The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-05-02
ISABEL.
Or
From Shop to Mansion.
BY MRS. f. NJ. HOWARD.
BY MRS. f. NJ. HOWARD.
CHAPTE> Continued.

He saw that she was on the verge OF
tears, and drew her TO his arms. Il am so
strangely happy" she said, as she leaned
her head upon his sheltering breast and
burst into tears of excitement
sit is a wonderful experience for you,"
he said, smoothing her hair gently, as he
removed her hat, 'and you have need of all
your fortitude to take you through it with
out over-taXing your nerves." She was
trembling even now like a leaf.
'sHow selfish l am,' she said, after she
had become more calm. 81 forgot in my
own thoughts how weak you are STILL" for
he was trembling, too, in his sympathy for
her. ''Forgive me, DEAR" and she in her
turn became the comforter, and forced him
to lie down upon an easy couch, while she
opened trunks, and made preparations for
the toilet
They were large, airy rooms which had
been given them, the windows opening out
upon delightful prospect, with distant
Richmond just appearing in view.
'Oh, how funny" said Oracle, who had
been exploring the bedrooms and looking
from the windows. "There's just ever SC
many little bits of houses out this way;
does Major Darlington have tenement
houses to rent?"
"Yes, my DEAR" replied her father,
smiling at her natural mistake; but the
tenants are his own working -people-these
colored people you saw about the place
who, with their families, occupy these
houses"
Meanwhile a discussion was going on be-
low. "She's pure Darlington, isn't shes''
said Caroline, as she languldly dropped into
a chair.
"The very image of Chester" said Mrs.
Darlington.
Her eyes and hair will remind you of
Alicia when you see her again." remarked
the Major. "By the way, where, is Ches-
ter!n d. T. g.
"He is having one of his gloomy its to-
day." answered his wife, "and though
told him his daughter was coming, it seemed
to make no impression upon his mind, and
he has wandered off,
He isn't alone?" said the Major, little
anxiously.
"Oh, no. 1 sent Pompey after him as
usual, and he will take care of him."
Il wonder Mrs. Pembroke is not here,''
said Adelaide, looking from the window.
"I fear meeting so many of US at once is
going to be very exciting for Cousin Isabel.
noticed her hand trembled in mine when
1 took it.''
''Shc is not looking as well as when saw
her." said Major Darlington. "Her hus-
bands sickness has, doubtless, been a
strain upon her nerves.
mamma, oughtn't Gve to send Lizette
and Cato to help them dress?"
Il hardly know what they have been ac-
customed to,'' replied Mrs. Carrin gton
"People live so differently in the North and
South.''
81 think, my DEAR" laughed the Major
"that my niece would consider dressing
maid nuisance"
"Well am sure if 1 were obliged to
comb my own hair, should soon decide tc
wear il cropped close,' said Adelaide.
laugnlngly, giving ner nne mead, adorned
with heavy braids, a toss.
'Stil, if you had always been. accus-
toned to being your own hair r-dresser," re
marked Caroline.
''Habits are inexorable things" said
Mrs. Darlington, land, for the present. j
will send Lizette to inquire if Mrs. Fal-
coner would like her assistance in dress
ing"
A neat colored girl made her appearance
in answer to the bell, and Mrs. Darlington
gave her her directions.
Pears like dem Northern ladies amt
fust quality no how" was Lizette's dis
satisfied comment as she descended the
stairs, after Isabel had kindly declined her
services at her toilet. She had never been
accustomed to such assistance, and looked
upon it as more OF hindrance than help,
except in excep, ional cases. but, den, |
specs it all in de brungin' up" she con-
,cluded, philosophicaily.
A carriage was at the door as Lizette
reached the hall, and Major Darlington was
handing out an old lady with tender re-
spect 1t was Mrs. Pembroke, and she said
eagerly as she took his offered ARM HAS
she comesn