The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-09-02

in the parlor had been in a culver Of curious
expectancy since they had seen the tall form
enter the library.
A burst Of tears was the answer, as Isa-
: oel laid her head on the loving little shoul-
Ter and burst into tears, sobbing out her
yrief. sob, grandmamna, he did not own
me at ell, and have longed for him sop
The small, jeweled hand moved taressing-
IL over the hair, the same motion which had
oomforted the beautiful young mother IN
the years past, and the sweet, tremulous
voice said, tend erly: s'Then, my dearest,
we must love you the more to compensate
: for his lack Of recognition. How he would
dote on you if he were only himself, for he
has such loving heart, my poor Chester"'
and she sighed deeply.
81 assure you, my dear niece, ! am sur
prised and gratifed at the result Of the
meeting said Major Darlington, encour-
asingly. 81 think the interest he has taken
in the child is really remarkable. It is
marked departure from his ordinary de-
meanor, and if there IS any hope for him It
may come through her"
!s1Let US hope so, at least" said Mr.. Fal-
corer, kindly. CATER all, my dear, it IS
not surprising that your father failed to
grasp the idea 81 the relationship, when, II
he had any heeting recollections Of having
daughter, he must naturally think Of her
as babe OF g little child"
eyes, I presume so, and viii try and be
patient and brave" She raised her head
>sad wiped away the tears resolutely. CAT
least ! win not cloud dear grandmanma's
face with my griefs,n and she patted the
aged cheek tenderly; she was such little
grandmother, that it seemed as natural to
apet and caress her as if she had been a
child.
tChester did not comprehend Isabeps
identity as we hoped he might said the
Major, as they went back to the drawing
room, Mrs. Pembroke's arm linked lovingly
in Isabeps, "and has taken the fancy that
the little girls Alicia"
Mrs. Darlington saw at q glance how
grieFed 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 were both fine per
formers, and selection Of duets and
choice music was brought out, and ID their
artistic rendering Of some Of her special
tavorites, together with their lively sallies,
for they've sparkling and witty conversa-
t;onalists, she forgot her sorrows, and
spent delightful hour.
~ have one favor to ask, Mr.. Falconer,"
said Mrs. Pembroke, as she laid her gloyed
hand on his arm; her carriage was at the
door, and the family were on the broad
veranda.
s.To the half Of my kingdom, dear
madam" he replied, gallantly.
s.It is that you spare Isabel to me alone
for one day. she said, pl2aGingly. ''lt is
an old woman's whim, know, but want
my Alicia's child all to mvself for one
sweet day" She looked in his face, her
fine eyes moist with feeling.
..To be sure" he answered her, heartily
and sympatheticatiy. "Who could refuse
such a natural request"
s'Sach funny gentleman" said Gracie,
as she sat BY Isabel's 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 a great blessing to him. 3"
II will be patientn She looked up at him
with sad eyes and a Quivcring lip. u can
at least imagine what fathers love might
have been.'
From that time the child was the con.
slant companion Of Chester Darlington,
and, with Pompey IL 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 il close
contact with the race. and they were s
source Of great curiosity and pleasure to
her, as she listened to their quaint songs
and tales.
Naum Diuah, the second cook in the
establishment, always had choice bit laid
away for '.Iit,le missy" for child was q
great treat on the place, and every one OF
them were ready and willing at any tine to
20 her favor, Or contribute to her enter
;s:1mcnt-
:Lrs. PeHlbrokes carriage came for Isa,
betvery soon after the first days visit, and
If sic had felt emotion on entering the home
81 The Carr:ngtoas, she was Goubiy- affected
when size found herself in the home which
hs.i seen her mothers childhood, and from
whence she had gone out, beautiful, Joy
on. bri@e, TO her husbands home.
&rs. Pembroke was at the door to meet
ber, and she seemed moro lovable and win
ming even than before in her own kome.
The house, though not so large as that of
the Carringtons, was still ample, and the
servants We're fewer being chiefly old re