly.
Isabel had procured copy of locket
picture of the first Mrs. Falconer, which
Oracle wore, and this, beautifully framed,
was hung in an admirable light, the smiling,
| tender eyes looking down upon her as if in
commentator of her work, and in one cor
ner there was deep cornice across the top,
from which was suspended curtains of
handsome lace looped back with crimson
| ribbons, and in the little alcove thus formed
| stood PEDESTAL on which merry, laugh
| ing little cupid looked out mischievously.
won't papa be pleased said Oracle,
| looking at the whole with an innate artistic
delight.
al hope he will, my dear,' was the reply,
''and we will try the effect of our work upon
him this evening"
The child could hardly allow him time to
finish his dessert of fruits and coffee, she
was so eager to show him the surprise, and
danced along before him like a sprite, as he
followed her leisurely with Isabel
"Isn't it lovely, papa." she cried, eagerly,
as she threw open the door and revealed
the pretty room flooded with soft, pink
light
"Yes, my dear, it is beautiful" said Mr..
Falconer, taking in the details with critical
eyes; he had not as yet had any revelation
Of his wife's taste, and the result pleased
him greatly.
His eyes fell on the picture of his wife
with surprised and tender delight; it was
such an unexpected and thoughtful atten-
ton, and he appreciated 1t fully.
Chow did you get it," he asked, gently.
"From this" she SAID, touching the
locket which Oracle wore. 81 thought we
would be a more gentle and kindly family
if we had the influence of her sweet face
with u.s."
He looked at her gratefully. "Your
thoughts are beautifully harmonious, as
evinced in the furnishing of this home
ROOM" he said, his voice lingering lovingly
on the words; 1t had been five years since
he had had home in the fullest sense of
the word, and he was an intensely home
loving man.
81 did not get every thing which might
have done to complete it,'' she said, looking
up at him-she, too, had so longed for a
home-"but l thought as we each came
across any thing particularly appropriate
for it that it would be pleasant to have
room to add our offerings from time to time;
it is our home shrine, you known
"See papa, here are your slippers and
dressings gown" said Oracle, bringing the
articles from little clothes-press, and in
terrupting, with dash of the prosaic, the
scene, which might have become senti-
mental Isabel had given her this little task
as her special duty, and she delighted in it
with loving child's pleasure, fitting about
him as he made himself comfortable for the
evening, hanging his coat upon a hook in
tae closet, winch Isabel had placed within
her reach, and putting away the discarded
boots with neatness and precision.
'What helpful little maid it is" said Mr.
Falconer, patting her head tenderly, as she
brought her little wicker chair and sat by
his side.
'She is mammals little right hand al
ready" said Isabel, affectlonately, and, in
deed, she spoke the truth, for she did lean
upon the little girl, as source of comfort
and help, in becoming accustomed to her
new position; the child's lips had taken up
the title OF mamma" very readily, and the
sound was becoming very sweet to Isabel.
The new garments came home in due
time, and it Is not TO be denied that their
owner tried them on with thrill of graf
fled pleasure; she loved rich and beautiful
thngS, ana Sne enjoyed the glmpSe IN the
glass of the well-dressed reflection Of her
self
This Is exceedingly becoming" said Mrs.
Gould, the shop-woman before mentioned,
who had been sent with the dresses to make
any needed alterations; it was rich garnet
velvet, made up with just enough spark
ling iridescent trimming to relieve its plain
ness, ''and that real lace set is Just the
thing IN wear with il -
Another, an airy black lace, looped up in
every available spot with tiny gold stars
which CLEANED in and out like firefies.
"You must wear natural flowers In crimson
with this" said Mrs. Gould, ''either rose
buds or fuchsias."
A rich white brocade satin combined with
creamy lace was the next, AID Isabel was
as near being beauty in it as she would
ever be.
fro BE CONTINUED