HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1889-1-25, Page 731111. 25, 1S0.
m,uniumuer,unnatulzfaxerdal.,,rozxxx
MONADSCH:TCE,
It v 'MRS. ALEN eN Melt
1 i }E. USSELS Pos r 7
:141:=4121111=1411111.571=1;141,1%.."27'iMt1211211VM:traft10121=1.71ef1=11022111OOSSZSMOCM1=112.1%41=1=====11211=2097112111N1182011OES4=4210111:121:11111=4012101=1,1=2"TOSM/12=2,=====-!—/X-412:21.4=4"1121ZZLOO=111242OFt2:1121119110,O4ttyppyww4
11'llft 121 OA a 011t1100
hetri ."
e70 101, 4111 itmti
ncanut
Bee !A .1111411110,"Ay, she. dl •• e
put her •ante
round my ne, ! ! it her bow
Die ern full o' 1 .Dan't seek to stop
me, uncle. ;1113 to me before 1
knew you; and me et yeti eke she says.
.1r 1/014 were ill, I'd VO1110 111311' free every
111 nuree yinee an' 1 felt she epelse trite
—she would slick to ow, so I just ettid—'1'11
no pny for your whim -Maims,' and ides
IttLyc—'No, !motel ' have trioney enough
for the Journey. Just let me go with your
good will,' au' I seld-->Go, l>iou, tny lassie,'
and 01l0'8 an13."
"Good heavens!" cried Late. "Alone;
to go threugh the worry and annoyance of
changing—of—'
,What's to harm her? She is nue a
bairn," interrupted Uncle Saudy. "Wo
live is a ceevIlized country."
Lisle was silent with vexation. lfad he
but known, lie might have eemirted her to
Glasgow, if not to Denton; and whitt oaf -
fermi c journey 11. 100111>! have 1/11011 from the
hest they had taken together. lIe was COP,
tidally out of leek.
!Yuen eel Orate wanted to arrange a
marriage
"Ile did; but his purpose hag been fres-
!" nil ;anal Mona, with 1(111311' 0111,
P11118111.
Intigheil.
"hinder:tient], I think," he said, 'Im-
agine any nein refusing von/ 1 >111 not
you had so unwil quiet. sarcasm."
"11(171 unaware 01 11," returned Mona.
"A nil yen will not listen to my exploiter
teen?"
"I do not lice what you have to explain
aud, were rely explanation necessary, there
18 11() time: we are close to the house, and
I suppose you will come in and see Delete
Sandy?"
"Most certabily. lint, Migs Craig, I
must insist -1 mean, 1. must implore you
to hear the explanation 7 wish to make."
"1 really wan1 nonw—perhaps 1 under-
stand more tlete yen think."
"I fear you may imilerstand in 11 It701113
way."
"Well, hero 100 810 et the house, end
here comes 'Uncle Sandy and Mnry. If,
in 8 paroxysm of hospitOlity-, my uncle
asks you to Kipper, do not stey. I know
the 71101 11, 0.1111 yon woad not like it."
hastening to 1>1,01 1,011, she 1'2: -
claimed—
"! have brought you each a letter, but
Otero is none for me from Madame Deb-
risay. 1 fear something must be the mat-
ter with her."
crtelvrElt Bilto Was 510107.
Lisle hall never before been so pique:1
end frnet relent. as he was by Mona's mode
of receiving his ail vanees,
Had she shown emelt-else or reeentment,
he could lege undereteal Ms poialon. Dec
MINI -1"': r.1 (.4 to t,rot a ,vey from such enr-
rotted 14,- 1101111, 11111 12 111031!
11111,!(.1,;. ,:t/ .7 3./ 1!!!"'.• 1111..1'd the (thence 01
n1,::.> emeley with you. mired WW1>
(131:1 j 111t11111geillelil, he priv-
ilege of Me .1.14 away pen. Mare, if you
shed any, mid generally comforting you.
Shall 1 follow? I must tauter
4 * 4 * *
The 811,Wit 108,3 118(11 to Mona !when site
rend of her good friend's illnesti. hitherto
Mine. Debrisay bad been invariably well,
nal the idea 01 her being alone and eelp-
lees, a mere lodging, wag intolerable.
Mona immediately determined to go to
an
her, d, as Unele Sandy rightly surmised,
nothing would have held her back; no fear
of being disinherited would have prevent,
ed her, as Uncle Sandy said, from "gang-
ing her 8111 gate.
