The Brussels Post, 1888-12-7, Page 7Deo, 7, 1588,
areevim:iv er+.re: atrsnez eteuer emare.awersm sa arm Patx,. r'
O ti ' S G E[ 0 I
i
ft1 1'114. Aid NANI/t tt,
a nett a null life. It must be very nore
to feel life slipping away before you have
known enjoyment,"
"Ale, my Clear; don't you 1>e downcast -
times will mend."
A Pow more days brought then to Au
gust. The last lesson lied been given, and
both Mona and Mme. Debrisay were look
ing forward to a rest well-earned, when a
letter arrived from Mr. Craig, written in
what hncl been a business hard, now rum
to seed and exceedingly ha
s kY.
Ile had been be said exceedingly un
well, and confined to the house with a bad
cold; that ho was now considerably better
and proposed calling on Wednesday first,
when he hoped his niece and her friend -
the orthography of whose name had
escaped him -would assist in finding hint
suitable lodgings, as his present abode wok
cold and damp, and most prejudicial to his
peculiar condition.'
"Wednesday first!" repeated Mona.
"Dees he menu Wednesday next? --that
t will be tomorrow."
"He will come just in the nick of times"
exclaimed Mmo, Debrisay. "Ile Is the
very man for the rooms -upstairs, end they
, are ilio rooms for him. Now, leave every
thing to me."
"Very well, dear, I know you only want
to serve mei"
Mime. Debrleay lost no time in advielnp
Mrs. Puddiford to put the roosts in order.
no it way probable that a gentleman would
look at them next day.
"A very advantageous tenant, Mrs. Putt
diford," added madame, with some tin
,portnnce. "Ile is wealthy, bat Somewhat
eecentrlc. Ile does not wish to bo coined.
erect rich, or to seem rich -sail he is sound
} and reliable, and will be most punctual."
"I act sure, ma'am, it will be rare luck
.to let my rooms straight off! and to a rela-
tion of Miss Craig's, too,"
"I will come up and look at them, Mrs.
Puctcliford."
"They aro all in disorder now, ma'am
but I never let real dirt lay about."
So Mme Debrisay ascended, and re.
mai ned some time absent.
When she returned, she took up the
needle -work she had left, and said, grave.
ly-
"Mona, my heart, write a line to your
'uncle, ask him to take his bit of dinner
with us to -morrow, and mention that there
are rooms to let in this house; but if they
•do not suit him we will look for others."
"I will ask him to dinner, certainly; but
let us leave the question of lodgings to the
:chapter of incidents."
"Mous, I feel a conviction that you should
not let that nice old man 8111) through you
Anders."
Dearest Debi why do you talk as if yon
were a greedy legacy hunter, when you
etre really the most generous and disin
terested of mortals? I will do all I can 101
wy uncle, but I will not let him 'Interfere
with my life -nor would I, if I believed he
had many thousands to bequeath, which 1
.do not."
"Altl -cteef" interrupted Mme. Debrisay
"Listen to this. It is a paragraph among
"What people say'-
" 'Play
ay'-"'Play has been unusually high for the
time of year at Monte Carlo. One trio hat
lost or won large sums, and the habatucs
of the Salle de Jeu have, night after night,
hung absorbed on the fluctuations of theft
fortunes. Ono of these isaRussianprnee,
well known in fashionable circles, both it
London andParis. Another is an Anstriat
baron, oebebrnted for Itis tbeatrloaispccule.
tions. The third, whose luck at first as
tonished the oldest frequenters of these
famous rooms, is a young Englishman of
good fortnneend respectable connections
-Mr. Leslie Waring -whose horse was the
favorite for the Derby, and was so nnex•
pectedly beaten, seemed to have recovered
the favor of the fickle goddess. but has
lire stamped in, with the aid of stick and
atmbrolfa.
since lost vcry heavily. lIo shows Great
kpluck, and is said to await with confidence
the
turn of th0 tido," y
Madame 1010 down tho paper witib aslgh.
