The Brussels Post, 1888-12-14, Page 7411Ib
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; mimeo lily tousen, very proper Vinguage.
"No; then 1 have not written to him." , /,
IVIONA S HCICE, "°
lefa8g0 vein sutterings ot trna mortat 'mat an Otterprnung yoettg latter • rasa
Lord leittallen, as Ore quartet strolled out
patriots of Youra ' M. io Directeur, elnaaa bear till lion," cried l nom handy
"the Lord POOP mid a ennipeition at- a good deal disturbed. "My niece is not
e
Mt
.k
XAN 11,
Lei, lee sheat ii hands with you, my dear air."
lIavingdiaue so, mine, Debrisay left the
toom, atiatmuring to herself as she de-
acended the staire—"Stingy, cross-grained, Maids lawn looks bright, your energetic
emdankerons old miser! He thinks he ean English, yeni Wye ogles to the last."
'eel the Thames on tire." "Pitzallani" repealed Mr. 'Craig. "T
'While 'Uncle Sandy, reclining a con- know!—he is my tenant; he lute had my
;Pieria In bis easy.chair, musing on the al- house in the Highlands for a conseederahle
woollen, "A. hasty, stormy mama," Wati Erne."
his mental verdict, "but no devoid o' eeisse." "Indeed!" said both hearers.
And from that moment Uncle Sandy
CIIAPTEI1EIV.—CONTREXIWILLP
" WWI raised to the rank of a millionaire.
Finally nil things were arranged, or ar• The sou wan now over, and Mona's side
ranged themselves; and ono fine morning had lost, in spite of her gond play, The
in June, Uncle Sandy (to whom it wits ne hour for Uncle Sanely's taturetion walk in
difficulty to get up "in the middle of the the adjoining wood was at hand, so he
night," as Mille. Debresay Said) and lions beckoned her to him, not a little delighted
were ready at an early tem—packed and to eare'relse overtly a father's rights over
breakiasted--to start by the morning trate MI elegant -looking girl, who bore the un -
for Dover, en route to Paris. mistakable stamp of "the Upper Ten"—a
"I do not know how Pll live without class against which he raved theoretically.
you," said Mme. Debrisay, embracing "Alil" said he, as he toddled. (a common
Mona, with fastellowing teem. "I was all ex ression hut extremely expreestve at
right before you came, tall 110NY I 1{110W
What it fa to have you by 11101 10 will be
awfully lonesome when you are gone!"
"Aud how I shall miss you, dearest Debi
You knotv I am half afraid of the task 1
Proper Neils° of independence," repeat- Fitz was born au idiot, and hasn t lm- if he marries? 110 you know all this?"
have undertaken! It is a serious matter fo and attention he'll be able to ?mare for such .,
as you aud me!" eel Eiverard; "1 fancy you will think it im- proved his brains by hard drinking. HIS
'Mutt It is! Brit you will do went "1 have been greatly mistaken in. Mon- proper when she runs away from ?me?" father, Lord Lynebridge, won't give him a
--- "Naw!" exclaimed Uncle Sandy, "and 1 0
will not; believe it Ile told me he was
Above all, hold your own. If you give in, slew Delorme, if their presence makes any "hag but she'll no do that, She can penny. Someone has to go about with ready to make hauelsome settlements: to al
he'll he sure to trample 00 yon. Ana you difference to him," she returned. have a good home with inc if sho chooses, him, or he would destroy himself in a few
will write to me every week?" "Weel, you'll gee; young things like you as you know, my lord!" months, lie proposes for every woman be have the family diamonds re -set for you;
"I will deer Deb; and you must answer. think everyone is tut angel that speaks n 4.1%,1,...m,,, exelahned Lord Familiar. meets. We had aa awful row last April to have a couple 0' rooms always ready tor . cp
me at Flizallan TOwers. for be wa.s sure
"I expect Home a•ery diet eget:11114 corn- towards 81)1e settle under the trees.
rive to-morMW. 'A rty —1
think he leis be,: 1'60,1 mayor a man or
high potation.- 11,, Mal ;Midi, Ids wife,
they cote° to-nfoiruw. It Is well that the
Inc
, SA if NS 011 I hp; a . i ,,ii 1. am ay
"Well, do, Mee a good laasie." mutter fair letore you: tau that 1 begged
"Oh, yes, uncle; I will write to lilin." ;
, I fin iaa lb atItlroaa you WI I had explained
In the evening Everard called and tusked
• al., bit for 11111111,1 that euro bow you would
Mona to take a stroll with him,
take It. DM I aeries you will hear moseu,
The walked along a petit leculinginto the Inc , zooliiii nice to sen you e (1111/114111111, my
woods In silence for a few minutes. At bonnie bird, before I died, in spite o' that
length Mona asked . conceited ape leverard. and his schemes."
