The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-07-22
Tho answer 20 NJ. Falconer's letter came


in due tim, it was characteristic of Mrs.
Stanford, bcwailing his hasty marriage III
one breatl, and congratulating him in an
other, and he smiled as he read aloud: Il
viii visit ytu as soon after the wedding as
can be spa ed. Lilly sends greeting to hrs.
Falcouer, I'd bids me say that her remem-
brance of aer is very pleasant one," but
the main part of the letter he wisely kept to
himself.
'The dear girl said Isabel, in grateful
relief u believe shall frd my first i'm
preston OF her correct"
A few DAYS la;5ra charming little note
came from Lily herself, acknowledging the
gift OF the picture ''Hou say, dear Uncle
Harvey. that it was my ncw aunt!e's selec-
ton: She must nave exquisite taste, and
nothing cnuiJ have LEASED both Ralph and
myself more perfectly. Thank her for me,
until l can th.:l.: ycu both in person, which
hope to % so Il after our return from the
mountains.
''Do you see any changes you would like
to make:'
They were making q formal tour Of the
house, as Isabel h,:a been SO waaried and
busy that she had only pecped into the par.
lors an::, f:.H' nf tue chambers. Oracle was
with tnr.i: f:n:,; rg fist to the haas; OF her
new mo;;.,.:': SD ci.:GG 10 her even now,
and her ::r.:yss a::ec;rn was very dear to
the y",.:. cir, i,v:::lo feither motherhood such
q a:,!,o;is!aiil;:.
'a:rz Hioutiort, and have lived so quiet
!. we haze seen 10 need for changes, but
silai! De happy 10 make any which you may
suggest"
There IS one ideal room which I miss in
the house." she replied. Every thing is
rich and beautiful. and with :! few touches
Of arran cement, are all that can be desired.
hut the rooms lack the elem:nt Of ccZinesS
wiich I should like to cmbody in 4 falaily
si:ting-roonl, in which to spend our even
ings."
"Then you do rot intend to spend your
evenings at Nine. AS ball and Mrs. Rs
musicale, and 80 on through the llst!' and
he looked al her with amused interest.
''Not unless must she answered. "lf
YOU wish me 70, VIII try 20 :'.e.se You. but
have had little opportunity for reading.
and was hoping that you would help me in
selecting anG di.esting some o. these books
which ioois so tempting 60 nc" and her eyes
rested 'rving!y on :: magnificent bookcase
f.lcl with valuable books.
- s!ta.: Le oEiy too happy to-" nc replied
in tcnc of relief: ITO tell the truth, society
is a consummatc bore to INC, unless taken IN
homeopathic doses. but cid not wish to pin
you d"@:::t - NY quiet life; now for Your
IDEA Of :, ,coul.'
.G,hin!i had better not tell you," she
said. r!s?fll!y; ''Gracle and will surprise
ycii = nc creai2S."
Hc stc..:! hi;iag his lip in grave indecision.
~ think N"s. Eal:Gncr.' he said at last,
THAT there is sych 4 room IN the house. bu.
it IS never opened except when Mrs. Mont
forG dust5 and cleans it; would you like to
see it."
She looked in his face, and read the truth
s:It is Your first wife's room she said. gent
"; ''forg;vc ne fac touching on a subject
which fear has c!"cn y@u pain
NO, 10. not L!ia1,' he said: the room is
very dear 20 &c, and when YOU have seen
it, you will read her character in it, think"
They turned and went silently up the
stars to Goo: which he reverently un-
locked. and they entered
1t was revelation of q pure, sweet mind,
as everywhere the eye met light and deli.
cate things; pink and white were the NAN
colors uscd in its aGornlnent; the walls wcro
tinted pink, with a cornice OF ivory white;
the windows We're curtained in delicate
flmy lace. ooped back with pink satin rib
bons; a sm,ll bookcase filled with her favor
ite books; cabinet organ stood in g corner,
with an open book on the rack; dainty, rest
ful chairs, ornamented with laces and pink
ribbons, stood about in unstudied positions,
as if the owner had but just placed them
there.
a little round table stood by window; a
wicker sewing chair, with its lace draper
les, stood close beside ii, and on the table
was a fragile work-taskct, a lace-trimmed
;kerchief IA: beside it, just as the owner
had laid it down, and in the basket little
chemiso-ior the infant visitor expected
by the. young wife, the lace half sewn on,
tho needle still where she set it last, and a
tiny gold thimble close by the basket.
From the wall above looked down the pict-
ured face OF the young wife in its gllded
frame; fair, sweet face the index OF
loving and pure spirit. 1t was pathetic
scene, and 1sabers eyes flied with tears as
she looked upon it; she held out her hands
to him in earnest sympathy, saying IN low,
tremulous tones: Il cau never, never I'LL
her place in your heart, am sure"
TO be continued