"I am sorry for that poor fellow!' she
exclaimed,
"And so am 1; heartily sorry," said Mona,
,stopping short in her task of re -arranging
',some flowers,
"Ahl if he had a good wife to keep him
eitraight,"
"Don't!" oried Mona. ''Don't) 'cannot
.ear it And yore aro mistaken,
Deb;it
is
of my fault. Mr. Waring
told
me him -
elf his tendency was to gamble -his nat-
ral inclination. He was honest and true.
;or fellow' I really liked Mr, Waring.
e had a bre nature in some way, and oft!
do hope he is none the worse, really -for
t ving met me."
"Well, there is no nth in troubling your
lead about him now!"
Mona trade no reply, bet she did not
bink the loss.
Uncle Sandy arrived in "oawb," Mona,
vho had been making souse for the salad,
ceording to Mine, ,Debrisay's recipe, had
list placed the salad bowl on the table,
'hon he stttmpecl in with the aid of astlt k
0 umbrella,
"Weel," ho Said, tumbling into a chair
cl holding out his hand to Mona, "1did
of think T would live to see you again,
111, bore I hue"
` "Yon are looking better than 1 ]toped t0
e yeti," the said, kindly,
1']h!
have been awfn bad. anti I ata
'Parra lonely Iee 3.011 place. w(010010)1(1
are aye tloulhtfnl for the thee and weak,
and Iant plea •a'.e my bit dhnnerwi
you."
'And we errs a e , •:ee yen,"
"flan ye ci next question.
Well not, mot
'You see, my desr• sir," cried Mme. Deb-
risay, "the dear 01i,1 has not much oppor-
tunity of learning; but elle hers a natural
aptitude which I endeavor to cultivate."
"That's right; every wommn ought 10
cook. ie see, that's their natured work,
Mut and doctoring ---I doit't mean prescrib-
ing medicine but seeing to its bele swal-
1" g g
lowed."
By thia'time dinner had been placed on
and Uncle Sundt' a root tad a
to tableL a
the Y pP
fried sole, some boiled fowl with white
sauce, and a '"ohnujlcar au pratln," pre-
pared by Mine, Debrisay's own and still
pretty hands.
When. hohad had enough, lie pushed
away Ms 'plate, -and glancing at Mme.
Debrisay and Mona, who had been quietly
waiting far hhu, returned thanks at some
length, and tion --very deliberately took
a vial from ]tis pocket, dropped a certain
quantity Into a glass, added water, and
drank it.
"Ate!" he saki, "I have had a good din-
ner, which is conducive to digestion.
Now, Mona, what is the meaning of that
bit card in the window -Is 11 to say the
10010 t are to let?"
"They are, uncle."
"Then, if they are not too costly, I will
take them. Nino, 1'11 give a -I don't mind,
twenty-tive shillin' a week, for the two
rooms."
"Let us sea Mrs. Pudcllford," quoth
Mme. Debrisay.
Wherennon a long discussion arose. Mr.
Craig ltav3 no objection to be n monthly
tenant, ,
"I have let my wee place for two years,"
lie said, "and I can bide better here than
elsewhere."
So after some haggling, for he would nal
hear of looking elsewhere, be became Mrs.
Puchliford's tenant from the following
Monday at the large rent of five pounds
ten per month.
CHAPTER X, -A IHETILA;il) LADDIE.
Uncle Bandy lost no time in shifting 1118
quarters.
Early in the forenoon of the day on which
his week in the Camden Town lodgings
ended, he appeared. at Westbourne Villas
with all his effects.
It was a curious collection -a battered
leather portmanteau, a couple of cushions
strapped on top of it; a tin box bursting
with the number of medicine bottles, la
tions, and embrocations crammed into it
a large, untidy parcel of books, tied with
many pieces of twine knotted together,
and one inexplicable item -a large, wide-
mouthed, brown earthen jar, a square of
canvas fastened carefully over the orifice.
These -a spare umbrella and two walking,
sticks of different thickness were care-
fully transferred to his apartments.