' "And what does Evelyn say?" "And Lord Fitzallan actually proposed
a fota's paradise, They are not i t 1 for mel" exelalmed Alone, muter amused,
"Oh, nothing particular. She is still in
gomfi -0 I "Wi,y, unele, you would not rare to Nee
Strathairlie, because they want to show off nor enrolled neiong the aristocrats for
. the son and heir in Cumberland, They whom you have ,to muntt vontempt—and
are to have a larvae party, and want inc to then there is Kenneth! What 11;4)1)N -rine
gal but that le itinmeatble. 1 must look of
after Fazallan; and that brings me to what oAmeei, you see,
I want to say. Don't run away with the aide cloon, whatever my vonvictions may
X mune tun things up -
notion you can marry Fitzallan." be; so while these rideeelous distinctions
"Marry leitarillan!" repeated Mona, continue, it's no so had to have a share 0'
amazed, "Whet au extraordinary Meal" them. As to Kenneth," lie waved lila
"Not at all. Don't fly oft at a tengent.
Of course 11 00 perfectly natural you should hand, "you say yourself be dues na care
for ye. We could find him mother wife;
try to get a good settlement. It would be and as rny lord dams want ony portion
a famous match; but I can't allow it!" wi' you, I could give a" to Kenneth."
Mona paused, leaned against a tree, and o
laughed heartily. I am tetra you and Lord Fitzallan .me
very good itt arranging for my futtue; but
"If I could keep my countenanee, islionld do you know that Lord Fitisallan is in the
be angry with you, Bettie! The determia- habit of proposing for every woman he
tion people seem to have that I shall marry Ineela W11011100 111 a ball -room or behind a
Uncle Saudy's peculiar gait) along, with some one or other is absurd."
the help of re stick and an umbrella, be- Lord Pilzallan bowed and departed. 'But I am determined you shall not eounter?—that he Ira half-witted drunk-
ard, only kept within decent bounds by
aide his niece; "the director has been tell- the sort o' young faddy to do sic en no. marry Fitzallan. Don't you know that.
Ing me there are S0010 grand folic coming mannerly imprudence, she is Plat a lassie atter him, my father is heir to the earldom, has not a farthing he can call his own, and
the wateliful care of bis family?—that he
to -morrow; then you'll see how little time „..i., „ p,„p„ „„„ Of ina„,„„a„„„.,, and after him your humble servant. Now his father will not continue his allowance
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be bear leader to Thiele Sandy."
Good-bye. Gainless you!" kind word. When nty Imlay mayoress a1'- slly good sir, what do I know about it?" with a girl at a luncheon -bar at Willesden Lord Lynehridge --that's the earl— his
The journey across the Channel and to rives, the roses and posies he has been Then you °Ugh t., eonsidering you. have or Baling, or some such place. He is a
the capital of fair Franco is now a ttvico- banding you so politely everymorning will rented my house
Incfor near on two years! harmless creature but his father will not father, would enjoy a creek wi' me, as he
told—nay, a thriee-told—tale, familiar to all go to her leehlyship,,,
..Don't ye mind Oraigdarruchr give him a sou, and he does not want him voice grew unetendy with eagerness.
is an advanced Liberal," and. the adman'stold—nay,
every " 'Arry end his 'Arlie." Norevt-be- I "Well, perhaps so! I don' suppose i "Craiirdarroch! by ,Tove! Are you Craig to marry. It would be a splendid match .
