The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-04-25

better employment here than he has in New
York. If it were not for that should fee
as if l must pass my last months of nader
life with mother"
"Oh, isn't that lovely!" cried Isabel, ''i1
! you can have the little mother near you
! she will have to adopt me, too, for long fol-
! mother so, and she gave a sigh for the
lost mother in her grave.
"Mother's heart is large enough for us
! both," replied Lottie, smiling, ''and l only
/ fear that shall have occasion to be Jealous
! of you. They will come in the spring, il
all works as we expect, and as Dr. Conroy
is almost positive it will"
i 'Then l fear l am to be disappointed in
having the pleasure of making darling lit
tie wedding for you," said Isabel, a shade
coming over her lace. 81 mad anticipated
having such quite select affair"
"Well," replied Lottie, ''you and mother
may decide that when the time comes, for
must confess that with father and mother
here, your home would seem as much like
my home as any place could"
You darling" said Isabel, relieved.
''Then L shall coax our mother until she is
obliged to consent to be rid of me; of course
you will go to Housekeeping at once"
"Yes, DR.. Conroy is so thoroughly tired
of boarding, though upon what scale am
sure know not; l have never questioned
him."
Not pinched one, my DEAR" said Isa-
bel, nodding her head knowingly. 1.-The doc
tor is far from being poor man"
81 am glad of that" said Lottie sweetlv.
81 had feared SO much that might be a
hlndrance to him, # he was yet poor, and
struggling for success, but if he can afford
such an expensive luxury as weakly wife
iG liahln tO 40 I han al
for of course it would be folly for me to ex-
pect to be as strong as many are."
"Yes, my little friend, you might as well
decide that you are never gong to bear the
world on those slender shoulders of yours.
and save yourself some inevitable disap-
pointment; but you have a mission of
sweetness and patience, which no one but
you can accomplish, and which the most of
us would fail in. So be comIorted, nv dear:
1t seems to be one of the compensations of
life that the weakness of the flesh adds
strength and grace to the spirit,'
Major Darlington met tho travellers at
the station when they allghted, and well
coined them with warm Southern hospital
ity. Mr.. Falconer had borne the Journey
even better than he expected, and though
languld and pale, was in good spirits, and
prepared TO be pleased with all he saw.
A roomy travelling carriage Waa waiting
for them, and the burly, enlored coachman
looked cuFieusly, yet respectfully, at Isabel.
as she came forward, for the news had
spread among the older colored oeople tha,
missy Alicia's' long-lost daughter was
coming, and this faithful fellow had been
on the place ever since he was born, before
the war as slave, since as hired sery-
ant.
A ride of few miles through lovely
scenery brought them to the natural park
OF elms, from which the place was named,
Elm Park, the carriage winding through
them, past miniature lake, and bank after
bank OF roses and other flowers, which.
though not III bloom, were yet green and
suggestive of their summer beauties. The
house was line specimen of a Southern
home, wide verandas on all sides, support
ed by heavy pillars, around which twined
wide-spre aiding branches Of the lovely Bal
timore Belle, Marechal Mel rose and clus-
tering clematis.
My dear girl, welcome, thrice welcome
to our home," said Mrs. Darlington, tall,
stately lady, who came out upon the veran-
da to meet them, taking her in warm
embrace.
And here is Caroline, waiting to wei
come her cousin" said the Major, as a tall.
graceful girl, and the image of her mother,
came to the door of the hall, while Mrs.
Darlington gracefully welcomed Mr. Fal-
coner and Oracle. Caroline CRASHED Isa-
bells hand with cousinly WarmtA, aad then
introduced her tp Adelaide, her sister, also
tall and graceful, but with more of the Car
rington style Of features.
Isabel could scarcely control her emotions
as she entered the house, though she could
not have analysed her feelings, but Mrs.
Darlington coming in was quick to observe
and assign reason for her agitation, and
kindly led her to a small sitting room off
the hall, and, summoning portly colored
woman, she gave directions that the guests