Mona and madame had endeavored to
mance them look neat and cheerful, had
contributed some flowers and a growing
fern to the decoration of the sitting -room,
and flattered themselves that Mr. Craig
would be charmed with the attention,
"Alt!" he groaned -a guttural "ah" -
dropping into a chair as soon as he bad
mounted to his rooms. "It's anawfu' way
ttpl I was better on the ground -floor 171
yon house."
Oh, Ihope you won't regret the change!"
said Mme. Debrisay, politely. "You will
not want to go up or down stairs -much;
and you see the folding doors to gout
oharmbre a coacher make it nice and airy."
"To my what?" asked Uncle Sandy. "1
dinna understand foreign languages."
"Your bed -room. You see, my dear sir,
I am half French, and the language I have
been so long accustomed to slips out now
and then,"
Uncle Sandy gave an ivarticulmte grant
in reply to this explanation.
"Would you like any refreshment?"
asked Mine. Debrisay.
"Weel, I might take a biscuit and agless
01 apollonaris water,"
"Water alone, niy dear sir? Will you
not put something in to qualify it?"
"I am a temperance man, you see; but.
the doctors say I ought to take a drop
whisky for my stomach's sake."
"I am so sorry! but we have not sect a
thing in the house! I will send Jane for
some."
"London whisky! cried Uncle Sanay,
very audibly; adding with pious earnest.
nese, "God forbid! Then rishig, heclutch-
ed Mona's arm with one hand and lits
stick with the other. "I have a drappio in
my portmantle, and P11 just get it."
"Can 1 get it for you, uncle?"
"Nawi" very decidedly. "I never give
my Itoys to anyone!'
With many groans he bent his knees,
leaning heavily on Mona --for the port-
manteau had boon placed on the floor -and
managed to unlock it, Mona had stepped
back es soon as ho let her go, lesthe should
think her inquisitive; but the heavy lid
was too much for him,
"Why don't yo give me ahnn"?" he asked
querulously.
Mona came to his assistance, and the ex-
ceedingly mixed contents of the portman-
teau were displayed to view.
Uncle Sandy pitched out troueers and
waistcoats and socl18 recklessly till he ,
reached the layer where the whisky -bottle ,
was embedded; he handed it to his niece,
and having thrust his garments in n aim
locked the re0eptacle; and, rising with the
help of Madame and Mona, tumbled into
his chair naafis, with many exclamations
of pain. 'Tile desired refreshment was
procured, and then Mona proposed that ht
should have the newspaper, and rest 1111
dinner.
uAY!" anh Uncle Sandy,
"that'll t>
Il do fin
e.
I am just awns' weary. Are ye going to
give mea bite the day, as there is nothing
reparit?"
"Certainly!" said Mona,
"It was our intention to beg the pleasur
of your company," said Mme. Debrisay,
"Then VII come. It's a pity I have to
but it canna be Italia!"
»- tnirs ut
gang deo s , P
S"rom tee date of Uncle Sandy's settle-
ntant the nat•ttters felt that we 1.aedara .._
their holiday was over. He unhesitatingly
Clair ed constant help cute attention.
Moreover, he caviled at the price paid for
everything they bought; and many were
the commissions Ito gave both.
Sti11 Mme, Debrisay clung to the idea
that he was a millionaire, though -the care -
felly kept her fmpressi0n to herself.
With all his peculiarities, utero was a
Certainitriginelltyin Uncle Sandy wliiclt
attraotsd Mout, .Although his ideas of
eine (Mire "wore narrow. hu 01101 rigid in
FIE Bk'USSEL,S FUST
-paying whatever 11e nellevea no angel to makes me In dread for your lumenal80n1
pay. Nor wits he cunsrinus of exacting whop I do"
store than 110 gave. Still, his recognition "\Veil, tTn,e+lo Sandy," cried Mane, corn -
of the rights of others was by no 11101/110 so Ing to the rescue, "you must admit that
all work and no play umlaut Jack a very
t di ," al
Y
I abom no so 5010 o' that; I worked hard
enough and I never was dull."
"And pray, Mr. Mnculister, how le trade
at present?" asked M1tne. Dehrlsay, com-
prehonsively, with a view to changing the
subject.