71 WM a cold raw limning, thick and
, foggy, when she reached her destination.
The landlady greeted her wartnlyt she MO
evidently glad to have the responelbiliby
lifted off her shoulders.
"Madame has seemed better ever since
she had your telegram yesterday; but, for
all that, she has had a terrible night, such
a fight she has for breath, poor dear. I sat
up till past two with her, and then Lizzy
tools my place."
"7 will go aud see her at mice," mid
Mona.
"Do have a cup of tea first, miss."
' "No, thank you—afMr."
Poor Mme. Debrisay shed tears of joy at
the sight 01 1180 dear child.
"And did your uncle agree 10 7000 com-
ing?" she whispered.
"He was obliged," returned Moun, smil-
ing. "Though he grumbled, he was quite
good about it. I suppose he remembered
how kindly 7017 11(1)11>811 him."
"I would be so sorry if I was the cause
of any bad feeling between you! But, oh!
it is a joy and a conefort to have you near
me, darling!"
Though quite inexperienced in nursing,
Mona's cornmon-sepse and careful observ-
ance of the doctor's directions soon taught
her, and the atmosphere of cheerfulness
she created was infinitely beneficial to the
sufferer, A few days saw a decided im-
provement. Soon Mona wasreleased from
the fatigue of regular night watehing, and
illme. Debrisay was about to take more
nourishment; While the doctor announced
that we were "doing very well indeed."
In a few days, Mona had the pleasure or
assisting her friend from her bed to an
sasy-chair by the fire, vehon the "girl" put
In her head to say there was a gentleman
in the drawing -room, and would Miss Craig
speak to him.
"1 Will come directly," said Mona.
Mona soon followed her into the front
mom, where a cheerful fire was burning,
though otherwise it looked too accurately
neat to have an inhabited air; and there on
;he hearth -rug stood Lisle.
The sudden surprise brought a quick,
might blush to lvtona's cheek, amine stood
still an instant, the long, straight folds of
her morning -gown sweeping Item her
graceful shoulders to the ground, giving
her additional height and dignity,
"I hope I am not taking a liberty in call-
ing so early?" said Lisle, coming forward
to clasp the hand she held out, with the
exclamation—
"1 bad no idea it was you! I fancied you
were still in Scotland,"
"Pray, who dice you expect then?" asked
Lisle, sharply, as he still held her hand,
and looked with eager inquiry into her
oyes.
"General Pielden—a friend of Madame
Debrisay's," withdrawing her hand. from
his clasp. "Have you mg message from
my uncle? Is all well at Craigdarroch?"
"I do not think Mr. Craig knew that I
was coming to London," he returned. '-111was rather a sudden idea of mine. Are
you not going to ask me to sit down?"
"oh, yesl a course! Pray, sit down, Sir
Sb. Jam. I am so startled at seeing you,
that I forget my manners," she said, laugh-
ing. "How did you know where I was?"
"Well, 7011 800, I speak the language,
and I caked yaw kilted kinsman. You do
not suppose I VMS going to lose sight of
Vinetning
111 1115 10110-810 eyes—made
krona >10(1857. She did not want to come
to any.explanation with him. She did not
want to quarrel with him. Yet she told
herself that he could not have been so' ec-
centric as to have fallen in AIM with her
over again. Had he really cared for her,
be would never have trialto band tor over
to another.
"I have been Lou busy, and too anxious
abont my friend Madame Debrisay, to
think of anything else," said Mona, coldly,
as she drew a low chair to the tire; and
Lisle seated himself at the table.
"Yesl unclerstand, you have been do-
ing the Sister a 'Mercy business, and yon
look like it. Those bewildering eyes of
yours look weary, and your cheek is pale.
You want air and light, Can you not get
off duty for an hour or two, and drive with
me to Harrow or Richmond? It is a lino
brisk don and it would be heavenly to
have you all to myself for even a short
spell."
"You are very good, Sir St. John," re-
turned Mona, calmly, "but ib is impossible
I could leave my patient yet."
"letter, then, may be able to persuade
you."
"You will not stay long in town at this
unseasonable season," she said. "And I
do not know when Madame Debrisay will
be well enough to spare me."
