The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-03-28
ISABEL,
y R.
From Shop to Mansion.
BY MIS-. Z. II HOWARD.
CHAPIEE II Continued.



sNo," he answered, gravely taking her
hand in his, 'no one could do that; she. NY
first love, holds a sacred shrine in my heart
that none else can occupy; but, my wife. you
can fill your own pace, and that is fast be-
coming u dear one" He drew her to him,
and, placing his arm about her waist,
pressed his first kiss upon her lips in the
presence OF the smiling face looking down
benignly upon them.
Love; it was the first time the subject
had been approached since their first meet
ing, and Isabel won ,ercd what love would
be like when it came. She had dreamed of
love. What girl has not, d thought of it
as turbulent, ovcrmasterTng passion, I'M
bounded by reason or common sense AT
least that was the version of it given by the
story-Writers. and she was positive there
was no such emotion in her heart for Mr..
Faconer.
He was simply friend-a kind, true gen
tlcman-Who had rescued her from her tr?-
ing life of poverty, and brought her to all
these delightful things, and she respected
him above all men whom she Et. ever seen.
friends may exchange q kiss, and she
raised her lips to his without a tremor, and
hoped for the day when kisses IN ght be q
symbol of q sweeter, deeper feeling than
friendship,
''Mrs. Montford" " Isabel was seated in
an easy rockerin the housekeeper's room.
''Mr. Falconer has given me permission to
fit up one of the rooms to suitmy Own taste,
and have come to you for assistance, IS of
course wish to consult his tastes also, and
YOU have lived with hlm so many years
that you must know him well. 1t is to be
an evening room, where we can meet for
quiet rest after TIE day is over, and [ wish
it to be thoroughly restful and cozy.''
Eyes, lna'anl, l think I sec what you
wish,'' said Mrs. Montford, with her little
courtesy. She liked this new Mrs. Fal-
coner, with her quiet ways, SO far removed
from haughtiness or patronage. though
with the rest Of the family below stairs,
she had a little natural curiosity III regard to
the sudden marriage; she checked 1t per-
cmptOrily in the servants under her, and
she was by far too well bred to express it,
by word or look, in herself, yet she could
not help seeing that their relations were
quite different from those of the first Mrs
Falconer, whom she had tenderiy loved,
with her husband.
In certain sense this pleased her, for it
would have hurt her to see another taken
at once into the tender companiouship en-
joycd by the first wife.
-4I' l et'NOiItI tltAco vi II lIL. LiCLl CClOI >,
1naam," she said, thoughtfully, ''but he
desp!ses fashionable fancy work.. and she
smiled ut the poc4liality. The first Mrs.
Ea.canar never did amy of it. Have you
aeen-!' and she stopped, fearing that she
had touched on forbidden ground.
Eyes, replied Isabel, gently, reading
her thought; Il have seen it, and it is very
lovely and touchlng.'
'Then, ma'an, you have some guide as to
M Falconer's tastes" replied Mrs. Mont
ford; ''oniy, Of course, you would not follow
that as model too closely, Mrs. Falconer
always had blooming plants in her room,
but they would not bloom for me after she
was gone, and | gave up trying to care fol
them Jhcre.'' Tears came IN her honest
blue eyes as she spoke, and she wiped them
away with the corner of her ample white
apron.
Mrs. Falconer must have been q rarely
sweet and loveable lady" sand Isabel, sin
cesely and feeIingly. II do not wonder tina;
she was so well beloved.n
"Thanlz You for saying it." The words
formed a new link in the chain Of Mrs
Montford's kindly feelings toward the new
wife. sit does you honor, ma'am, to be
willing to give the first wife her place in
our hearts So many ladies that | have
known tn2J seemed 10 lnlnk the HIST WI,
should be forgotten out of respect TO th@
secoudn
"Ohi no, no, Mrs Montford." cried Isa-
bel, with earuestness. Il should despls.
myself could / cherish such Q feeling, and
honor Mr.. Falconer and yourself far more
than coHId had You suffered your love fol
so sweet |. dy to give way to the claims ot
stranger. True, hope to be loved ant
! respected by you, also, but not at the cx
pense of your loyalty to herr" and, rising
she offered her hand impulsively to thc
! housckeeper. who tool, it in friendly clasE
which came from the heart, now complete y
won over to her by the few simple, woman
! ly words.
8 'Iwished to speak to you also in regard
| 20 Gracie," She continued. Il should mol
blame you at all if you felt some natura
| Jealousy upon being called upon so unex-
/ pcctedly to give the child over to the care OF
"A step mother; and being totally unaccus
! toned to the care of children, do not feel
! competent to undertake the charge without
| your assistance
She could not have chosen her words bet
| ter, and Hrs Montrords face lighted ur
/ gratefully. Il Will confess, ma'aln, that
| did feel it, she said, frankly; "'any one
would with a heart Mrs. Falconer, after
having the care of the sweet child from hel