The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-05-02


expectancy since they had seen the tall form
enter the library.
a burst of tears was the answer, as Isa-
| bel laid her head on the loving little shoul-
! Ter and burst into tears, sobbng out her
| -rief. "Ch, grandmamma, he did not own
me at all, and have ion ged for him so!'
| The small, JeWeled hand moved caressing-
| " over the hair, the same motion which had
comforted the beautiful young mother in
he years past, and the sweet, tremulous
voice said, tend erly: 'Then, my dearest,
we must love you the more to compensate
FOR his lack of recognition. How he would
lote on you if he We're only himself, for he
has such loving heart, my poor Chester!''
and she sighed deeply.
Il assure you, my dear niece, am sur
Drsed and gratified at the result of the
:.ceting,' said MAJOR Darlington, encour-
. ingy. 81 think the interest ne has taken
ii the child is really remark able 1t is a
marked departure from his ordinary de-
meanor, and if there is any hope for him it
may come through her."
Let US hope So at least," said Mr. Fal-
coner, kindly. ''After all, my dear, it is
uot surprising that your IaJner failed to
Trasp The idea of the relationship, when, if
10 had any tleeting reconections of having
| daughter, he must naturally think of her
rs a babe or a little child.n
Yes, presume so, and will try and be
| patient and brave" She raised her head
and wiped away the tears resolutely. cat
| east l will not cloud dear grandmamma' S
face with my griefs,' and she pattcd the
aged cheek tenderly; she was such little
grandmother, that it seemed as natural to
| pet and caress her as if she had been a
child
"Chester did not comprehend Isabel's
identity as we hoped he might" aid the
Major, as they went back to the drawing
room, Mrs. Pembrokes arm linked lovingly
in lsabcIs, ''and has taken the fancy that
thc little girl is Ahcla'
Mrs. Darlington saw at glance how
grieved and disappointed her niece had
been, and with a few words of kindly tact
changed the subject deXterously, and pro-
| posed some music.
| Adelaide and Caroline We're both fine per-
formers, and a selection of duets and
| choice music was brought out, and in their
! trtistic rendering of some of her special
'avorites, together with their lively saiies,
ior they were sparkling and witty conversa-
tionalists, she forgot her sorrows, and
spent delightful hour.
Il have one favor to ask, Mr.. Falconer,"
said Mrs. Pembroke, as she laid her goved
| Eand on his arm; her carriage was at the
door, and the family were on the broad
veranda.
ITO the half of my kingdom, dear
madam" he replied, gallantly.
1T is that you spare Isabel to me alone
for one day." she said, pleadingly. sit is
an oId woman's whim, l know, but l want
my Alicia's child all to myself for one
sweet day" She looked in his face, her
fine eyes moist with feeling.
"To be sure" he answered her, heartily
and sympathetically. "Who could refuse
such a natural request!"
"Such funny gentleman" said Oracle,
as she sat by Isabels side before retiring
Mrs. Darlington had spoken with Isabel of
the matter, and Lizette was to take charge
of the little girl during their stay, but she
had not yet appeared ''He called me
Alicia all the time, and he said he had often
dreamed he had little girl like me, but he
had never found her before"
Let us hope on, dear wife" said Mr.
| Falconer, :If he can not see as we wish,
the child may be great blessing to him"
Il will be patient" She looked up at him
with sad eyes and quivering lip. II can
at least imagine what fathers love might
| have been.n
From that time the child was the con-
NdfllUHLOQ,
and, with Pompey in the rear to look after
| their safety, took long walks over the plan
tation, visiting the negro cabins and enter
ing into their simple lives with childish
Zest.
Oracle had never before come in close
contact with the race, and they We're
source of great curiosity and pleasure to
her, as she listened to their quaint songs
and tales.
Maum Dipah, the second cook in the
establishment, always had choice bit laid
away for ''little missy" for child was
+ great treat on the place, and every one of
them were ready and willing at any time to
10 her a favor, or contribute to her enter
iainment.
Mrs. Pembroke's carriage came for Isa-
bel very soon after the first days visit, and
she had felt emotion on entering the home
Of the Carringtons, she was doubly affected
when she found herself in the home which
n seen her mothers childhood, and from
#lence she had gone out, a beautiful, JOY
GUS bride, to her husbands home,