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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1888-11-16, Page 7a Nov, 1G, 1.0•,6„. MeateetrealeteeMire=006EMMettraeratliZZAUMe. PA'S .12Y MRS. ALEXANDER, met to be or tete to you; nut net tieing a relation, it would hu awkward for—" "It would be impossible," interrupted Melte. ft) 0 low lotto; Ikea le _hot her filo-Ted hands together tightle, Hite said with some solemnity - "Sinee you believe I could make you happy—" "Vee will le. nay Wir,•?" interrupted War. tug eageriy In hie turn, "1 vJ11, Mr. Waring, and try to be egad one." She grow very pale as oho spoke. "1:ent are a great deal too good for me; and ne you do not caro for any other fel- low. perhaps you may end by caring for nw." There Wag an andcwerd pause, then War- ing waked over to the writing -table and look up n paper -knife with whichhe played nervously. "There are one or two things I should like lo tell you, if you do not mind?" "What can ho be going to confess?" thought Mona. She, however, only bent her head in silence. "I have not been as steady as 1 ought to be," resumed \Verlag, looking down and growing red. "You see, my brother and myself were brought up by an old bachelor guardian. We had no women in the house and that made us rather rough, Then I have lost a good bit at cards and races. I'm a little too fond of play, but—now that you are so very good as to promise mo your hand, I have an object to live for, and 1 will never touch a card again, and never lay anything beyond a pony on a race, and, and 111 try to be—not unworthy oe you, I Will indeed! Now, have I your permiesion to go and tell Sir Robert Dverard? He is a good fellow, and 'e'1t settle something about Mrs. Newburgh. She ought to get out 01 101111 away front annoyances." "Thank you," returned Mona, touched by his eagerness to serve her. "I am most grateful to you, Mr. Waring." "Couldn't you manage to oall mo Les- lie?" he said, entreatingly, "If you knew how I long to hear my name from your lipsi and to call you Mona. It's not a hap- py enough name for you, but I love it all the same, I can't call you Mona, if you say Mr, Waring." "It seems ao strange," murmured Mona. “Well, never mind to -day; but I may go to Sir Robert'?" "Yon may," said Mona, with white lips. "Thank you!" cried Waring, his eyes lighting up, his whole face radiant, and so tar carried away with joy that he took and kissed her hand, letting it drop directly. "I suppose I ought to go away now?" he said, humbly, "but I should like to stay. It is almoet impossible to believe that you have really promised to marry nue that I may stay and talk to you, and will not have to give up my place to anyone! That fellow Lisle always came and turned me oat when we were at Harrowby Chase; but he isn't hall bad. Do you know, itwas he that advised me to try my chance with you?" "1)1(1 7011 want advising?" said Mona, in an unsteady voice. "Ilo, not advising, only heartening up! Tell me—would you like to travel on the Continent? I haven't been much abroad myself. Of course I always go to Paris for the Grand Prix, and to the Baden Races— but you!" "Everything must depend on my grand- mother's condition," interrupted Mona. "And, Mr. Waring—if you do not think it very rude—I think I must go to her now." "You are looking very white," he said, tenderly, "eo I will leave you; but I hope you aro not unhappy, and if there is any. thing you would Wish me to do, you. will Hay so!" Poor Mona longed to cry. "I only wish you to go away!" she said, pressing her hand to her heart. "I am a good deal shaken and upset; to -morrow--" "Olt, yes! I may COMO to -morrow! And Mona (I may all you Mona, mayn't I?,) when you are talking to Mrs. Newburgh, just say to her from mo that it would be so much better if we—if, that is, it the marriage was to take place soon—quite soon I I should be so much bettor able to bo of use. You'll not think me a bore fox insisting on this? but it would really be better, putting my feelings quite out of the question." "I shall be guided by what yon and Sir Hobert and grannie think beat," faltered Mona. "jam