Mona was greatly distressed that her
less, it WAS fraught with e‘xelleinent ancl have noire penetration than my neighbors, or Crttiolarroch? I had not the faintest 100 you, but you see he has been so queer, nude should be so possessed with 00t1. un -
delight to Uncle Sloily",, inexperience. but I am (mita fond of Monsieur le Dime- idea I should meet my landlord in this re- I believe we could break it, so it will not possible scheme, and disappointed to and
The fair hop fields or Kut, the white cliffs lour, so 1 hope he will not allow any lady- mote region. I should like to have a third do to attempt such a hazard," • him so faithless to his own principles.
,and blue glittering witters'or the Channel ship, however greed, 10 cid' Inc "uti I , season at Craigdarroch. Ms a snug little : "Listen, Berths. What have you over i
eit Dover, the Admiralty Pier, the castle- shall be deeply wounded if he does." box, and as 1 do not like large parties, it 'They talked long and ettraestly. Al
creamed heights, the loWering ot some- "You are a foolish bairn.: .Now, Mona, just suits me." .seen in me to Induce you to think of warn-iing me in this insulting manner? Marry I
length Mr. Craig began to see that his
haells carriage on to thc.deck, all afforded r don't likeIn
any poor, eeserable creature ‘m
.say, repeated Mr. Craig, indignantly. '
'Lord Fitzallani Why, I would almost ! splendid air -castle was baselesta bis good -
humor vaniehed, and with it acona's pow -
him matter Inc wonder and admiration. —just like ourselves—that's a' puffed up "There are six large sleeping -rooms, forbye ;rather," she paused and looked at her kips ems of pleasing. He complained of head -
But the marvel of marvels wast land at we a handle to her name; I don't like her twa ithers, and servants' accomodation, a iman from head to foot, "I would almost
Wale, and not understand a word spoken, to show finer feathers than my brother's drawing -room, and a dining -room, a library 'rather marry limaoppressed breathing, faintness, and many
" ache and rheumatism, pain in the heart,
by the chattering crowd around him. daughter, so if you want abrawnewgown, and my museum, and cellars, etc." I "Well, you speak plain enough." 1 other painful symptoms. He insisted on
i
Then, indeed, he clung 10 1118 niece's arm, you get it, soy bairn; only tell me the east e
What a funny notion that, Craigdarroeh "Yes. I will always speak to you in your sending Inc M. le Directeur and the doe -
and was abjectly civil to the polite inter- should belong to your uncle, Mona," said ; style. What are you—any of you, to
preter who traveled with the train. Everard. own
me? I want nothing from you. I can
Mona, who hail teen somewhat nervous "And why shouldn't it?" asked Thiele ;
about conveying line invalid uncle such a Sandy, testily. "Why shouldn't Mona's
;distance, was surprised andreiteved to find uncle buy what he likes with the money he
.how change of scene drew him GUS of him- worked so hard to make?"
.self, and how manyof his infirmities van- "I am sure I have no objection. Only I
ished, because he had not time to think of wish you would let Fitzallan have the
therm pilaw for another year. I can only be with
She Was glad, however, to get him sate hint for ten days this season, and the shoot-
' to the hotel recommended by lime. Deb- bit about there is first-rate."
tesay—a thoroughly French house, where "I ant afraid yon are a self-seeker, young
they found a German waiter who spoke mon," said Uncle Sandy, solemnly.
"English, but who had scene difficulty in "Yes, of course I am. So are you; so are
• understanding Uncle Sandy's.
Tho old man was quite exhausted, and "I have always tried to do my duty," re -
went to bed as soon as he had partaken of turned. Uncle Sandy, startled by this at -
00015 food. tack.
"You'll pit year purseunder your pillow, "I dare say. It is much the best plan; it
• dearie," he said, tremulously, and lock does ono no harm. if you manage properly,
your door; and here, my "arable, here are and it pays in the end."
ten sovereigns. They are for your :On self, "Yet" said Mona, quietly, "I can imag-
and when yoto want more, you tell me. I ine your performance of duty not being
dinna wish you to want for onything, only specially profitable to your employer."
"What; right have you to say that?" cried
Everard, n little nettled. "It is appalling
to think what your tongue will bo when
you aro an old woman, considering what it
Is at present."
"Miss—Miss—" began Lord Fitzallan,
whose memory was not retentive. "Your
charming cousin will never be old."
