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The Brussels Post, 1888-12-28, Page 7Dc:o. 28. LKNn, NA S CH ICI 11, M1114. AI:AIRANUI?N. the Mature of familiarity and complete change. "How flolitious the tea Is!" cried Mona. 'That Is ono thing yon rarely get abroad," "ISLI but It is good to get a bit of dry toast again!" Hata Uncle Sandy. "And Kenneth, my mon, 1 aun right glad to see you I" "Thunk you, sir, I'm aure Ihare missed you and—and Miss Mona here, sorely. 11 Wan u pleasure to have abit talk with mad - tone while you were away." "But, nnulel Kenneth is not looking at all n'ell. He in pale and thin. Have you been ill, Kenneth." "Oh, nothing to speak of! Jul.s'a cold, and a heaviness in my limbs," "all, molt" said. Unate Sandy, with a knowing smlle, "It's grand to have a braw young lassie sperm' after your health." "Site NMI always ferry good to me," said Kenneth, uneasily. Then 114 appetite was allayed, talk 'lowed full and. free. "1 think, uncle," said Mona, afteragood deal of description of the people and places they had seen, "1 think you ought to take Kenneth with you to Oratgdarroch, It would do Aim a wo'1d of good, And be kuows tat about land and animals. IIe would be a better companion than I could he." "Ah, but I canna want yon! If I had my own way, Pd have you baith always by me." "Well, 1 tun sure that isnot impossible," said Mona, thoughtlessly. She had forgotten her uncle's schemes; it was so long since site had heard anything ale tut teem. "Ahem! f am glad to hear its" ho re- turned, dryly. Words which stirred Mono's memory. She hmghed and blushed, glancing u4.. I(en- neth with friendly comprehension. H!; face grew longer, and has eyes had a startled expression. which unused Mnna. But Uncle Sandy began to talk of going to bed, 111111 asked his nephew to unstrap his portmanteau for him; and as his room adjoined the dining -room which Mite. 1) brisay had secured fur their =emacia- tion. they could hear the murmur of voices as Kenneth assisted his uncle to Impact. "Come, mon angel" cried Mme. Debri- say; "1 will go and have a few words in peace with you while you gat out your clothes. T am (lying to hear all about every- thing!" "And 1 to tell you. Ali, Deb! 1 wish I could live and work with you! But, real- ly. Uucle Sandy has been most kind tome, .Kenneth assisted 7 s 1011010 to unpack. and f am fonder of him than I ever thought I should bo. But sometimes his selfishness —his narrowness—repels me; still, I feel bound to him!" Safe in Mono's little room up -stairs, the friends enjoyed the delights full, free Interchange of confidence. 01 all Mona had to relate, the episode of Everard's appearance at Contrexoville in- terested Mme. Dobrisay most. "To think of such an out and out Radical as ]Mr, Craig wishing you to marry a no- bleman!" cried Madame, shrugging her shoulders when Mona had finished her story. "Ali, 'lell wheat, inconsistent crea- tures men are! I have heard of this Fltzal- lan, my dear; and he is as ]Had as a hatter!' "He mist ba," said Mona, thou,thtfully. There was a few moments pause, then Mute, Dobrisay said, in a gently remon- strating voice-- (, "Come, now, my own darling; will you 11.08e1' tell due is is as the bu11810 of it ell?" "All what, D'10" "Your refus1 1.1 poor Mr. Waring, and the state yon trete ill when you had con- sented to marry him before your grand - another's death! Why, I never saw such a face ;a8 you had! 't'her'e was some man at the bottom of it." "1 can only assaro yen, Deb, I was per- fectly livar't-witch when I accepted Mr. Waring; and I wish you would not remind Inc of that dreadful time pray put it out of your mind, I hope 180 may soon read the announcement of Mr. WarIng's mar- riage, and that he may live happy ever af- ter," "Well, I cannot understand it," mur- mured udmitred Mme. Dobrisay, in a wondering tole; "bub I do nndorstand that you don't choose to tell." "Never mind, dear; you must tell me all your neWe now." * * * * * * * * Unolo Sandy did not seem in a hurry to go north, Ho lingered in London, and Kenneth was under orders to come up every evening. Mona took advantage of his presence to steal away occasionally to en joy some music and talk with Mme. Debrisay. These absences did not lease Yr her uncle He grew Groes and fidgety, and Mona began to fear that he had left ]lis reasonableness at the other side of the Channel, ' It was quite ten days after their return before Kenneth found an opportunity of speaking with her alone. An unusually fine evening offered an excuse, and Mona gladly accepted Kenneth's invitation— Tenho, Dehrhsay offering to play chess with Dude Sandy. "Now that wo have got clear of houses, and people, Kennon," began Mona, as soon as they