"Oh, I shall be in town some time yet
You should not have lefb your uncle's side
all unguarded, Miss Craig. Your friend,
Mies Blear, seems a very insinuating youngporson,
person, and it strikes me that Mr. Kenneth
MI1C11119tOr 18 considerably attracted to her
bonny bino eon."
"Why do you think sot"
"Don't yon know that a sort of electric
atmosphere encompasses a man and woman
10110 arelu love, which reveals itself. in
lightning flashes of intelligence? No man
who hag loved, and still loves, can. breathe
it without comprehending inneli that is
unspoken."
"That is quite 011030 idea, to me."
"No doubt; isl You Are too cold to feel
these subtle influences, Yon used not to
be se cold, Mona—I mean Miss Craig! You
'>15011 to vibrate exquisitely M the touch 01
feeling or—"
"71:1105 no doubt I was a silly, Insures-
sionttble girl, like most debutantes."
"Nol there were not many debutantes
like you, at Mast in my estimation, as no
doubt you know."
"As to Kenneth and Miss Black," said
MOna, tatting a deaf 0111' to this cotxmli-
Meat, "lithink they are attached to each
citheri and It is My favorite 801(01(10 that
they ninth( many, and comfort the last
(lave of ray mace"
"Still, 111»: surprised yon del not send
young Macalister with her!" exclalined
Lisle, when he heel mastered Ms impulse
1.0 11100111'11Udibly /1.11t1 energetically et theself.ealisticd,
self-saisfled, milady old acarecrow that
1>1111let his (111110111111/4 111CCO—the temporary
idol and e o
future wife 1417 St, John Lisle—
go off 1:10110. to :erne :le wit 1101•11"O1 and
passengers like a poor servant girl going
to n
a ow place.
"What for should Kenneth waste as
' time when I weaned hint here, forbve the
sitter 111 71-0111(1 cost there and back? Young
people have nae conslcieration—an' yet
vou're no a lad any tenger, Sir St. John!"
"The greenness of my youth has certain-
ly departed. But 1 am greatly annoyed
her sweet friendlinese was utterly baffling. :-.(7'ie ' ' '
insect his palace. 1101>1311 hint perpetually to eeteft',
His impatience, the eager fire that quick -
oak her: while pride and his habitual re-
ructance to commit himself, held him back.
It we» n running fight between these
two forces, through the couple of weeks
which succeeded lefona's visit to Strath -
girlie; but the strongest finally prevailed,
and telling himself he really ought to let
that old boor at Craigdarroch know that
the right of tailing question was settled,
tte started in wonderfully good spirits for
his morning's sport, intending to end the
day in Mona's society. It was an especial
stroke of luck, he thought, to have a tete-
eetcte 'walk with her; but when he reviewed
their conversation in the evenlime while
his friend and partner slumbered, he was
obliged to confess that he had made very
little way.
Did she—or 11111 8110 not resent his throw -
'ng her over, as he undoubtedly had, when
eer grandmother mune to grief?
She was so young and inexperienced at
the time that she could badly realize the
Impossibility of a man like himself risking
marriage, even with a richly dowered girl
—a more enlightened, a more mature wo-
man, would have seen and understood the
iffliculty, nor loved him the less for being
ready to give her up to a richer rival.
Women are awfully selfish and unreason-
ible! Now that Mona had seen more of
Life—the seamy side 0( 111 too—she ought to
appreciate the motives which actuated
him; perhaps 5110 11111, for she never avoided
or said sharp things, only she was so
infernally calm and frank: It was quite
gossible ebe might have fallen in love with
torueono else m the interim. Who could
t bee—some brute of a foreigner?
Lisle felt savagely jealous, as though his
eared rights had been infringed. Ile
would do, or souffles anything to call the
tonscipes color to her cheek—to win a con -
%Won of love from her lips, even the sac -
aloe of himself to the fetters of matri-
mony. And if she loved him (which, if he
uncle surrendered, and asked her to marry
Sim, she would, warmly, deliciously), she
would yield to him in everything. The
thing was really worth risking. Lila with
Mona would be very charming for a year
or so.
}loving made up his mind more thorough-
ly than he was perhaps aware, Lisle found
elmoting, and even deer -stalking, a less
satisfying amusement than it need to be,
and two or three days after his chance en-
counter with lllona, he started for Craig -
dermal, determined to begin the siege in
earneet.