Thils prnlnced a lengthy and rambling
reply, after which Uncle Randy avowed
is inter" Ion of closing leis
b ,t i R eyes fora quar-
ter of an hour. He therefore re -ascended,
with his "nn3'few's" help, to his room.
M me. Debrisay excuseherself,
because
she had promised to visit some professional
friends, so Mona was left alone with her
newly discovered cousin.
When he returned, after conveying Mr.
Craig up -stairs, he sat down by the table,
resting itis elbow on it, and shading his
eyes with his hand, he looked curiously at
Mona, who was reading a French book of
travels, which she laid down politely on
his re -appearing.
clear as his perception of his own. But
ttrertet his a tee was >i
what a 1 ti nice meet r l s
strong liking for herself.
The feet of her having red hair, as be
considered 11, seemed to be one of Mona's
strongest claims upon his affeetuas. It
appeared to be a ]rind of proof positive that
ole belonged to hire.
Naturally the holiday enjoyments of the
two friends were considerably curtailed by
the presence of Uncle Sandy. Still they
contrived to spend 'two or three tranquilly
pleasant days at Hampton Court, Rich-
mond,
tich-
or d c suburban1 f re-
sort,
, an 1 other quos o
P
sort, though Unele Sandy grumbled a good
deal at being left alone,
The six weeks of vacation passed swiftly
withal.
The autumn wan exceptionally fine after
a wet summer, and pupils prolonged their
absence from town. October was half
over, and Mme. Debrisay was again in
haruess. Mona, too, had resumed work,
and on the Area evening of her return, she
found her uncle sitting over the fire, his
feet on a hassock placed inside the fender,
"Como your ways," he cried, "The sight
of you is gond for sair con nowadays!
Have ye 1100 your bite? Ay? Then we'll
have tigood spell o' the papers before bed-
time. But, Rest, there's a bit note I want
to write to a laddie I have neglected in a
way -my sister's son, Kenneth Macalister.
He is in an office in the city -a big place-
doin' well. I believe,"
"A nephew of yours?"
"Ay, a nephew" (he pronounced it "nay-
few").
nayfew"). "Ho used to comm and see me there
in Camden Town. But he and Jamie
Black -the lad I shared the lodgdugwith-
used to make a noise, and argue, and go
on wi' Riles' talk, till I said I would not
put up wl' it. Attd lieuneth-ha had a
Ilielandman's temper -he got offended.
Noo, he has mime back from his holiday,
and is clothed (1 dour say he left off the
breaks when he went home) and in his
right mind. So be writes for leave to come
and see me. He is a gado laddie, in a way
-not varra weal informed; but everyone
hasn't bad opportunities, nor have they
striven to edicate themselves as I have,
though my disadvantages have been great.
Noo, my hand is varra shaky the night,
so you write for me, my dearie. Tell him
to come early to kirk here bye, next Saw -
bath, and come back with me to a bit din-
ner."
A very few lines sufficed; a few direc-
tions as to trains were added, and the note
was sent.
The following Sunday eves dull and gray,
but dry.
Dinner was being placed on the table
when Mona, who had been to church, en-
tered. Uncle Sandy had already taken
his place, and Mme. Debrisay was in the
act of gracefully indicating his seat to a
young man -a, young man whose appear-
ance startled Mona.
"Hearing Uncle Sandy always speak of
his "nay few" as a "laddie," she uncon-
sciously formed a picture of an undersized,
shy lad, slight and insignificant, with the
family "reed heid"-something in style
between a shop -boy and an errand -boy.
Sho actually beheld a very tall, well-built
figure, surmounted by an exceedingly black
bead, the hair short and thick; heavy dark
eyebrows, and large, dark, deep-set, flash-
ing eyes; an aquiline nose; high cheek
bones; a pathetic mouth, with somewhat
down -curved corners, unmasked by mus-
tache, and a deep red -brown complexion.
"This is Kenneth Macalister-your cous-
in Kenneth," quoth Mr. Craig, as he tucked
a napkin under his chin.