afraid I must go now." "When may I come to -morrow?" asked Waring, lingering, "Oh, at two or three!" "Well, I see you are tired, and you'll think kindly of. me? You know I would do anything for you, anything!" "Oh, yes, I will; (1.11(1 11011 good-bye." Waring caught her hand and looked eagerly at her. For one dread moment her heart fainted within her. Was he go- • ing to ask for a kiss? If he had aspired to such a favor, Ito wisely postponed the de - mead, and again pressing her long, alis.a, fingers to bis ilpe, he laft the room. Mona ascended the stairs very slowly and deliberately, painfully conscious that ehehad fully committed herself. It now retnahaeci to complete the sacrifice by as. warning a cheerful aspect before her grand- mother. Then, when she had satisfied her, oho might escape to regulate her own thoughts, to face tho situation she had ao cepted. "Well, Mona?" said Mrs. Newburgh, looking eagerly with her pitiful oyes tate her granddaughter's face as she approach• ed, while her thin, tremulous hands grasp ael tho arias ,of her chair, nervously. "Well, dear grannie," sitting down 1)3 her and taking one of hor bands in both her own, "I have heard all Mr, Waring had to say, and I have promised to maitre him," Mrs. Newburgh did net reply. Slui pressed Mona's hand, and, leaning back in her chair, the tension of her musolee re, lotted, and a peaceful expression stole eves her face, "You have done well, Mona," she said, after a minute's faience. "You will yet thank Me for urging you to this, Yob did not wree; I only recomtnended you." "That was all. Mr, Waring and I have boon making our confessions. I told hint that I Was bet in 1000 with 11i111, and that had wo not mot with such a reverse in for tune, 18110111(1 probably have refused him. And ho told me that he had not been toc steady, and was addicted to genthling." "Yon Wore inmetulent, Moa, 11 05 'nol NOS° o bo too frank with the 111(00 7011 Ma going to marry. Ho, no deubt, Will over look everything now; but wait 1111 11101110' -yowl coulee betWeen 37011, and he 'Will re mina you 11181 7011 1101 1101 01118 tor nun." "1 think Mr. Wm -Ingle a man who would forgive anythle ereettt, deceit; mad ail have nothing to ! shall try to be ale solute1y trulid • • , Mtn." "Yes, 181S I, • ! at Mona, he trtil11eu2 with MO. Art) y•qi r! TS free from au; fancy for—for :tepee, oleo?" "Perfectly free, dear grennie," this very steadily, "Thank Godi" ejaculated Mrs, Now burgh! "Yon have always been a SCOW., hie, cool-headed girl, and I firmly believe you will bo it prosperous, happy woman. Your conduot in this >natter has repaid me for all I have done." "IbIs very sweet to hear you tuty so," said Mona, gently, "Tell Inc." resumed Mrs. Newburgh, "le Mr, Waring anxious that his marriage should take place soon?" "Ho is; he begged >no to say so when speaking to you. He left ma to see Sir Robert Everard, and consult with him." "That Is well. He is ()Lir nearest of kin in town. Do not oppose this excellent young man's desire for a speedy union, Mona. 'Than'e many a slip 'twiatt cup and Up.'" "Young!" repeated Mona, dreamily. "Ile is almost too young for me." "Nousensel" cried Mrs. Newburgh, with somettlibig of her former briskness. "He must be seven or eight years older than you are. What more would you want?" "He seems a kind of overgrown school- boy—so unfinished and undecided. I feel quite an old woman of the world near him." "So much the better. The superior ripe- ness of your nature will give you influence over him. But I do not think he is so much a boy as you fancy, I know be i0 a favorite among men, and that always is a good sign." And so on for half an hour and snore. Mrs. Newburgh was quite talkative; she arranged her granddaughter's future household, greatly, to her own satisfac- tion, and settled the amount of pin money she ought to have. At last Mona was set free to commune with her own heart in her chamber, where she sat very still, reviewing her brief past, and trying to sketch tho probable future. CHAPTER THE BRINK. St. John Lisle had not, however, came off as scathless as Mona imagined. He had never been