It. was n erisp, ctear afternoon, and tal-
dom 1:1:31 "Ilk bosom's lord sat so lightly
ou its throne." OE big success he never
doubted. The only question that be de-
bated mentally, wee bow soon it would be
in good taste to cleelare Mundt They
were not strangers, She must know that
he hail been a good deal smitten with her
nearly Mar years ago. It was only taking
up the dropped stitches In the web of their
liven, Ile 10011111 be guided by circum-
stances,
"Ts Mr. Craig at home, and the young
ladies/ he demanded of the little maid
who 0(111>8 when he rang.
"The master's in, bIle—," she was begin-
ning, when Mr. Craig himself appeared,
With his inevitable stick, at the library
door.
"Ph, come yonr waysl" he cried. "I
saw ye as ye walked up the drive. I'm
glad to see you. Pm hem alone; they're a'
oot,"
"Tndeedi" said Lisle, following him into
the library, intending to give the old man
a few minutes, to find out where Mona had
gone, and to follow her, "What has be-
come of your nieces?"
"Mary Black is no niece of mine. She is
a niceelike girlie, 1(11117 have no kin except
Mona and Nenneth. 'Well, they are awa'
to set, Mona on her road." (He called it
"rod.")
"On her road! "Where?" asked Lisle.
"To Mao'. She'll get there this even-
ing, in time to catch the London night ex -
"London!" repeated Lisle, 111 808,17 sae
prise, "Has she gone to Loudon?"
"Yes. She had a Metet free madame—
may be you'll mind Madame Dobeisay, the
teddy who took my niece in when You
grand 101178 11311>10(11 her opt Weel, the let-
ter weenie floe heesele It was the land-
lady—an horiestlike woman—whit Wrote,
of madames order, to explain why , she
could not write, She WOO 17111173 star with
bronchitis, and the landlady she added
that she was frightened horse, toe she
was that bad the doctor Waited her to
linete a nurse, With net nothing wallet
keep Mona; she must go to mirso bor. T
evne angered against her, for .1 Milne think
eight:Me bet to 140 7>11 le a jiff,/ erne one,
74 1111,..1
---'''
"Obstinate oldttitott" thought Lis o.
about this sudden journey. I have nolh
ing on earth to dol If 7 had had an idea
Miss Craig was going alone, 7 should cer
tainly, with your permission, have escorted
her to Glasgow, and seen her off to Lon
don. Where does this Madame Debrisae
live?"
"In a varra nice part —Westbourne
Villas, nigh the Royal Oak station, You'li
ken it, I'm thinking."
"I cannot say I do," returned Lisle, while
he thought, "Old blockhead! Why did he
not give me the number?"
"There are varra fine hooses about there
and plenty omnibuses to a' parts."
"Very convenient, Pm sure! What is
this Madame Debrisay's number? Lady
Pinistoun will want to know Miss Craig's
address."
"Eh> but she knows it weal, She has
been there hersel'."
"Obstinate old idiot!" thought Lisle; "he
will not tell. Oh, indeed!" he said aloud.
"You must miss your nieee very much."
"I will clo so! Sma' doot o't. Sho is a
remarkable, wise -like, deuce lassie—only a
wee nelf-opeenionated! It's amazing that,
being so long about a lot o' fule-follc, she
kept her senses so wool."
By this time Lisle had gathered himself
together, and said—
"I ought to apologize for speaking so
warmly, but I always take a lively interest
in Miss Craig."
"Sae it would seem," returned Uncle
Sandy, with a chuckle, which snack Lisle
as peculiar.
Did the old duffer presume to form any
surmises as to the source of that interest?
Lisle thought he had talked to him quite
long enough.
"7 brought 70>3 1116 last communication
from the factor of Dahnuir," he said., "Yon
see he has caved in, and you may consider
no question settled."
"Oh, that's weel, yarn well," putting on
his glosses.
"Aud I must say good -morning, Can I
do anything for you at Kirktorm? I am
going back there."
"Nu, I thank ye. Kenneth will bring
back a.' that is wanted."
"Good-bye, then. I hope you will hear
to -morrow of Miss Craig's safe arrival."
Little strode away in an intense ill -humor.
Itona was altogether inexplicable. At the
shortest; notice she WM ready to put miles
1ito nurse a broken-down
between horseS.P and the man that: she
must know was! 'lady to throw himself at
her feet! Aud
MUSIC mistress, Yet there was something
in her generous retie Mess to help a friend
that appealed to his teeter nature.