Mona bowed and smiled, but Macalister
took a large stride forward, holding out a
big, bony, brown band, and reddening as
be exclaimed -
"I am very" -ho said "ferry" -glad to
make your acquaintance.'
There was a certain dignity in his car-
riage, but Mona saw that 110 was shy,
01
�.
Ilr''q,�•' Cr.w
"When any uncle wrote to me that he
had found his brother's daughter, I did
not think I should find you such a grand
young lady, You don't seem to belong to
us, though the Mitoalisters are an old
stock."
"You see l was always brott:sht up in
London and on the Continent; that makes
me seem different, 1 tent not grand,"
"It is more than that," he said, reflec-
tively, "more than that, Yet you are like
a young lady I used to go to school with
when I was a wee lad. I saw her ngoin
this autumn when 1 wet back in Glen-
houlughan; and she is like you ferry like
--rattly vm1 ere taller and statelier."
'•-1 urn hn.. a: ,0 0 01u11110 reed held,' ea my
Intel 0.:y0 1 save."
"Your looks are moregolden than red,"
said the yon¢:; highlander, with an admir-
ing smile; "but Mary's are browner, and
She seems younger."
"And 1 suppose you enjoy getting away
to the mountains and lochs et your native
place?"
"Eh! it's another life. I had not been
back for two years, and I had no another
to welcome me this time"
"That made asad difference," said, Mona,
softly.
He did not speak immediately, and when
he did, it was to ask in an altered tone -
"Were you ever in the Highlands?"
"Never,"
"There is nothing like them anywhere!
Tobe sure I haven't seen much else, but
there can be nothing finer. Whether it's
the gray dawn flushing redder and redder
over the mountain tops, or the soft evening
fading from crimson and purple, gold and
lilac, to the pale blue mist and silvery
moonlight; and the air so fresh and free;
the springy heather, that makes your step
light; the grand exulting sense of climbing
higher. I wish I could take you right
away and show yon all over the big mount-
ains, and glens, and the straths; and row
you out on the quiet loch in the bush of
the evening."
I wish iron cmnldl I should enjoy such
a ramble immensely,"
"Weel," in a lowered and mysterious
tone, "my uncle may be will ask yon to
stay at Craigdarroch. He has a lovely
place there."
IHere a violent peal of Mr. Craig's bell
summoned them both to their attendance
on that honored relative.
t * * * * * * *
"Do yen know, Deb, I am quite interest-
ed m that young Highlander; there is some-
thing uncommon about him -he is au orig-
inal,"
"I don't know, and I don't much care,
about his originality, but I do care that he
shouldn't come between you and your un-
ole's natural affection. My impression is
that he is a selfish legacy hunter,"
"In short, he is what you wish me to bo.
Oh, Dob; Deb!"
CHAPTER xL-GLIMPSIES 07 THE PAST.
After this first visit Kenneth Macalister
Came frequently on Sundays, and some-
times of a week -day evening. He would
appear between Dight and nine o'clock,
having walked straight from the city atter
business -just to stretch his limbs, he said,
after sitting cramped ata desk all day long.
Mr, Craig, though by no mane cordial
in his welcome, on the whole encouraged
him to come, end scented pleased that
Mona lent him books from her scanty store,
or played to him, which gave him great
delight. Indeed site grow quite fond of
the queer, half -developed, irritable, im-
pressionable young man, who found such
evident pleasure in her soctoty.
