The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-07-29

pillows at each end, was the very EN- bodl-
ment of restful repose. An upright piano
at one side provided for musical evenings,
but the bay window was the GROWING beau
" of it all; stand Of blooming plants con-
trasted beautifully with the lace curtains,
and a running vine was pinned over the
curtain, reaching up and forming an arch
of green A gilded cage hung on each
side, and golden canaries trilled their
happy songs increasingly.
Isabel had procured a copy OF locket
picture of the first Mrs. Falconer, which
Oracle wore, and this, beautifully framed,
was hung in an admirable light, the smiling,
tender eyes looking down upon her as II IN
comneu6ation Of her work, and in one cor
ner there was deep cornice across the top,
from which was suspended curtains OF
handsome lace looped back with crimson
ribbons, and III the little alcove thus formed
stood pedestal, on which a merry, laugh
ing little cupid looked out mischievously.
siWon't papa be pleased" said Oracle,
looking at the whole with an innate artistic
delight.
= hope he will, my DEAR" was the reply,
land we Wilt try the effect OF our work upon
him this evening"
The child could hardly allow him time te
finish his dessert Of fruits and coffee, she
was so eager to show him the surprise, and
danced along before him like sprite, as he
followed her leisurely with Isabel.
"Isn't it lovely. papa" she cried, eagerly
as she threw open the door and revealed
the pretty room flooded with soft, pinl
light.
ayes, my dear, it is beautiful" said Mr..
Faiconer. taking in the details with critica
ewes; he had not as yet had any revelauor
of his wife's taste, and the result pleased
him greatly.
His eyes fell on the picture Of his wife
with surprised and tender delight; 1t was
such an unexpected and thoughtful atten-
ton, and he appreciated 1t fully.
''How did you get it," he asked, gently.
From this" she sand, touching the
locket which Oracle wore. 81 thought we
would be more gentle and kindly family
if we had the influence Of her sweet face
with u.s."
He looked at her gratefully. "Your
thoughts are beautifully harmonious, as
evlnced in the furnishing of this home
ROOM" he said, his voice lingering lovingly
on the words: 1t had been five years since
he had had home in the fullest sense OF
the word, and he was an intensely home
loving man.
81 did not get every thing which might
have done to complete it." she said, looking
up at him-she, too, had so longed for
home-ssbut thought as we each came
across any thing particularly appropriate
for 1t that it would be pleasant 70 nave
room to add our offerings from time to tune;
it is our home shrine, YOU know''
.:See, papa, here are your slippers and
6ressing-gown," SAID Oracle, bringing the
articles from little clothes-press, and IN
terrupting, with dash Of the prosalc, the
scene. which might have become senu
mental. Isabel had given her this little task
as her special duty, and she Delighted IN II
with loving child's pleasure, fitting about
him as he made himself comfortable for the
evening, hanging his coat upon hook IN
the closet, winch Isabel had placed within
her reach, and putting away the discarded
boots with neatness and precision.
s'What helpful little maid it is, said Mr..
Falconer, patting her head tenderly, as she
brought her little wicker chair and sat by
his side.
sShe is mammals little right hand al
ready" said Isabel, afectionately, and, in
deed, she spoke the truth, for she did lean
upon the little girl, as a source OF comfort
and help, in becoming accustomed to her
new position; the child's lips had taken up
the title Of '.mamma" very readily, and the
sound was becoming very sweet to lsaoei.
The new garments came home III due
time, and it is not to be denied that their
owner tried them on with thrill OF graf
fled pleasure; she loved rich and beautiful
things, and she enjoyed the glimpse IN the
glass of the well-dressed reflection OF her
self.
This IS exceedingly becoming, SAID Mrs.
Gould, the shop-woman before mentioned,
who had been sent with the dresses to make
any needed alterations; it was rich garnet
velvet, made up with just enough spark
ling iridescent trimming to relieve its PLAN
ness, land that real lace set is Just the
thing to wear with it.''
Another, an airy black lace, looped up IN
every available spot with tiny gold stars
which cleaned in and out like frefies.
"You must wear natural flowers in crimson
| with this" said Mrs. Gould, 'either rose
buds or fuchsias.''
a rich white brocade satin combined with
creamy lace was the next, and lsaoe4 was
as near being beauty in it as she would
ever be.
sPurple pansies shall be my flowers when
| lwear this" she said, half IN sollloouy, as
she stood By the glass, while skllful Mrs.
| Gould took out stitch here and there in
the drapery, and looped 1t more artlsucally.
eyes. Mrs. Falconer,n she replied, there
| is a harmony between the sweet pure
flowers and white which all do not recog-
nlze: to my mind there is nothing so purely
i elegant in dress as white lace, and this
creamy stuff is of such delicate pattern" !"
The riding habit came also, and fitted
| beautifully Isabel had a fine form and
carriage, and was capable OF great improve
| ment under the transforming touch OF dress.
and the dark navy blue of her habit was
very becoming. as well as the hat, with Its
long, dropping feather, which reached
nearly to her shoulder and mingled grace
| fully with her curls, which she wore habit
uallv now, as Mr.. Falconer liked to see
tuem.
"a suitable length Of time in which to
dress is luxury in ITSELF" said Isabel, as
she stood before her mirror brushing ner
hair. and recalled Nine. Arnot's, where the
tired girls were obliged to be On duty at
such an hour, under all circumstances. 81
think, dear madam, if you are expecting to
see me behind Your counter again III one
year, or ever again, you are doomed to dis
| appointment" and she laughed low. hap
DIV little laugh, as she pinned back her curls
| with silver arrow which Oracle had given
her the day before.
ssWill you ride this morning?" Mrs. Fal,
coner. 1t was her husbands voice which
interrupted her laughing soliloquy.
ar ba lif,3 q
morning"
Then be ready, and Tom will have the
horses at the door in q half hour" be said,
as he turned to 60 down.
The pretty chestnut mare arched hernech
coauettishly as her new mistress appeared.
Isabel loved a horse dearly, though she had
of late years had little opportunity of cul-
t;vating their acquaintance. but sne ad-
mired their dainty thoroughbred ways,
aud could tell fine horse almost as readily
as g man.