"Well, I have some letters to write, so
good -evening," said Everard, rather ab-
ruptly, and he went off toward the stab -
Hazen -lent.
Lord Fitzallan remained a few moments,
trying, vainly, to flirt with Mona, but her
manner was so chilling that he, too, bowed
and departed.
beforehand!"
" You aro very good and generous, uncle;
but I do not need anything. I had some
of my last year's dresses done up before
WO came away; and I actually do not fear
comparison, even with so exalted a person-
age as a lady mayoress," said Mona, laugh-
ing.
'That's a' richt; it's weed to have a pro-
per spirit. We are Wild that we must not
allow pride to master our hearts; but pro-
per pride is no' included; and I have al-
ways held myself to be as good as any
ither mon."
The following day, shortly before the
hour for table (Mote, the stagnant waters
of life at Contrexeville were stirred by the
arrival of my Lord Fitzallan, his valet, his
friend—a yonng man—and his valet; apile
of luggage, including gun -cases, fishing -
rods, a couple of dogs, and endless imped-
iments of various kinds. Every waiter in
the place appeared absorbed in the bustle
created by this important arrival; and the
I would nue be talked out o siller. Ehl visitors, as they assemble(' for dinner,
it's wonderful to hear till ye talking to talked of nothing else. The great men
these outlandish folk in their ain tongue. had signifieti their gracious intention of
I wish I had had maim learning in my dining with the general nubile, and their
' youth." places were being busily got ready, chain -
"Thank you, dear uncle, you are very
Plane bottles pub into coolers, and extra
good! Now you must get to sleep. I have dainties for dessert being placed at their
• lighted a night -light, and my room is next end of the table,
yours. If you will knock at the door, I will on% Just a humeellating spectacle," said
80100 00 you." Uncle Sandy, taking his seat and unfolding
They obtained an early start next morn- his napkin, while his very nose seemed to
lug, and the journey was tedions. Uncle curl np with contemptuous disapprobation,
Sandy bemoaned the heat, the cost, the ,,to aee enoti a like set out over twa 'eddies
weariness of travel; and his niece was truly that would be better earning their crust."
glad when they reached a shabby little sta- "1 fancy, from what I have heard, Lord
tion in a rather fiat but prettily wooded
country, and everyone got out.
'It ought to be a wonderfu.' cure to come
this weary long road for it!" groaned Un-
cle Sandy, as he descended from their con-
veyance when it stopped before the en-
trance of the etablissentent.
Then came the business of finding rooms
and arranging terms. This was simplified
by a letter of introduction obtained by
Mme. Debrisay from a mutual friend, to
M. le Directeur, who speedily came to
them, and, to Mr. Craig's infinite joy, mentalstrengtlunor (finis sloping shoul-
proved to be an excellent.English scholar, ders, spidery legs, and long neck suggest
Mona thought lier uncle would have ein- physical power. Ile was smiling blandly
braced him when he addressed them in at something the host was saying, and his
their native tongue. expression was kindly enorigh, but Mona
The next day saw Uncle Sandy duly in- scarcely took in these details, so surprised
augarated into the system of water -drink- WAS sho to see that his friend whofollowed
lug, douches, and massagehim was Bertio
Occasionally Moua enjoyed n game of That gentleman's keen eyes detected her
tennis, as an English family, consisting of instantly, but with his usual
he merely raised his eyebrows, smiled
Fitzallan 15 by no means young.
"Why? What do ye ken about him!'"
Before she could reply, the door opened CHAPTER 11y.—AN OLD AccolArgir.tacCift.
and the new guests, conducted by the
Mona did not find life at Contrexeville
manager of the hotel, entered. The first .,,.Y
any means exhilarating. Uncle Sandy
neutral. Ins hair was of light hey -color,
and affectionate toward her than he had
his mustache a shade or two darker, his
ever been before to any creature.
complexion a pale drab; his eyes a iaded
blue; a very longpointed nose; and a rather At the first momenta recognition, Mona
receding chin, did. not convey an. idea 00 was displeased to find that Everard and
Lord Fltzallan were to be their "compan-
ions of the Bath." But it was very MIMS-
Ing to her to see how profoundly gratified
that stern republican Uncle Sandy was by
oiling associated as a family connection
with the great grandees of the season.