annealed in finding a seclud- ed sent iu Kensington Gardens, "tell me What la troubling you, for I soo that you are troubled?". "Trotrbledi Yes, I should think so, In - deal, I am not ono bit .more forward than w11011 we parted. and I doubt if I shall got west eras summer. anon 81r, 0ra8lt is 1n worse health than evert we fear wo will have 10 leave thole h soh and bore is my undo hurrying ma t, 101817 you --or, rath- er, to ask you thee,." "Well, ask tau a calm, Kenneth," sold Moa, sweetly, (14(.l i'11 give you Ilia same answer. "Eh, ib will bo hard to put him off now," groaned Kenneth; "ho is bent upon le what- ever," Still, you cannot marry me against my will," • :40; oat uncle Sandy says you refused a grand nobleman for my sake, Mona?" "NO;'for my own sake, He was a poor, half-witted creature, Kenneth, we must put a stop to thiel You 01081 tell Uncle Sandy that you have asked me again, and that I have refused yon; tell hien you do not care to have anything to do with a girl who Is so averse to accept you. If my un- cle calls rte to account, I will settle the matter very quickly," It ens late when they reached hone, and found duet Uncle Sandy hall retired to bed/ with a bad headaohe, and, according (Co Mum Dobrisay, a bad Sit of sulks, as lie had lost the game—and to be beaten{ es- pecially by a woman, was intolorabic9, "Your uncle desired me to say that he wished to see you late or early tie -Morrow evening, Mr. Kenneth," she couclluded, "so try ami'ame as early as you (lAn," "Very well," said Kennetln, looking as if he did nutlike "Do you think to -,narrow will be the crucial test, Kenneth?" asked Mona, an- swering the look. "I fool as it it would be," "Then (lo not fear. You will get through, and it is batter to have it out." All the next day Uncle S. may was silent touchy, dissatisfied. Ile felt out oC sorts, and was quite sure the veal he hal eaten the prevtons day had not been sufficiently cooked. How was it that he could eat veal abroad, and not at home? etc., etc. These symptoms boded ill for tbo even- ing's interview. When tea -time approaohed, Mona ob- served— 'As you want to speak particularly to Kenneth Macalister this evening, shall I go out of the way to Mme, Debrisay?" "Nowt" said Uncle Sandy, emphatically, "I'll likely want you, so you had best be at hand ut your own room." "Very well," returned Mona, Kenneth presented himself in tolerably good time—yet not before Uncle Sandy had begun to fidget and fret because he had not come sooner. The private conference between uncle and nephew had not lasted long, before a message was dispatched to Mona, who was trying to read in her own room. "Mr. Craig says would you please to come down, miss?" So Mona descended. Uncle Sandy was grasping the arms of Ids chair, and speak- ing in an angry tone. Kenneth was stand - Ing on the hearth -rug, with flashing eyes and a heightened color. "Such wain' contumaciousness," were the words which hissed from Uncle Sandy's lips as his niece entered the room. "Come here, Mona! Is it truewhatTion- neth's been telling me—that you have again refused to bo his wife?" "It is!" "And has he sought you with the respect and the—the—perseverance that he should show?" "Yes, uncle. I have no fault whatever to find with him," "Then why are you sae obstinate? Why will you rejeot what's for your ain good and happiness, and refuse to agree to what 1 have planned for you?" "I am sorry to disappoint you, uncle, hut it is impossible I can let anyone choose a husband for me." "And I must declare I canna wish t0 marry a young ledly who has refused one three times! It would be very unwise to take a reluctant wife. May he some other young Teddy— Kenneth got so fax, when Mr.' Craig in- terrupted him bitterly— "Ay, ay, my ladl there's as good fish in the sea as ever was caught; and I see it's no your fault, I don't know what's the matter wi' you, Mona? If you have an- other lad In your e'o, it'll be some neer-do- weal, I am afeard. If it's yon sneering leevll Everard, he wad net walk across the street for you. You'll be sorry for your eontradictintlsuess ono day." "aly dear uncle," laughing, "I never supposed Deeds Everard cared for mortal but himself. I assure you I have no lad of any description in my mind's eye," "Aweel!" cried Uncle Snn'ly, greatly en- raged, "it is vtllra medal eful and untie- :ouIng at malt a laughing -stock. oC your nncle, who has spent 5 1141810' aliler 0,1 youl To think that you'll memo a fine good young man, and never give a thought to your pair uncle's comfort, all for mere set - agnates, and an ill -placed fancy. You, Kenneth, just give notice to your employ- ers, and come awls' wi' me to Oraigdarronh. And you, Mona, I am done wV you; you She uteri