The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-03-28

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. MCntford was not an ardent admirer
Of Ms. Stanford; that lady had always as
'umed an air of lofty patronage toward
}er, especially CALLING to her self-rcspect,
md had in edition shown q disposition to
dictate in the management OF her brothers
household, a proceeding resented by the eX-
lerienced houselzeeper, who rightly thought
hist, as long us the master was satisfied
With her methods, Mrs. Stanford had no oc-
easion to Interfere.
Mrs. Stanford was usually too well bred
md discreet to discuss family matters with
Lireling in any capacity, but in this case
lcr curiosity got the better of her judg-
nent ard she sad, in half whisper, as she
sank on the dr1wing-room sofa:
pray, Mrs, Montford. what do you think
of the new Mrs. Falconer?"
'Think of hcr, Mrs. Stanford" replied
Mrs MontfOrd artily-she read curiosity
and disappointment in the tone, and took up
the defensive at once. "Why, | think She S
Il born lady, ma'am, and that YOUR brother
is Il lucky man 10 nave IOuuu Sucn dn eS-
ccllent wife,
Mrs. Stanford was confounded. She had
said: Poor Montsord' many times since
learing the news and expected to find the
lousekeeper in Il state of jealous ill-humor
ut this sudden invasion upon her long-es-
taDli he'd position.
She had SAID 'Poor Gracie,' also. and
aad made it part of her plan to take the
..l,ilS hack h ba,, 70 Neysy Work
cinite stay, as a missionary proceeding, to
emove her from the atmosphere of the new
stepmother
Poor Gracie" came dancing into the
i ON, her checks rosy with health, her lit
le face beaming with happiness, and
dressed with the most perfect taste, Il de
clded Improvement on Mrs. Montford s rath-
er stiff style Of juvenile adornment.
ooh, auntie," she Cried papa and
mamma will be so surprised to see you!"
"Mamma, indeed" exclaimed Mrs Stan
ford, inwardly, as size 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. ''She
is such dear, good mamma, how could l
| help it?"
And papa loves her, too, 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 We're
having delightful ride in beautiful park
with no idea of the rival in their home
Isabel found that her early practice in bare
| IL, "a .-rf, q.
first awkwardness of the mount and start
ing was over, she sat in her saddle with
ease and fearlessness, and could guide gem
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
a natural rider, and with daily practice you
will do nicely. Doll gallops beautifully,
when you become enough accustomed to the
saddle to try her"
Isabers cheeks we're glowing with exer-
else 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 Mr. Falconer's.
They fingered moment in the hall after
Tom had taken the horses, and Mrs. Stan
ford had time to brace herself and put on
her most aristocratic alr before Isabel, fol-
lowed by her husband, entered the room.
Mrs. Stanford had made no allowances
for the beautifying effects of happiness,
the change which peace and plenty"
coming into starved, cramped life
eau make, and she could scarcely
believe her eyes when she saw her
brothers wife and recognized ''that homeiy
girl" in the tall. graceful creature, the
once thin face plump and ruddy, the eyes,
heavy with overwork and discouragement,
now bright and sparkling, and she com-
mented within herself: Goodness!
shouldn't have known her"
MY dear sister" said Mr.. Falconer, talk
ing Mrs. Stanford hand in his, "this is IN
deed a surprise, for we expected telegram
before you arrived" Then, with as much
respect us if presenting a Duchess he said:
Z" Let me present to you my wife, Mrs, Fal-
coner.h
CHAPTER V
Isabel took the offered hand of her sister
in-law, saying with gentle dignity: "Wel-