Sneer as he might at "yon noir feckless; bit
was a tall, thini:oso coloring was extremely of his niece, anti was indeed more amiable very thin man of forty- '
seemed to have taken complete possession
five or fifty, w
father, mother, two daughters, and a hob-
bledehoy son, made very friendly advances,
and frequently invited her to join them
when they played.
The father, a stout, red-faced sufferer
from gout, made friends with uncle Sandy,
and many were their argumeats, as Mr.
Clapton was a strong Conservative, and
his wife n dame of the Primrose League,
while Mr. Craig was an advanced Liberal,
not to say a Bulled of the most virulent
description. This little excitement largely
helped the cure, and 'Uncle Sandy was re-
luctantly obliged to admit that he felt con-
siderably better.
"How well mademoiselle your niece
playa the tads!" said hi. le Directeur, tak-
ing his seat on the bench where Uncle
Sandy and Mr, Clairton had already placed
themselves under the shade of some trees,
and in view of the tennis courts. "Do not
derange 3 -ourselves, gentleman. I pray
youl" he oontinued, "I like to look at
Mews Craig, her attitudes are so graceful.
She seems like the spirit of the came, yet
she is so quiet and ponce, and gentle at
tidier Enloe. Truly she is a young girl to
be proud of, and I make you my compli-
ments." Ho bowed low to her uncle, while
ido tEiro,Crletrovaltiinedo.aelcileetlamlineeurrlu, T;00bylnya
The heart of Alexendor Craig swelled
within him. Perhaps of all the ingredients
in his character, pride contributed the
largest share, and that pride had been
sorely lot and madaeul all the years of his
, youth. He would MVO 1)0011 Completely
;loured by tibia constent repression, but for
• 1)18 devout belief in himself, 10 mai that
anyone belonging to him should mull forth
the praise and adluiration of the beholds -
erg, VMS 0 source of delitions gratifientien,
and Mona's =rite asSunied larger propor-
tions in hie eyes ea M. le Directotir spoke.
•
"lllil tilie's a good. lasele. She is nay puir
brother's Only child, and T look on her as
utiv tutu bairn, 00 $1110'11 find whom 11100 re-
faintly, and bowed as if he had quite ex-
pected to meet his young kinswoman at
the table <Peet& Mona was vexed at her-
self for coloring as she felt ehe did when
she returned his bow, smiling at the same
time with irrepressible amusement. The
idea of alt encounter between Uncle Sandy
and Bertio Everard seemed infinitely
comic.
"Who's that?" asked the former, indig-
nantly.
"Ho is a rant of cousin of mine, or rather
of my poor geaudinother. 1 used to stay
at his mother's house. She was very kind
to me."
"Ay, till you began to earn your own
living, thaw aro aye worthless folk. Stop
the waiter, will yo? 1 cannot eat thlidellsh;
it has seen a deal of the world since it loft
the wetter.
The oftendinglish removed,Uncle Sandy
"glowered," as he wade have said him-
self, at the new -comers, until it was re-
placed by asalffals of pigeona.
At length dinner was over, Everardleft
his seat, as Mona and Uncle Sandy were
leaving the table, and intercepted. them.
Mona presented her undo, and Everard
introduced her to Lord Fitzallan, who
bowed twice, once to the lady, once to the
Orabbecl-looking little Scotsman.
"Aid Miss Craig, don't you think Nta
might contrive a consinship out of the
double relationship?" he said, in a Gott
but weaky voice, and with witathe intend-
ed for a fascinating simper.
"I 111n afraid not. Tito only reldrelation
I have is my uncle."
"What a rude speech, Mona! Do you
repudiate me?" said Nverard,
'011, u01 I take you for what you are
Worth."
Everard lifted his eyebrows.
"Hove is your friend and partner, the
=laic mistress/ It Was the funniest, idea
fyottr running away from my mother to her,"
"limn ttWay? Did 100 really ran away?
of a lord" in his absence, be was always
placidly content to hobble along with Mona
betweea himself and the elderly young
man in public places.