so hard Mt by a girl be- fore. Resolute as he was, both by nature and cultivation, he half dreaded the inter- view he had planned so cunningly. He expected tears, agitation, despair, however she might seek to hide their real source. Her mode of receiving his communication also amazed him. He could not under- stand how it was that she fell in so readily with his suggestion, and was, in truth, mortified in no small degree, when ho eound that the elaborate scheme of sooth- ing caresses and ingenious reasoning he had prepared, was so much trouble wast- ed, if she had cared for him, she could not be so good-humoredly composed—soma stinging words would have escaped her lips. some iudication of the rage and pain that must be gnawing her heart • would have been visible. He was absurdly anxious to see her again —to ascertain if she still kept up the same friendly ease which had baffled luta Meantime Ito welted in Loudon while his uncle WSS engaged in arranging with the military big -wigs the details of his new coromaud. It woulll be much better to go out to India free and unfettered, to know Mona was tumble to approach him. Still an odd soreness surrounded her image, which was so deeply stamped upon his mind. He was determinedto see her again A. few days after having called in veinal Mrs. Newburgh's, Lisle had been break. fasting with General Stafford, and had ro mained for some time dismissing plans Walking down Piccadilly to his club, hi found himself face to face with Sir Robert Everard. "Ha, Lisle! dill not know you wort in town?" cried the baronet. "And I did not expect to see you at this season, too." "I WAS obliged to come up on account of Mrs. Newburgh's business. They won't leave the old woman a rem. First cal, makeyesterday—flftypoutuls ashore, Thai will pretty well clear her out. Very fool ish to have gone it, deep as she clid. How ever, all's well that elide well. Leslie Waling has proposed to Miss Joseelyn, accepted. and I can tell yon, 'Haste to the Wedding' is the tune now, ha, has, hal— most lucky. Capital fellow, Waring! go lug to do the thing handsomely; but hi and the grandmother are in such a deuct of a hurry that he has decidell on a post nuptial settlement, sol fauoy the marriam will come off in a week or so -110 grass growing allowed." "Very glad Lo hear it Miss Joscelyn it far too charming a person to be subjected to the revolting ills of poverty, Waring it a lucky follow to bo able to seize what is no doubt a fortunate opportunity," "Ay, the fair lady might have given a , different answer had this crash not COMO No matter, Mona was always a good, quiet girl—orte of the domesticated sort, that will stick to her house and her man." "A. somewhat oat -like character," said Lisle, laughing, "To me, Miss Josselyn is an ideal woman." "I suspect a little Meal goes a long way with yen." "Ohl I am a more imaginative person than you think. I must call and offer my congratulations. "Well, 7011 110(1 better look in for tea, Mrs. Newburgh comes down when the house is shut up, and the lights are lighted —then you won't interrupt the billing and cooing, ha, ha, hal Good-bye." "Well-meaning old i(1iot," muttered Lisle, as ho went on bus way with knit brows. " 'The billing and eooing'—how infernally suggestive. I will just drop in at that particular period, and see if I can interpret the indications aright." Lisle was, however, too impatient to cal. cOlotO time aceuratoly, and Mona was talking with a lady when he WEIS an. nouneed. Mona had a slight color, and looked re- markably well. Sho received Lisle with quiet civility, and immetlint ely Introduced him to "Madam e 1 ):•tteien y." Lisle 1)011001 loW, while be menially 1ottSi.4111!li thti jeeibtlf11110 third party 10 011; internal reg- ions. Having inquired tenderly for Mrs. Now - burgh, Lisle said, in 115018 (0110.". 'X presume, from 111101 011' Robert Ever. arcl told nie. I may Venture la offer My Very filmier° congratulatione 00 Yonr ptoachieg marriage 0>1( 1, my good friend eert. THE RUSSELS POST I "Say 'Leslie, I will try to love you,' " eti whispered. 