Some stah ideas, conteclerably modified,
were floating through Lebee's brain, when
he heatd the 'top flop" of le ti, Craig's heavy
footed steed, and soon tie ramshackle
phaeton and ridiculously de proportioned
horse came round a bond of te,e road. en
the vehicle were seated Miss tenet:, whose
eyes looked stieptclouslY red, anel Kenneth,
who held the reins. He pulled tie as Lisle
waved his hands.
"So Mies Craig hoe deserted igen!" he
spied. 1
"She has indeed," returneal, Nenneth.
'713 18 a bad business—poor gadame Deb.
tiny being so ill. I never lehew her to be
11 before."
i
ii
"And I am slue Mona hai
it sad heart,"
said leliss Bleat. "Sho 100 ,ed so pale and
loWneast. It will be a lo g, Weary road
for her 10 1111.001 all alone e
"She telegtaphed first thing to Say she
was aiming," added le meth.
"What's her addre.n. 2,, asked Lige. "I
must let Lady Pinist un knoiv."
"Ws a Wegbouru Villas—aWny near the
iloyat One." meld tnineette
"Thank Yon," l'01101:11'1! Mae, Milking a
Mental note of it.
' A tow more wor band theY1,00totl, gang
in opposite areal, ma,
"ctilior peoplej" itineed Lisle, its he
walked rapidly a onm hill. elenti 51411(014e
thee enjoy them .elves us 100 do, Opt (11'e
Mobablv less ( rum bured. .kurboW 11
•
-riot a mut idea, enly they would (11(170(1
out!"
"1)1:1 1 should take my chance or them—
at least a would giVe feeedom."
"Freedom! .!elt! Alla What would you,
110 3>1111 ite"
"A tremendous questioel When the
time came you sbou It! see."
"Ialona—" began Lisle, in a tone the up -
pealing tinultireees whieh made Mona's
heart beat vehemently; what Mrs. Puddi-
ford, abort and 'may, in her morningprint
dress and apron, opened the door and ask-
ed—
"Would you see General Fielden, teliss?
He soya 1:o will not keep you many min-
utes."
"Pray slum him in," said !Vona, with
alacrItY.
Whereupon the warlike -looking veteran
described by Med:tete Debrisay, entered,
-
.aloita MSC an/2 1>011 1107 head,
erect and austere in aspect, and making a
fine old-faiehioned bow to the young lady,
said in quick, staccato style—
"Mies (Midge I presume?"
Mona rose and bent her bead, sealing
graciously as she clid so.
"Took the liberty of asking to see yon.
Thought you would let me know how
Madame Debrisay molly is. It's alwitya
'Better, better, better,' with servants, till
they startle you with—iPlease, sir, he (or
she) died this morning!' "
"1 cun happy to say, my dear friend,
Madame Debrisay, is math better," said
Mona, looking kindly into his eyes. "She
is sitting up for the first time this morn-
ing. In a few days I hope she will be able
to see you. Sire greatly enjoyed the de-
lightful grapes you sent her."
"Did she? Glad of it! There's another
basket out in the hall."
A short pause ensued, which was broken
by Lisle saying in his pleasantest, frankest
manner—
"I think 1 had the pleasure of meeting
General Ftelden—at Harrowby Chase—
some years ago, though probably you do
not remember me."
"I know your face, but I cannot fit it
with a narae," returned the general, look-
ing sbarply at him,
"My name is Lisle. 1 was then captain
in the —th Hussars, and I have been since
on Sir Arthur Wrialtesly's staff."
"Ale yes; I remember! Yon won the
military steeple -chase at Bilndlepore last
year. Waller, of your regiment, was tell-
ing me about it," etc., and the general
seenecl settling himself to enjoy a military
and sporting gossip.
"They will stay all the afternoon,"
thoughtiMona. "1 cannot stay here to lis-
ten."
"As you seem. to know each other," she
said, "I will go and seat my patient wants
anything."
"Do," returned General Pleiden, shifting
his position to a larger and more comfort-
able chair, as if he did not intend to move
for some time. "I will stay till yon come
back. I have a message! for Madame Deb-
risay. Why the deuce she calls herself
madame I can't think."
"I am sorry 7 have an engagement," said.