The winter wore 071. It was severe; but
Mona going constantly out kept free from
cold. Kenneth ind been grndnttlly adopted
by her, and was her companion on many
a Sunday. Indeed, Mrs, Pudcliford and
her servant considered him to be Miss
Craig's "young matt." Froin this com-
panionship Kenneth learned much of man. -
Imre std even modes of thought -learned,
—�' too, with the rapidity of an imaginative,
/Vaccinator took 11 large stride forward. impressionable nature. He admired and
though probably his pride was strong to looked up to his cousin with profound con -
aid him in concealing it. She put her hand helped. His society herLy el yuyounger a d mud
into his, saying pleasantly- cheerf to make wfspl itsand'more
cheerful. Her own spirits were ox
ode's
u P
It seems wonderCnl to rue to dine wall ingly variable. Sometimes Uncle Sandy's
an uncle and a cousin. I have always cutting remarks and utter want of tact
would raise his nephew's wrath, and he
Would pour out his wounded feelings with
much volubility to his cousin
who Bo
ner-
sl1 reasoned with, and calmed him
"He thinks because helms a lot of money,
and I have a right to expect ho will re-
member his sister's son, that he can tram-
ple me uucler his feet; but I will have him
to know that the Macalisters \Vera gentle-
men when the Craigs were lowland peas-
ants."
"
"Come, Kenneth, don't insultthe Craigs;
they aro my people, and you must not bo
nid."
"You etre quite different; you are a queen
-till-"so you loom to me, but you don't insult
a follow! 1'l1 not come near Uncle Sandy
"Till next Sunday!" interrupted MIona.
"What Shenk!. I do without my walk?
And, Kenneth, I always watt you to come
with me."
seemed denuded of near relatives."
"Ah, but you have plentyl" said Mani -
later, taking a seat. I havetwonty-seven
first cousins on myt r' four-
teen
fa he s side, and to
teen ou my mother's. I have more than
double that in second cousins, but having
been much from home, I cannot count all
my far -away kin."
He spoke with the soft, slow Highland
accent, which must be imagined,
"Have Y longon been in London! asked
Mona.
"Going on three years; before that I was
in a Glasgow house."
"And you like Leaden better than Glas-
gow?" f
"I hated bothl but I am getting used to
London; there is much to he done and
learned here."
n e •f 1 lace, Do you often.
It isnvvo din.L
P
go to the theatre?"
"Scarce ever, I am tired after the day's
Work; and in stoner I would rather take
a row 011 the river,"
"The young aro aye carried awe wi' an "Oh, P11 comm, cousin Mona! Ne fear;
inordinate love of amneement, au -an' ex- you sla'n't want your walk for me; but
oitemont, in those latter days." Sandy Craig is no gentleman, though he
"Man cannot live by bread alone," said is my another's brother --half-brother, I
Macalister, gravely, "Mian wants feedlot: mean,"
imagination and wonder, and --and soli- - Kenneth continued to speak, but his
inrprtivelnent." worts oonVeyed no sense 10 Mena, car her
It ill boeomes the son of a [nod-fearin' eyes held been ettraetecl by a well knows
minister to be quoting Seeiptairo borhie sin figure,
weak purposes" observed Uncle Safely, "This conversation had taken place as
rsnrovettgly, ' IwIll na hoar it, and it '!?^- cnuciva wore walling, Iheyhada:Moe
through Kensington Gardens, past UM Ai-
bero Memorial, and, reaching the road,
lamed west, iu!endin; to return by Palace
Gardens. Justiu the narrowest part of
tie Iligh Street, at the apposite side, two
Wren Mood talking -cone 01lurt, stout, bowed -
legged, and bull-necked, with amazingly
tight trousers, 0 gaudy neck -tie, c and
A
most horsey and repellant aspect. lie had
his brick toward Mona as Sho came up.
The gentleman with whom he was in deep
conversation, and who faced her, was
Y acing.
Waring wets looking dull and sullen; his
clothes caraless7YP t ini, and n indeacri
b-
• ibledit of self-neglect pervading din6 his ap-
pearance.
-
poarance. Mlunn ryas so alerted that site
almost unconsciously put her band through
Mncalister'e arm, drawing near to him;
Awl he,somewhat surprised, lse bent his eyee
a ir d
1 Y
u
upon her with a smile. Waring, who was
e
1 f3,
talking eagerly, angrlly glanced toward
them at that moment. Their glances met,
Mona blushed vividly. Waring grew
white, hesitated, raised his hand to his
hut; but Mona had passed before he could
lift it.
"What was the matter?" asked Kenneth.
"I thought 1 saw a gentleman I used to
know, and 1-I 10110 afraid he might come
and speak to me."