1 "I will try—I will Indeed, Leelie," she repeated. "I bave been 00 uneasy and Un - I happy about poor grannie; and I never 1 thought of marrying so soon; and altogeth- or I have been elmicen and norwaus—so you must forgive me 10 1 room stupid!" "etupld! you attired: What an ideal" Meanwhile Little waked down the street in anything but pleasant self.commune. ; "I certainly troubled myself unnecessar- I ily about my charinime young friend. She ha.s thrown me over easily enough; she must think 11168 soft idiot to have troubled, myself advising or directing her. Were to remain In town, I might teach Mrs- : Leslie Waring that I was no foolish strip- ' ling, to bo tossed aside with indifference and impunity when fate offered her fairer fortune! Sho knows that it cost me a bad quarter of aa hour to give her up for her own good. Who can calculate on the strange varlittions of feminine nature?" So argued. Lisle, with the degree of logic usual in men Whose vanity has been wound - She reeetved Lisle with. quiet ctiatty„ ed. Ile was quite willing that Mona should be taken out of his way, but he "Teen e you very in non,e returnee AWL., should have liked to see her weeping— with sweet gravity, • M•okendietuted at the OSA of his emirate ing self. Yet, although horribly irritated, he probably 110001 longed morepassionate- ly to be in Waring's place—always provid- ed the engagement, marriage, what you was not to be permanent. The period of engagement was by no means as blissful as Waring anticipated. Mona, though pleasant and complaisant, was cold—colder than she knew—and Waring was sometimes tempted to ask her if the sacrifice to which she had con- sented 110(3 100 crael. Then somestrain of compassion >venni steal over her heart, and thrill her voice or soften her oyes, and the poor boy—for be was but a boy, in spite of his years—would be lifted to the seventh heaven of joyous anticipation. Ile had the most unbounded faith in Mona, 1 and he had her affirmance thitt she did not I love anyone. His devotion, then, must win her. BOW forunldable tl>e rivalry of that first unfulfilled dream of love was he could not knovr. Would he learn it here- after? There was a panse—merclfully broken by MO,W Debrlsay, 0, w a ma e French accent, observed— " lin is most amiable, the young gentle- man, and deserves the good fortune which has befallen him," "Those concerned in attars of this kind are usually considered angels all around," saul Lisle, cynically. "ho this ease, I only feel inclined to believe in the angelic qual- ities of one. May hope to have the pleas- ure of seeing Mrs. Newburgh?" "Sho rarely comes down till past three, I will let her know you are here; you were always a favorite of hers." Mona rang, and sent a message to Mrs. Newburgh to that effect; then Mme. Debrl- say began to make her adieu. "I ought not to take up any more of your . time, charte," "Pray do not go away yet," cried Mona with suspicious eagerness. "She does not want to bo alone with me," I thought Lisle. "Why does not that her- ! rid woman go? She must know sho is in 1 the way," "Indeed, dear, I have one or two things to do before Igo home, for next week I , shall be in harness again; but I will bo I with you by ten o'clock to -morrow. Noth- ing like the early hours for shopping; and make my compliments to—" "Mr. Waring," announced Wehner, and Waring entered, with an eager, not to say anxious, expression, as if not too certain how he would be received. Mme. Debrlsay, who was near the door, made hire a respectful courtesy, and he greeted her first. "How do you do, madame? Not going, I hope, because I havo oome in?" Here ho paused, for Mona turned to him 'with a kind, welcoming smile, so much the sweetest she bad ever bestowed onhlni, him, that he gretv positively radiant, and evidently forgot there 1100s any one else present. "I think grannie would liko to see you," said Mona, following Mine. Debrlsay. "Excuse mo for a moment," looking back to her visitors. "01, why do you go, Deb? I dread these tete-a-tete interviews." "But Captain Lisle is a third, dear." "Oh, he lain go away directly," "Ahl my child, don't give way to thesewhunis, whims. Sure