Lisle, rising, his incinth curling with an
expression of extreme annoyance, "and 7
must say good -morning I suppose, Miss
Craig, I am likely to find you at home any
clay? You really look very pale and tired.
You must let 1110 persuade yen to take
some exercise."
"Thank you! Madame Debrisay will
00017 1>5 able to leave 1100 130010, and then I
111017 00 out. Good-bye, Captain Lisle."
The gentlemen exchanged botvs, and
Lisle departed.
"Never mind me," said the general. "I
118.00 110111>1118, to do. I eats wait."
"You NOM to have been eutertaining
few people," said madame, winsomething
of the old sparkle in her bright black eyes,
as Mona came to her side.
'el have been entertaining your general,
and—shall I say—my captain?"
"I11'>'>'as Lisle, then?" whispered Male.
Debrisay, (agerly. "I mean Sir St. John
Lisle."
"Yes! I never WOO MOTO surprised than
when I found hint evaiting ia the next
room. I thought he was not corning south
before November."
"My dear itlona! mark my words--"
"Do notwaste any, dear Deb," she in-
terrupted, quickly, "because I kelow the
special chord of wisdom on whioh you are
going to harp. Say nothing about Captain
Lisle at present. General Pielden has
brought you some grapes. He seems quite
concerned about you."
"Now, isn't he good, poor old fellow?
To think what a fine, handsome soldier he
was, and now ho is all bones and eye -
brews!"
"He is soldierly -looking still. I have
rather taken a fancy to him. Still I do not
want him to stay all day. I want to write
a long letter to Uncle Sandy, 1 will make
up your fire'dear, before go back; and la
raeS,e0tt1e, the pillow under your head."
"And is Sir St. +Tam Sons?"„Is.,
"And when is he coming again?”
"011, i don't knowl Very probably nev-
er,"
"Ah, Mona!" But Mona was gone!
"Maclaine Debeisay begs me to say hew
treich eho feels your kind thought for her,"
said Mena, smiling brightly and sweetly
on the grim old warrior, who had ,taken''1 1.17,
,,pv.,
a fortnightly tylitch lay on the table, an
fixed his glasses on his noee,
"Hal"- quiet, o. !, 1. . lieges
!
70(7>'1 • 1' 7 • .',11
• •
the t1.1,,
.7,1 .
1,1`. '.! •
fl • ! 1,1 1 11 t•iVi.,
1 1111,,,!! ! 3 ti 0 11 1 7' i• :11
101>8'> 1-, 11 V! ,1 1! 1 itti 11/0 in
"Who 3011 your gran, 1:o.( r
ly.
"Mrs, .10ieelyn Newburgh."
"Gil, yen were her granddaughter? Ah!"
ie 1.! ',WA. 10 Ilti/I> M! me few nue
name, and then rammed—
"! 11111 1,01(110 &moil in it week or two. 1
always go to Pau or the Riviera in the
winter. Can't live in letigleuti, Now .1
should like to see Madame Debrisay be-
fore 1 go. 1 have a, picture to new her.
Will you write and tell tne when I may
cane"
"Certainly, General Pielden. 'me will (1)
be very pleased to see you when she a
strong enough, but she really basbeen very
ill." I-1 •
"I am snre of it; and 7 sitspectiter march
she looks wondereully young and well.
through life has not been on velvet, though
She comes nf a handsome race:" ond the CD
old man sighed gaieltly. ieehe doctor
might to make her keep in-cloors all the c+
winter."
"Gh, my dear sir, that is impossible! She 0
muse keep up her connection. She could
not afford to late her pupils."
".Ay, that's it; that is a bad business,"
returned the general, thoughtfully. Then a)
he asked some questions about Lisle, re-
specting whom he seemed rather remota,
aud sat for a considerable time. Then he
suddenly started up, and begged pardon
for occupying her time, "You SCO," he
added, "I hove nothing to do, and no one
to can about Mind you tell me when
Madame Debrisay can teee me, like a good c+
girl."
1-t
* * *
Once out a bed, Mme. Debrisay made
rapid progress. She bad an excellent and
an untried constitution; nor had her at-
tack, though severe. been or the woret kind.
Mona was able to give General Pielden
notice that her friend and patient was
strong enough to ereceive" sooner than she
had hoped. lie came immediately, and sat
-talking a long while. He evidently found
himself comfortable and at home in the
cozy sitting -room, while he imbibed 1118 af-
ternoon tea, and smiled grimly when Mme.
