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

| near bv: the carpet, which was of q set fig.
ure in dull browns, was replaced by rich
velvet, having for its groundwork q warm
| brown tint upon which was scattered tiny
| bouquets Of bright rosebuds and leaves,
with ferns, whose delicate fronGs suggested
| the fragrant fores. at every step.
| Crimson and white were the prevailing
colors, and the hight shone softly through
the crimson curtains which were overhung
with eg mt lace, giving an indescribably
soft and beautiful tint 10 the room. A large
round tablo occupied the cen er, upon which
was streWn the late literature of the day,
| handsome desk and book case combined
| afforded facilities for reading or writing,
| md hight easy chairs, adapted for rest
.'ather than show, stood in cozy disorder
ready for use.
| 4 large sofa covered in crimson plush,
With deep, easy springs, and soft downy
| ,iiloWs at each nd, was the very embodi-
nent OF restful repose. An upright piano
1t one side provided for musical evenings,
| 1ut the bay window was the crownng beau
| ~ of it all; o stand of blooming lAnts CON
trasted beautifully with the lace curtains.
and a running vine was pinned over the
curtain, reaching up and forming an arch
! of green. A gilded cage hung on each
side, and golden canaries trilled their
|
Isabel had procured a copy of a loclzet
| picture of the first Mrs Faconer, which
| Oracle Wore, aud this, beautifully framed,
was hung IN an admirable light, the smiling,
| tender eyes looking down upon her as if IN
! commendaton of her work, and in one COR
| ner there was q 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 a pedestal, on which a merry, laugh
ing little cupid looked out mischievously.
"Won't papa be pleased" said Gracie,
| looking at the whole with an innate arts tic
de light.
81 hope hewill, 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 sprite, as he
followed her leisurcly with Isabel.
'Isnt 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 wifes 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-
;,on, and he appreciated 1t fully.
How did you get it!' he asked, gently.
From this y she sad, touching the
loczet which Gracie wore. Il thought Wa
would be a more gentle and kindly family
if we had the influence of her sweet face
with us''
He looked at her gratefully. "Your
thoughts are beautifully harmonious, as
evlnced in the furnishing of this home
room," he said, his voice lingering lovingly
on the words; 1t had been five years since
/ he Ind had Il home in the fullest sense of
the wcrd, and he was an intensely home
| loving man.
Il did not get every thing which nigh
| have done to complete it." she sad, lookins
up at hm--she, too, had SO l0nged for
home--''but l thought as we ea:h came
across any tnIug particularly appropriate
for it that it would be pleasant to have
room to add our offerings from time to time,
j. IS our home shrine, you know"
".5ro papa, here are your slippers and
drcs5ng-goWn,' sald Oracle, bringing the
articles from little clothcs-press, and in
icvrupting with Il dash of the prosaic, the
mental. Isabel had given her this little tas'5
as her special duty, and she delighted in Is
with a loving child's pleasure, ling aboG.
| him as he made himself comfortable for the
| evening, hanging his coat upon a hook in
the closet, winch Isabel had placed With.
her reach, and putting away the discarded
boots with neatness and precision.
''Whata hep1uI lltl1n maid it is" said Mr..
! FalcOner, pattlng ner eead teuderly. as she
brought her little wicker chair and sat by
his side.
She is mammals little right hand al
ready" said isabel, affectlonatey, and, in
decd, she spoke the truth, for she did lean
upon the little girl, as 2. source of comfort
and help, in becoming accustomed to her
new position; the childs lips had taken up
tine title Of ''mamma' very readily, and he
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
flied pleasure; she loved rich and beautiful
things, and she enjoyed the glimpse 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 to wear with it."
Another, an airy black lace, looped up in
every available spot with tiny gold stars
which cleaned in and out like tirefies.
"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, and Isabel was
as near being beauty in it as she would
ever be.
'Purple panses shall be my flowers when
l wear this she said, half In soliloquy, as
she stood by the glass; while slillful Mrs.
Gould took out stitch here and there in
the drapery, and loopeG it more artistically.
"Yes, Mrs. Falconer," she replied, "there
is Il harmony between the sweet pure
flowers and white which all do not recog
n1ze; to my mind there is nothing so purely
elegant in dress as white lace, and this
creamy stuff is of such delicate pattern"
The riding habit came also, and fitted
beautifully. Isabel had a fine form and
carriage, and was capable of great improve
ment under the transforming touch of dress,
and the dark navy blue of her habit was
very becoming. as well as the hat, with its
long, dropping feather, which reached
nearly to her shoulder and mingled grace
fully with her curls, which she wore habit
ually now, as Mr.. Falconer liked to see
them.
"a suitable length of time in which to
~ i