you'll have to pass your whole life tete-a-tete with him; and be is good—real, downright good, Make much of him. Go back now, and I'll not fail to be with you to -morrow at ten." At the other side of the door, Lisle was congratulatingWaring in the Rankest and most cordial manner. "I consider a great deal. is duo to me for spiriting yon up, nay dear fellow. Nothing venture, nothing have—so 7011 01010 a prize any man might be proud of." "Haven't I thought I went to the right man for advice. I say, Lisle, won't you be my best emu?" "tam afraid be halt -way to India when the happy event comes off." e "Ohl WO are going ahead at a great rate. We—or I should say I—hope to fix it for Tuesday fortnight." "Sharp work, oh?" Here Mona returned. "I do not think my grandmother will come down just yet, Captain Lisle." "Sorry I shall not have tho pleasure of seeing her. shall be going to India in about six weeks, anti I have to go to Paris to see my sister, ole., etc." The talk flow- ed on in ordinary channels for a few min- utes, and then Lisle rose to take leave. "Should I aot see you again as kliss Jostae- lyn," he said, as he pressed her hand, "you wilt remember that you havo my warmest good wishes for your happiness. I shall play my respects to Mrs, Newburgh on my return to London; so good-bye." ".And I wish you all possible success; so good-bye," she said slowly. Waring, in his gratitude, 110,141110,141with him down -stairs, and bid bite an. effusive fare- well at the hall door, returning in high glee> to Mona, who was putting 00100o Imre coal on the fire. "Oh, lot me clo that. Why (10 7011 trou- ble? fen'e the room hot enough?" "Grannie will bo down soon, and she *ever finds it warm." "Not just yet, I hope. Somehow oe oth- er I never seem tee got a moment alone with you, Mona. I 11014IS glad to see the back of lAsle, though he is a capital fol- low. I don't know that I like any fellow bettor; but I Nvas dying to tell you how happy you made me just now when Immo in; yet really lookeil as if you Were ghad to see me. If theught you wore going to bo fond of Ino, oven half as fond of me as lam 00 7011, why, I should be almost off my head with joy." "You are too good to me," sho returned, sedly, for his woe& and tone touched het, "I know," he went on, "that you do not care emelt for ma now, but I begin to hope you will, Give me yorm hand; how long and slender it isl You could nob do Much with it Mona. Why do you draviit asTay? Halloo! your ring lins slipped off I don't like that. Lot mo pub it on. again. Now, give the a kiss for luok; you have rioter given. mo but one kise, and nave dreamed of 11ever since—just one more, lffonal" And Mona—shooked at her own rant:d- ance, ashatnecl of her own coldness toward the me & who hall miller Ms Whole butte —oompolled herself to turn her pale, tale face US hint. ClaSpleg low hand In both hie ONTII,War- ing bent down and Drama his UN linger- ingly on hers. He Scarcely dared to em- brace hot. His Ennio trendilod; Oa *era Nirht‘tat CHAPTER 9.—THE GREAT MEG, Time flew swiftly. A. red frosty 51111 1050 on the morning before Moue. was to be changed Into Mrs, Leslie Waring, She had been persuaded to sleep in her ownroom again, as Mrs. Newburgh seemed so much better, and quite reconciled to a nice new maid—sent her from the country by Lady Mary Everard. "How is my grandmother?" was Mona's first question, when this functionary brought her hot water. "Nicely, miss; she was fast asleep when I left the room." "I will ring as soon as I am dressed. Did you speak to Mrs, Newburgh?" What a solace it was to Throw herself into hand Lady Marv's arms. "No, miss; she looked so still and quiet, I thought it best not to disturb her." "Perhaps you are right! I vill come directly." Mrs. Newhargh's eyes were open vhen her granddaughter approached; she smiled kindly and faintly. When Monaasked ha if she would like to get np, she smiled a peculiar dreamy kind of smile, and mule reared in a muffled voice— "Yes, dear, of course I should." Mona therefore put k.er arm under bar shoulders to help her in rising, which was always a little difficult "Thank yon, my