The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1889-06-15
looking over the new wardrobe and dis

cussing styles.
ssIf you will allow me to compliment
your said Mrs Stanford, as she inspected
the garnet velvet with the eye Of an ex-
pert, II must say you have shown the
most perfect taste in your selections" She
had half expected to see a gaudy display,
such mistake as might easily have been
made by a less pure taste.
Isabel received the commentator with q
flush Of pleasures; she was anxious to be
friendly with this naughty sisterin-law,
though she did not intend to crlnge, or sac
ritice a shade of her self-respect, to gain her
friendship, and it was pleasant to hear a
compliment from her, even upon the Sec
ondary topic of dress.
"It is the first time have ever had the
opportunity Of pleasing myself without re-
gard to expense" she replied, quietly, ';and
doubtless my taste will improve with oppor-
tunity and culture
with candor. IL haven't told you Of Lilly's
wedding gifts, have I?'' she continued, with
mothers pride in her only daughters
marriage festivities.
II shall be delighted to hear" said Isabel.
cordially. Il admire Mrs. Norton 50 much
and am in such haste to make her acquaint-
ance."
The balm was soothing TO the mothers
heart, and she replied cordially also, with q
little laugh: sThe admiration is mutual
then, for Lilly quite raves over you; that
picture which you and Harvey sent quite
captivated her, and it is a beauty; it takes
front rank in her list of gifts," and then
followed a description of the wedding and
trousse1,., which occupied the remainder OF
the morning.
In the afternoon more callers came in,
Mrs. Harry Dwight among them, another
prominent lady in the circle which Isabel
was expected to enter.
She had tired Of Newport, she said, and
had come home to rest; she was bright,
captivating little body, and, like a bracing
breeze, cheered and cleared the atmosphere
wherever she went. Society had quite
failed to spoil her, and she carried her
warm heart where nature had placed it, in
direct communication with her bright, busy
brain, aud her deeds of charity and kind
ness will perhaps never be estimated until
she meets them again in that hereafter,
where even the kindly word and modest
cup of cold water are not forgotten.
ave shall have such delightful oppor
tunity to get acquainted before the season
commences" she said. brightly. eff only
knew how to knit l would put on a black
silk apron and come over and bring my
knitting. as grandmamma used to do"
" But in lieu of knitting, please lay aside
for1nality and come in without ceremony"
said Isabel, gracefully, m citing her callers
cordially. Mrs. Stanford was more than
ever impressed with her new sisters abil-
ity to make, her way in society, and she was
in very aluiable frame of mind as evening
drew near, which fact Mr.. Falconer OBJ
served with pleasure.
"We will spend the evening in the home
room,' " he said to Isabel in a low voice, as
they passed out of the dining-roon. =
every well,'' she said, looking up, with
happy smile. II have to speak to Mrs.
Montford a moment and will join you
there
"This is our snuggery; where we keep
the altar fires of home burning" said Mr..
Falconer, as he threw open the door and
to her, and she looked about her in sur
prise; as we'll she might, for there was
nothing in her elegant home which CON-
pared with it for beauty and purity Of de-
sign
ut is Isabel's work." said Mr.. Falconer.
'sShe and Oracle planned it all.''
Given to the portrait2" said Mrs. Stan
ford, inquiringly, as she paused before the
picture IN surprise. She had imagined fair
Mattie's face banished from the new wife's
presence.
s'That was her thought, also, and a COM
plete surprise with the rest.''
ST surrender, Harvey" The sister turned
with tears in her eyes toward her brother
and placed her hand upon his arm affection
ate1y. She had a tender heart, though, as
we have seen, it was surrounded with a
heavy crust of worldliness. ''You have in
deed found a treasure among women, and
together we will fight her battles, if need
be, before the world.
The remainder of Mrs. Stanford's visit
was very pleasant and she seemed striving
to atonef for her first unklndness. IF there
is any thing in which can be Of assistance
to you,'' she said the following morning as
they were sitting in the library. She spoke
with little hesitation; she did not wish to
be patronizing, but she was so accustomed
to being so that she feared to blunder into it
unconsciously.
clam ignorant on some points, Twill con-
fess," replied Isabel, frankly. ''There are
certain forms and ceremonies in society in
which I have hitherto had no need to educate