Debrisay, 'whose spirits were reviving,
laughed at his complaints, and told him he
would be nearly quite well if he would
only believe it, and that she would back
him against Lisle for a day's shooting, if
he chose to try.
Lisle had called twice. The first time,
Mona was about to assist Mme. Debrisay
into the sitting -room, and she was obliged
to explain and dismiss him; the second,
she was really out. When he persevering-
ly called a third time, he was partially re -
weeded. The tea -table was spread, and
the presence of General Pielden procured
him a tete-a-tete.
"I began to fear 1 should. never sec you
again," said Lisle, iu a low voice, drawing
near Mona, who sat at work near the fire.
"You ores° heartless and cruel. Yon never
give a fellow the least chance."
"Chance of what?" asked Mona, thread-
ing her needle.
"Or speaking to you alone."
"But I do not want to speak to you alone.
I have nothing to say that the whole world
might not hear."
"How hideously cold and unkind you
are, Mona. Well, I have something to
whieper in your ear alone, though, if you
will listen favorably. 7 do not care how
S0011 it may be proclaimed upon the house-
tops."
He leaned toward. her, seeking to meet
her eyes.
Mona's color rose, and then faded
quickly, while she looked steadily at her
work.
"Then do not say it," she replied, softly.
"Do you mean what you say?"
"1 do."
CVAPTER =IL —UNCLE SANDY 13113D6 >38
OLD FRIEND.
Back again at Cralaclarroch, under the p
murky Deceineer clouds, back- wan leo
driving rain, and the wild wind weirdly
sobbing among the solemn pine -trees and
leafless oak,
Whiter on the west coast, though Mee
bitterly cold than in other parts of the
country, is gloomy and threatening. It
OW a dreary time for Mona. Mary 131ack
had been recalled to her home. small-
ness of the little group, isolated as it were
on that rug:get! and the feeling
that 117055 >1 work of time, nay almoet of
danger, to escape to the comfort and com-
panionship of a great city, created a sense
of imprisonment exceedingly trying to the
spirits.
Mona was quite ashamed of her own de-
pression a little before Christmas. She
felt as If she was forgotten by everyone.
Lady Pinistoun had written a. preesing in-
vitation to visit her at her home in Cam-
berlaucl, when Mona WAS with elms. Deb -
rimy, which, under any circumstances, she
would have refused, tend since she had
given no sign, neither had Lisle. And even
Atm. Debrisay had not written for a fort-
night. Mona had suggested a few weeks
10 Edinburgh to help them over the depth
of the winter, attesomehow Uncle Sandy
did "not see it!"
There MS nothing for it but to endure
the inevitable routine.
Breakfast at nine, and a consnitation
with the cook; a spell of reading to her un-
cle; an escape to needle -work or music;
dinner, after whin Mr. Craig slumbered
for a couple of hours, and Mona was free,
if the weather did not permit of going out;
a walk to the form -yard or round the gar-
den ef it did; tea and the newspaper; more
work 011 100510 on Mona's part, more sleep
on Mr. Craig's; a little talk With Kenneth,
nen attester and bed. Day atter day alike.
Mona did not think she could live through
another winter.
(1.1. 1,1511 the post brought excitement—
surprise-an entirely 11013' set of idetts—M
a letter from Mme. Debrisay.
Mr DOAMPSTMONA:—I suppose you think
me one of the Meet worthless andungrate-
women in the world! Well, jun wait,
and yen will excuse me. My dear, imagine
trio writing behind a big fen to hide my
bleshesl About ieweek ago I had come in
very tired from one of my first attempts to
do 107 >110111 day's work, and WAS refresh-
ing myself. with a cup oe ter, when in
evalked my general. I gent for another
oup, and ‘1,11 Mt down cozily together.
"
You Are looking very 111,' ho said, so
staccato that he made mo jump,
" '1 dare gay I am;' said 1. 'it iS1 catignitig
at first 10 another week 1 shall be till the ,
;better (011 107 Work. it would 110111,0 51111111,
good to sit'here alone.'
" "ehatee true,' he returned, as if he belt
the truth In the bottom of hie heart; 'that's
Mee what I Litiatetuidetvestanh dratted
(TO (11 corral:nu.)
1