love," sho said, in the same Indistinct way, smiling, as she spoke, and sitting on the sicle of the bed, her foot di111 not at first touch the floor. Assisted by Mona, sho put them down, resolutely, but fall backimmediately, sil- ent and motionless. It took all Moneeti strength to keep her inert form from slipping off the bed, while she stretched her hand to the bele-rope which, hung beside it. The now lady's - maid came running at the summons. "Help me to lay her down!" whispered Mona. .. Theanaid assisted to plece—hei: in bed. She was rigid, and very heavy. "Fan her, Diem," said Mona, as she turned away to get some restorative. "Lord bless us, ma'aml" exclaimed th, woman, in an awe-struck tone; "I do ho Love she is gonol" "Impossiblel" cried Mona, rushing toilet side. "Why she has only just been speak• ing to me. She often faints; send for the doctor!" "A.hi no dater will clo her any good, poor lady; her heart is quite stid," laying her hand on it, "and her eyee.--east look al them, miss—open and glassy? "I cannot believe ill Try and give hes this," hastily measuring out the prescribed quantity of medicine. Ellen shook hor heaci—and obeyed. II was in vain. Wehner wits dispatched tot the doctor, but before he come—Mona's hopes were over. Her grandmother, her one real friend, was dead! She (maid not doubt what that gray pallor, the deadly stillness, tho stiffened form meant—stili she could not realize) that sbe should nova hear ha speak, never turn to her for guidatme, nem. attend to her little wants again., The doctor eamo quickly, and 81mum de - Oared that 1115 1105 quite extinet—that Ito had, always anticipated 8811(160(1 death 101 hiSipatient. Her heart: WAS weak, and SO 1>111011 emaleit as had tried her ot late had ve tdered all meatiest, all agitation, dam g Vous; and probably the effort to riga and e and up, was the fintd feather Which broke id n strained cord of life. It seemed to poor dazed Mont that Sir "11801 0011 teaoy Mary ' ewer= 8,000414....N • 0.0 11 107 100510. 8100111 solace it W0.9 113' throw bersell into kind Lady Mary's arine and tell hor brokenly how deeply she mourned the thoughtful—if tyrannical protectress, to whom reisfortunehad leaked her so closely. "Well, dear, you may refit assured that the near protipect 01 7001 marriage soothed and brightened her last liours; and it is great cumfort to know oho was in a happy frame of mind. Sir Ithbort has sent round to Mn. Waring. FIo will be hero Immedi- ately. no doubt, and will be your best sup port." "01! eo, no! You aro best. You knew poor dear grannie so well, and she w0.0 fond of you." "Dear old Lady! 0? course at sueli n painfut erites, all friends count ftir a great deal. I think, dem', you must come back with me to Charles street, 1 cannot leave you here alone." "No, Lady Mary, I will not leave the house while poor grannie lies helpless here. I feel hound to keep by her to the feet." A message from Sir Robert brought Waring as fast as a well-paid driver could urge his horse. Mona was not in the draw - Ing -room when he reached it, and he woe somewhat discomfited when Lady Mary came and explained that Moue was too much overcome to see him—that she WAS in her own room. "Ent she will see the presently, will she not?" he asked, appealingly. "I thought it might be a comfort to her to talk to me." "No doubt it will be. At this moment she is terribly up -set." It was not till considerably later—after Waring and Sir Robert had arranged the details of the funeral, and all that apper- tained to it—that Mona was induced to see her affianced husband. Mona was ready enough to speak of her sorrow. She was gently grateful for hie sympathy, but she would not sit beside him, het head on his shoulder, and his arm round her, nor did she permit a course of consolation compounded of whispers, kisses and assurances that the whisperer would be brother and sister and grand- mother and everything to her. She was so dazed and overwhelmed that Waring was gravely uneasy about her, and it was an immense relief to him to know that Mane. Debrlsay (who had heard of the sad event in some occult manner) was in