The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-07-22

from her perfect race, came running uo"ll
the massive steps, with ceaming smiles, to
meet them.
Papa, dear papap' she cried, as she
threw herself eagerly into his arms.
CHAPTER Ill
~ have brought you present, Oracle,
he said, as he embraced the child, then
placed her on the walk, and turned 70
Isabel, "a mamma, and hope you will be
very good little daughter to her."
"a mamma repeated the little girl.
looking up at Isabel with shy eyes; she had
never known mothers care, and could not
realize what it implied
MY DEAR said Isabel, her heart warm
ing at once to the little one, an orphan Ike
herself, and taking the little hand in hers,
she pressed kiss on the sweet red lips, II
am sure we shall love each other very dear
ly.''
s:Mrs. Falcouer, this is Mrs. Montford,
nv housekeeper,' said Mr.. Falconer, as
they were met in the spacious hall by all
elderly woman, simply dressed in black.
She had a good, sensible face, and lsaoe!
felt as if she would find in her friend III
her new and untried position.
Mrs. Montford dropped a little courtesy
and welcomed the new conner III spite OF
her surprise with a few cordial and we'll
chosen words, and then looked inQulrlnS!y
at Mr.. Falcouer.
81 should have apprised you OF the
event. he said, smiling, "5ut wished to
surprise you Please show Mrs. Falconer
to the east room and see that she IS maoe
comfortable after our journey. The trunks
will soon be here, and will have yours
sent to you Immediately" turning to lsa
bel. land you had better lie down and rest
before dinner
1t was a large and beautiful room stc
which Mrs. Montford led the way, and FUR
nished elegantly with every thing needtu
for a restful toilet. The furniture was OF
heavy walnut, and the 6raperies OF rich
crimson terry gave rich, shaded hight
which was very grateful to the tired eyes OF
the traveller; the soft carpet yielded to hei
tread like velvet and the touch OF luxury
was everywhere apparent
sis this really you, Isabel GrantP' she
said to herself, as she stood before large
mirror and looked at her face, somewhat
dusty and jaded with travelling, and gave
herself sly pinch as she did So "One
week an unhappy retainer IN Nine
Arnot's train, with no prospect Of home
but corner in Aunt Debby's crowded cot
taee. the next wife and mother in this
elegant house.
s.Why did you not tell me you had 9
daughter.' she asked, as Mr.. Falconer ap
peared two hours later. She had had re-
freshing nap and was dressed for dinner.
ssYou did not ask me-" he said; ''renem'
Der, you did not wish to skip any OF the
pages in your book of experience. Is 1t
distasteful one!''
sRather momentous one, you must ad
NIT she replied, smiling, Ito find myself
mother as well as wife, on such short no
tice, but" and she looked in his face with
earnest eyes, ~ will strive to prove nysel!
worthy of the trust you have shown in me-
~ am sure you wlll," he said, touching his
lips to her hand; it was the first sign Of g
caress he had given her, and she blushed
vividly.
"Gracie is very like her mother" and
be toved absently with the charms on his
watch-chain, land think you will find heI
very docile and easily managed"
'.She reminds me of Lilly Stanford" re-
Piled Isabel, land I loved her at first sight u
'sLlny is indeed a lovable girl, and If you
can train Oracle to be like her. in spirit as
well as in looks, shall be well satisfied. Tc
tel the truth her birth was the cause Of
her mot er's death, and fear I was neg.
lectful OF her for that reason, and 1t IS only
of late that have known much about her
Mrs. Montford has lived with me many
wears, and have trusted the child to hel
care entirely"
"She will naturally be a little sensitive
about giving her up to the care oTanother,'
said Isabel. thoughtfully.
"Probably, and little fearful and jealou:
of rou as . s.er-iuotner to her charge, bu'
l leave it 10 your g0od sense, to be so klnt
and conslderase that this difficulty WI
soon be overcome with mutual respect ane
goodwill remaining. Mrs. Montford IS ar
excellent christian woman, and has every
claim on our consideration, and the fact O.
her being my housekeeper does not detrao
from her worth IN the least"
'.Surely have too lately been an employ
myself to feel any superiority to Mrs
Moutford on that ground" said lssbe!
quickly.
"And vet. Mrs. Falcoaer, allow me t.
suggest that you keep that fact buried il
your own bosom" he spoke, earnestly
"while 6espise a snob above all things, anc
would have you treat our dependents witt
ali kindness and courtesy; still there is N
need for them, or society at large, to know
that you were not born to position equa
tothat you now occupy; you may be trldt
awkward at first in small matters, bu
doubtless Mrs Stanford will gladly pos
you on society points; she is an expert IL
these things, though must confess have
paid little attention TO them myself, as fash
ions in etiquette change almost frequently
as in bonnets."
'Ah, Mrs. Stanfordr' and the youn!
wife sighed deeply. ~ fear she will b.
too angry with me to do me sisterly KIND
aeSe.''
II think you are distressing yoursel
LnlnA,aa,c lSin6lr