The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-04-04

cussing styles.
"If you will allow me to compliment
you," 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 a mistake as might easily have been
made by less pure taste.
Isabel received the commentator with a
flush of pleasure; she was ANXIOUS to be
friendly with this naughty sisterin-law,
though she did not intend to crlnge, or sac
ritice shade of her self-respect, to gain her
friendship, and it was pleasant to hear
compliment from her, even upon the sec
ondary topic of dress.
sit is the first time have ever had the
opportunity of pleasing myself without re-
gard to expense" she replied, quietly, land
doubtless my taste will improve with oppor-
tunity and culture"
81 don't see how it can," said the other,
with candor. 81 haven't told you of Lilly's
wedding gifts, have II" she continued, with
mothers pride in her only daughters
marriage festivities.
Il shall be delighted to hear" said Isabel,
cordially II admire Mrs. Norton so 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 &
little laugh: "The admiration is mutual
then, for Lilly quite raves over you; that
picture which you and Harvey sent quite
captivated her, and it is Il beauty; it takes a
front rank in her list of gifts" and then
followed description of the wedding and
troussea,,, 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 braclng
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, and 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.
"We shall have such a delightful oppor
tunity to get acquainted before the season
commencea," she said, brightly. 'If only
L
silk apron and come over and bring my
knitting, as grandmamma used to do"
"But in lieu of knitting, please lay aside
formality and come in without ceremony,
said Isabel, gracefully, meeting her caller's
cordiality. Mrs. Stanford was more thai
ever impressed with her new sisters abil
ity to make her way in society, and she Wa
in a very amiable frame of mind as evenin2
drew near, which fact Mr.. Falconer OBJ,
served with pleasure.
"We will spend the evening in the 'homa
room, " he said to Isabel in q low voice, as
they passed out of the dining room.
VERY WE'LL" she said, boxing up, with a
happy smile. Il have to speak to Mrs
Montford 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 anc
ushered his sister in. 1t was 4 revelation.
to her, and she looked about her in sur
prise; as well she might, for there was
nothing in her elegant home which COM
pared with it for beauty and purity of de-
sign
sit is Isabels work. said Mr.. Falconer.
"She and Gracie planned it ALL"
"Even to the portrait!" said Mrs. Stan
IOTu, luQulrlHSlN, dS sic pduScu DCIoiC lHe
picture III surprise. She had imagined fair
Mattie's face banished from the new wife
presence.
"That was her thought, also, and COM
plete surprise with the rest''
81 surrender, Harvey" The sister turned
with tears in her eyes toward her brother
and placed her hand upon his arm affection
ately. She had tender heart, though, a.
we have seen, it was surrounded with a
heavy crust of worldliness. You have i'll
deed found 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 atone for her first unklndness. ''If there
is any thing in which 1 can be of assistance
to you," she said the following morning as
they were sitting in the library. She spoke
with a little hesitation; she did not wish tc
be patronizing, but she was so accustomed
to being so that she feared to blunder into il
unconsciOusly.
II am ignorant on some points, Twill con
fess," replied Isabel, frankly. There arc
certain forms and ceremonies in society ir
which have hitherto had no need to educate