The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-08-05

am pc sitive Mrs. Colonel De Long will look
at it list as do, and l am sure there is nc
one ill refuse to follow her lead"
Mrs. Mouteith's stay at the Hervey's was
not long one; Aunt Katy carelessly
dropued remark which showed the proud
dame that in spite of her diamonds and
yelce her reign as kitchen girl in the
family was not forgotten, and she TOOK her
departure in huff.
I'm so glad" said Mrs. Hervey; "for
could not have gone to Mrs. Durands with
out her, and ! would not have brought hel
IN contact with Mrs. Falconer again for the
world.'
Mrs. Durand's gathering was complete
success so far as Isabel's social appearance
was concerned; 1t was her first formal en-
trance into Philadelphia society, and some
thing Of test of her position in the future.
She was beautifully dressed in white, ant
before leaving home Mr.. Falconer had pre-
sentcd her with q set of pearls, eXquisitely
mounted, which added the finishing touch
to her already elegant costume.
Society, as rule, is very much like {
docile flock Of sheep who follow their leader
submlssively over the wall without ques
ton, and as Mrs. Colonel De Long, aided by
Mrs. Dwight and Mrs. Hervey, introduced
her cffusively as My friend, Mrs. Fal
coner," society at once ignored the rumor:
they had heard, and adopted her unani
mously and heartily.
Mr. Falconer" They were Sitting il
the home room the evening after the party
and Isabel was rocking Oracle, robed il
her daintily-embroidere night-dress, anc
the child had fallen asleep with the touch Of
loving hand smoothing her soft hair, as
the young step mother looked thoughtfully
upon her.
1t was pleasant picture. and Mr.. Fal
coner's eye rested gratefully upon it, as he
replied: ''What is it, Isabella"
u have been thinking of Lottie Ford to
day." she said, gently. II feel sure that il
she had means to have proper medical at
tendance her lameness might be cured
You do not know how sweet and good she
is.' and she looked in his face wistfully
''She was all that kept me from growing
hard and wicked there"
Then owe her debt of gratitude, ,
he said, kindly. II think there is a re
quest vailed under that wistful look,'' he
resumed, smiling, land hope you are not
going to be modest and fear to make i,
known"
"I have been thinking to-day that, if you
were willing, should be so glad to have
her come and live with me,' she replied
''Gracie is old enough to begin learning,
under a wise governess, who would not
overtax her, and Lottie would be such a
gentle, patient teacher, as well as com.
panion for me. Teaching was her chosen
vocation, but she was obliged to give It up
on account of her lameness.'
GA capital plan," replied Mr.. Falconer,
heartily. II am glad you have mentioned
it."
"Lottie is proud, as well as poor" re.
sumed Isabel; "and, while she could not
afford to come Independently, she would
not be wiling to accept what we would SO
gladly give her unless she could feel as if
she were earning 1t in some way"
AN honorable feeling,' said Mr.. Fal-
coner, warmly, land leave it to your good
taste to offer such inducements in such a
manner as you think best"
81 did not look fer such hearty co-operar
ton in my plan," and Isabel looked into his
kindly face with gratitude. 81 will write
to Lottle tomorrow"
q do hope, M dear wife, that you will
not doubt my readiness to aid you in any
plan you may wish to make for the benefit
Of those who have befriended you," he said,
gravely and earnestly.
"Surely, what have is yours, also, and
it is pleasure to me to know your wishes
that may crafty them. Did not short
time since cndow you with all my worldly
goods!" he added, more pIayfully.
She looked up at him. Her dark eyes filed
with tears. You are too kind to me, and
do not feel as if had any right TO the en-
dowment not a:e.s oe HGr eosls, but OF
the uavary.ng kindness You are ever show
ing me, when recognize the fact that can
not meet it with love which a wife should
give; the sweet love which makes 1t easy
for her to ask and receive her husbands
gifts
''My dear Isabel" he replied, gravely,
II do not wish to hasten you in the least,
but will confess that it will be a happy
hour when you can say, truthfully and
from your heart: 4 love you;' but 30
not, 1 beg, refuse me the pleasure Of doing
for you and of loving you in the meantime.
"Do for me and with me as you will"
she cried, with deep emotion, ''only do not
regret taking me to your home. It would
break my heart had ] reason to fear that
sou repented our marriage. I am so happy
here" and she looked down on the sweet
face of the child, and the bright tears ran
down her cheeks and dropped on the fair,
unconscious head.
Have no fears, Isabel" he replied,
"vour love for the child would alone make
that an impossibiIity. You brighten and
make my home a happy one also; so dry
your tears, dear wife, and all will yet be as
we would have it."
How little one can tell what day may
bring forth; the letter to Lottie was never
written, for just as Isabel had seated her
a telegram from her aunt, announcing the
death Of John Harmon, and asking her to
come at once. :,
Poor auntie," She said, with sigh,
Though it is really blessing, yet it will be
such shock to her, for she loved him, and
was always hoping against hope that he
would yet reform
''Do you wish me to go with you, or
would you prefer going alone?' he said, as
he smoothed her hair with sympathetic
hand.
II think had better 90 Alone" she said,
slowly, after moments thought; sit
might distress auntie to have stranger
see her.i her sorrowful, straitened circun-
stances
"True, your intuitions are finer than mine;
but dread to have you take the journey
alone"
'Do not fear for me-" she replied, quietly.
I am accustomed to travelling alone, and
shall do nicely"
"You will stop in New York and bring
Miss Ford home with you." he said, inter-
negatively.
"Yes, think so," she replied, looking up
at him with pleased smile; chow readily
you plan for me-"
''If you find her badly of, had better
meet you in New York, in order to assist
her." he suggested.
THANK you; will telegraph to you in
time should I need your assistance"
ITO be continued.