"You Should not be afraid of anyone
when 1 am with you, Coulon Mona! I e'
would nut let anyone trouble you-"
"let there are seine things you might
not be able to help. however, it is no 'w
matter. No, Kenneth -do not look back."
They talked in a friendly fashion till
they reached the hnttse,whon the servant in-
formed them that .lir. Craig had been ask-
ing for theta, and the rest of the Sabbath
was devoted tohim.
Mona's sadden start and slight confusion
soon passed from young Macalister'smind,_
But the encounter with Waring dwelt
long in Mona':. Sire was greatly affected
by seeing hint look so changed for the
worse. Ought she to bear the blame of
this in any way? Nol However grieved
she might be, she could not suppose that
the loss of herself had wrought such mis-
chief. It was only his natural downward
tendencies that were swaying him. And
there w0s so much of good in his nature,
it eves ori infinite pity that he was thus
dragged down. What a horror the man
was to whom he had been speaking! Poor
Waring! Sho would have liked to have
remonstrated with and saved him; but
even had she the chance of doing so, she
would have pet herself in a false position
by showing the kindly interest she felt,
* * * * * *
A few days after this little adventure,
and much about the time firs. Newburgh
had died the previous year, Uncle Sandy
was seized by a very sharp attack of bron-
chitis. For a few days he was even in
danger.
On this occasion Mme. Debrisay distin-
guished herself. She was a capital nurse,
and incl had large experience.
Botts \Vero unceasing in their care; but
Mme. Debrisay was obliged to absent her-
self nearly all day, whereas Mona gave up
her pupils that she might watch over the
sufferer.
Mr. Craig seemed deeply touched by the
thoughtful care of his nurses -especially
by Mme. Debrisay's; and the sort of mis-
trust with which he regarded iter melted
away.
The short Christmas holidays, therefore,
were anything but a cheerful period to
the partners; and though Uncle Sandy
was as fractions as au invalid well could
be, his occasional bursts of grateful recog-
nition obliterated the irritation of his test-
iness. est-
iness.
To Mona, the knowledge that be was go-
ing to make Kenneth his heir brought a
certain liberty of action, which set her free
from any .fear of being indirectly hampered
by fear of her own motives,
When lir, Craig was ably to get up, and
stagger with Kenneth's help into his sit-
ting room, he was less disposed than usual
to growl and find fault.
"Well, madame," he said, "ye may be
wrung in the matter of doctrine, but you
"rd hate been a. acid mon, if yo hadn't
known what to do."
are a' right in the treatment of the stele.
I'd have beau a deid mon, ie ye hadn't
known wheat to do while they were seeking
the doctor."
"I em very glad to be of any use to you;
but I think as far as constant attention
went, Mona was the best of all! She left
nearly all her lessons, to stay with you.
Bowe er amn1
V I lad to sayshe has a
ri
gY
lost two or throe,"
"Lost! Did you say lost?"
"Yea, my dear sir. You see, Tuesdays
and Fridays are always very busy, and she
gave up three pupils ter those days, not to
torogo her attendance on you."
"That one varra kind-varra. I'll not
3orR of it."
He seemed lost reflection, while Mine.
in
Debrisay murmured to herself-
"I with he would remember it soon, or
his memory won't keep it,"
"I was just thinking that Mona ]las been
like a daughter tome," resumed Mr, Craig.
"3 begin to think I'd be lonesome without
her. Eh, Kenneth, my mon, what do you
say?"
"You would feel very desolate without
her, now yon have been accustomed to her,
and so migltt Anyone. My cousin Mona is
an nneommon clever, bright ymmgleddy."
"Eli ye think so, do you? Awed, aweel!
I'd ltko to have a talk with yo the next
tiine you come up here; there are on0 or
two matters shouldwish you to consider."
"My dour sir, if you: wish to speak to Mr.
Macalister, 1 will leave you together?"
"Not the clay, not the clay," said Uncle
Sandy. "1 have no the strength to insist
on anything,"
(To tie 1e 91'int:10
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