To Everard ho was more deferential,
That gentleman's gooci-humoredomilineh-
lag indifference to the feelings of his fel-
low -creatures filled him with awe. There
was 110 kuoWing what he might say next,
while the fearlessness with which Mona
crossed rapiers with him excited his ad-
miratiom Yet Everard was always ready
to talk with her, and oven tried, with the
obstinacy for which lie was remarkable,
to get her away from her uncle to walk
with hire,
This degree of attention woke Uncle
Sandy's suspicions, for, as is not unusual
in Scotchmen, he was disposed to attribute
all such indications to the master passion
of humanity,
"Tell mo, noo," he said one exceedingly
warm afternoon, as .they sat in his room—
'tell me, was it because o' ono cousin ye
refueled the other?"
"Bow de you mean, Unele Sandy?"
"Eh! you understan.' well enough. Is it
because you lave young Everard you re-
fused Kenneth?"
"Love Bartle lilverarcti Do you think any
human being loves him, except, perhaps,
his mother?"
"How can I ken? Ole is a brew, out-
spoken °anent"
"He is brutally indifferent to everyone's
feelings. Were 1 obliged to marry either,
should certainly prefer Kenneth."
"Then what for should you refuse hist?"
"Because I do not Intend to marryhim."
'Do you know that it will go hard wi'
inc before I ever consent to your marrying
any either men?"
"Well,0 shall not trouble yet, uncle. I
shall never marry Kenneth."
"Then, 'Violin, I tun sate at heart to say
it, but PS no count yott tunny daughter."
"Oh, yes, you will, uncle: You could not
do without mei"
"Not WOO. Yet I'd. try, 11y011 set your
tine against doing what 1 want you 10 do.
The ?rejected Lean's match came off very
successfully.
supply my own vants, and I have not the
smallest ambition to belong to yore in any
way. I never seek you, and if you ceased
to recognize me it would not cause mo the
smallest annoyance."
"Ohl but I like to talk to you. If I eve
could make such an ass of inyselt as to fall
in love, I should fall in love with you."
Mona laughed merrily at this avowal.
"Come, let us go back," she said. "You
are by no moans agreeable. I really regret
not having to sympathetic companion this
beautiful evening."
"Ay, I dare say yon would prefer Lisle
now?"
"Yes; a good deal more. He knew how
to mask his selfishness, which is all one
expects front an every -day acquaintance."
"I think, Mona, I shall cut you in fu.
true."
'As you please. I tun quite ready to
seconrt your efforts. Here is young Mr.
Clapton, be will walk back with me.
Well, Mr. Clacton, I think we aro going tit
have another cloudless day to -morrow. Le
your sister inclined to make a set at tennis?
I think my uncle will not want me in the
afternoon. '
And the hobbledehoy, well -pleased to be
in attendance on Mies Craig, who was UM
considered "the glass of fashion, and the
mold of form," walked bank to the park on
one side of Mona, while Evertu•d sulked at
the other. •
The following day was dry and fine, and companion was a real bereavement.
the projected tennis metal came off very Montt's letters were her greateet nomfort,
successfully. Mona, and -Miss Clairton, and, need. it bo said, with what Nyeleome
her brother, and an Anglomantao Event% joy she received a letter from MOD& an -
count, short, stout, and extremely puffy. nounciug that she and her uncle would be
Lord Mullen appeared in an elegant in London Go the. twenty-setiond.
It was a lino, glowing evening when, in
suit of flannels, and piettuesque cap; but
her prettiest cap, she awaited the arrival
be served so badly, and so constantly missed of the travelers, having assisted to lay the
his balls, that he soon declared the heat table and realm the place look neat and
was too much for him, and he subsided on pretty. Of course those watched for were
a bench beside -Uncle Sandy, who had so late, or seemed to be; but at last a cab,
improved in health and spirits thathe even
laden with luggage, drew up to the gate,
confessed to a certain Interest 00 0110 game, and the next moment Mona was in her
and confided to Lord Fitzallan his eonvic- friend's arms,
tion that, had he not boon such a "frail
"Me detain' child! I have been that lone -
body" he would have played "flue." ly without youl And you are looking right
Mona observed that her uncle and Lord
well, but terribly sunburned."