the bouse, and would spend the night with her favorite pupil. * * • 0 0 * 4 0 Established custom governs all things— the deepest grief—the wildest joy. Tho dreary days—whieh lingered yet went so swiftly—sped on, and poor Mrs. Newburgh was laid in her grave. Her will, leaving all she possessed to Mona, was duly read— her few jewels and personalities packed up. The former went with Mona to Her- rowby Chase. Mona took cold on her journey, and for o fortnight was very unwell—so feverish, in fact, as to wander in her speech, and to cause her kind hosts a good deal of anxiety. She was -utterly lonely. She had none= relative. The Everards were more closely allied by friendship than by blood to Mrs. Newburgh. She had heard of many othe cousins in her grandmother's life -time, bat she felt they did not count. Pondering these things, she grew af- frighted at the stern aspect of the world she was going to face, for, as she collected her faculties and studied her circum. stances, she grew more and more 8.10180 10 fulfill her engagement with Leslie War- ing. The great motive was gone, and an irresistible longing for freedom, however poverty stricken, seized her. The idea of so close a union with a mere good-natured sportsman, who in no way Witched her bnagination, whose offensive affection wearied her, whose personal appearance was unpleasant to her eyes, became in- tnitely repugnant as she dwelt' 'upon it. It was hardly fair to him either to let him plunge into the irrevocable in ignorance of her aversion. Better la him boar a tem - penny pang now than incur the misery long drawn out of an ill-assorted, unsym- pathetic naarriage. Her resolution to break with him grew rapidly stronger almost before she wan aware she had formed it. Then she began to see that she was enjoying Lady Mary's kind hospitality under false pretenses. She did not for a moment doubt that her refusal to marry Waring would bring down, 11 1101 a storni of wreth—for Lady Mary and her family were far too Nvell- bred to be violently angry—hut an iceberg of disapprobation. Sho must remove her- oelf from the shelter of their roof before she struck the blow that would give poor Waring so much temporary pain. (She felt sure it would be bra teemortuty.) And where could she go? There was no one but her faithful Mute. Debrlsay on whom she could count, and even sho would be very, very angry. Still her purpose grew clearer and firmer as her nervous system began to recover the shock it had sustained. :Meantime, Mona had not been idle. She wrote to her "dear Deb," begging leave to Visit her, as sho felt h orself an impedimen t to the party lay Many wished to assem- ble, and also because she had. more to say than she could write. This brought a speedy, rapturous reply. Then Mona applied 'herself to compose, re -write, and copy her difficult leiter to Leslie ',Vatting. It was even a worse task than she an- ticipated. All her selfish longing for 010- hivsraneo 11118for the tit swallowed 51(1 11> sorrow for the pain she MIS about to Inflict. Nothing kept her steady to her purpose so much as her conviotionthat she WM doing right—that she was delivering Leslie as well as herself. She was more than one day over 1151 task; for Eltelyn Everard, an exceedingly, girlish girl, who had taken a violent fancy to her, was con- stantly running into her room with het Work, or book, or for the avowed intention of "enlivening" her, 11 11115 accomplished at last, however; but Mona waited to post it till she was stile in Owe, even though she left two of Waring's opietles unanswered. Indeed, her replies had always beet few and scanty, so much so, that even he had become rest. lees and dissatisfied. He hoped, however, that a personal interview would put all >natters right It was a gray blustering afternoon when alio reached St. Pancras, and found Mule. Debrlsay waiting for her. "lily dear; you do look bad! Conte, get into the cab. I will find 70111 11111150." "I have only this smell poettnenteau and bonnot-boz for the present." "That's right. I am sure yeti are not fit t1b0Otl)00150011 wenther: 501. 1». OSP," (To >11 CONTIN1,1:10 p 0 0