Fitzallan gradually got into evidently deep
conversation; but she did not take numb A hearty kiss, and then she wont to
notice of them, as Otto game was interest- greet Mr, Craig, who descended from the
ing and the Frenchman played better than cab with more alertness than she had ever
seen him show before.
usual. "Delighted to see you looking quite a
Mr. Craig WAS rather silent all the even-
ing, and retired to rest even earlier than new man, my dear Mr. Craig!" she cried,
a genuine look of pleasure dancing in her,
usual; but ho was more gracious than his
bright, dark eyes, as she shook hands with
wont, aud there was a tone of veiled super -
him heartily. "Welcome hack, after all
iority in his voice when lie spoke to ver -
these long months,"
ard. "Thank ye, thank ye!" he returned,
"Monti," said her uncle, when, after the
please
=tilting water -drinking and douche, alt., pleased with the warinth of her greeting,
"I'm not sorry to be back again. I hope
eta„ next day, she went et noon to admin.,
ister a biscuit and a ghats of wine—"I have you are weal?"
"Yee, quite well! T arn an evergreen.
something to say to you, my t ear e. ,
Mr. Maealister has been good enough to
ye don." come to cheer roe up occasionally. Very
"Very well, unele," taking her place be-
lEind of him to trouble about an old. go -
side him on the sofa. "Whitt is it?"
man, Glad to see you. Go inside, Mr.
"A varra serious matter, which I hope Craig, your nephew and 1 will settle with
yon'lt take in a serious apirit." -Otto cabmaa."
'rills sounds serious," "Na, nal I'll just 'my him myself."
"Ole just exi remely gratifying, as I think This done, Mme.Debrisay and Mona had
yon'll say, That young nobleman has a few precious5 moments to themselves, 1
been talking vivre seriously to me. He is and then the party sat down to, high tea,
an tioneet-like Wel, and hotells ma he .18 will, Otto „,,,,,f ent„mnt hrigii, fro, 1
"110111 30:' .“... ::1'... ... ... (TO 1111 CONTMED.) I
tor, and dined in his own room.
Mona did not appear in public either,
and Everard confiscated a charming bou-
quet of roses Lord Fitzallan was dispatch-
ing to her, and bestowed it in his own
name on the delighted Miss Clapton.
In the course of the evening a curious.
wildly -written and ill -spelled letter reached
Mona from his lordship's pen, in which he
professed the most ardent admiration for
her beauty, her noble character, her gen-
eral charms, and declaimed against the
cruel plots of heartless relatives against
his liberty and happiness.
This Mona tore up, and left unanswered.
She took an opportimity, however, of in-
forming Bertie Everard of the occurrence.
Finally, the evening before she and Mr.
Craig lett Controxeville, Lord Pitzallan, in
the absence of his valet and his cousin, got
hold of a bottle of brandy, and was guilty
of some wild antics, which convinced—but
by no means consoled—Uncle Sandy.
CHAPTER XVI.—TRE SERPENT'S TOOTR.
On the whole, Alexander Craig's retreat
from Contrexeville was sudden, and barely
in good order. Fle was not a little crest.
fallen by the complete collapse of the bril-
liant hopes which had dawned -upon him
for a moment. The excelleat effect of the
treatment and waters, however, had re•
stored his elasticity, so that his sullenness
and irritable depression did not last very
long.
BBy
the dine they reached Strasbourg and
were comfortably settled an a goad hotel,
he began to talk of making plans; :naps
and guide -books were brought out, and
the old mam brightened up when he found
Mona was highly pleased at the idea of
seeing Switzerland.
She was a very efficient assistant, look-
ing up the railway fares, counting the cost,.
and calculating the difference between for-
eign and English money.
And so uncle and niece set out on a pil-
grimage, visiting by very slow degrees tho.
most interesting places in Switzerland and
on the Rhine.
In this tour we will not attempt to fol-
low; are not these places, their histories
and attractions, written in the books of
Murray and of Baedeker?
For the winter they rested at Dresden,
where Uncle Sturdy was both comfortable
and happy in the society of a Presbyterian
!Meister of sound views, who tctu.cht AIL
,.riog cores, Et grout rthuttree, 0. natticlaitiza
a little irksome to Mona.
So autumn, winter, and springpassed by,
and midsummer was close at baud.
To Mme. Debrisay the loss of her dear
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