to take his hand, hat ho pushed hers aauai/ may go to your chum. I renounce you; you are justiioartless, likey0luranid grand- mother's fine aristoorate froencds, and look down on folks that aro better than yourself." "But, uncle, I etmnot—" began lienneth. "Do not contradict him," whispered Mona, passing close by, as she approached her uncle. "Good-bye, Ilion," elle said, kindly, "5 will never offer to return, but it you want me, and ask use, I will come to you!' • She tried to take his hall, bathe pushed hers Away, and turned his face from her liken naughty child. Mona looked at ilio ]kindly, and a little sadly, and then left the room, forbidding Kenneth, by a gesture, to follow Ilea, of such en That he w. she 111,1 not strung nleasur nothing for it b of banishments therefore pai7ltetl up the land lo'1 r she 1811 short titne,l and retreat tray, i The lady was 001 at gone to plyss the evenln violinist.htnd his wife, wi on rattier intimate terms, downo wait for her, almo. Debrisay did not co o'clock, "Acini is 11 here you are, al yoysi elf In the dark!" she cried, quickly through the soft gloom /nler's night. "This is too bad t of me talking politics to that ens in;r German, when I might have b with you, dear. flow is it you go frau aur dear Old Man of the Sea?' "Easily enough, dear Debi Uncle ha, turned me out because I have cl ed I v refused to marry Kenneth hlacalis "Turned you out!" repeated Mnle, 1 rimy, as she struck a match and ligh the gas. "Has he gone off his head?" "I do not thick so; but 1 have venture( to believe Hon will take e 4..t, and in tilos belief 1 have told Mrs. Puddiford that my room was 811111rd, no 1 (.0111t. ,,Vor here?" "Turned yin Out!" repented ?tine. 1)'h. risay, sittite„ down suddenly and lasing off her bonnet, which she dr"peed on the floor; "and 4(11 for not ntarl'ytug that long- , legged Highlander, who is not fit to dust your sitoes." "No, no, Deho he la a very good fellow," "Oil, good en'atgl,; bat not for such as you. So I suppose it is all over!" "What is all over?" aslted :11on1a, "aly hopes that your uncle would pro- vide for yon.„ Now you are no better oil than you were before. ndeect you are woes() oaf, for you have to make up for 1111 the time yon spent wandering about with that old bear." "The usual fate of legacy hunters," re- turned Mann, smiling. "Yon are 4(O legacy Meter. Mona. I de - Clare that cantankerous uncle of yours can have no more heart thau a flint," "I do not believe be is quite heartless," said Mona, thoughtfully; "I believe ho is fond 01 me, and 1vil1 soon recall me." "When I hope you will have more spirit than to respond!" oried madame, indig- nantly; "he deserves to be left to hirelings for the rest of his days." "That would be a cruel punishment for an outbreak of ter —it was nothing more. Come, deare ')eb, I and tired and depressed; I will go led. Do von know that it Is very delightful the idea of break- fasting tete-a-tete with you to -morrow?" "Is it, my darling? Alt, it warms my heart to hear you say sol If you belonged to me now; if you were my own, own child, oh, it would give me the strength of a dozen women to work for you and fight for you; not but I'd do it all the same, only Pd have a right to you then," "Until 1 married some selfish tyrant of a man, who would show his love by separ- ating n1e front you," returned Mona, tak- ing akin; her hand in both hers with an affec- tionate smile. The next day was one of Mme. Debri- say's busiest, and it was exceedingly wet. Mona sat in -doors very contentedly, busy with book or needle, and Uncle Sandy made no sign, T ,e following evening, Kenneth made his appearance, with an exceedingly per- turbed aspect. " Well, :Sr. Maealister, what news?" cried Mme. Dolaisay, putting down the tea-pot to shake hands with him, "Good -evening, Kenneth. You do not look too happy," said Mona. "Happy!" he repeated; "I am just miser- able. I am thinking Uncle Sandy's gone clean daft. He was up in the city at our place, and saw Mr. Sinclair—that is the principal partner, Came in all the rain in a cab from lfoorgate Street. He told Mr. Sinclair that he was going to adopt me, and requested I might be allowed to leave, as ho could not go to his place in the High- lands without me. So I was called up, and old SInclttir mule rea s eoabout m. y goal fortune, olid my ©xn! eellent conduct white in the service of the house (1 don't believe he knew lay name rightly half an limn before); and the two old fellows com- plimented each other, I fancy Mr. Sin- clair thinks T am om118 in for ten thous - Ise], a year at le; This morning all the elseas were lougratuluting 1118, tad 1 telt like a thief." "Why sholld you, Kenneth? I assure you I Mould have been more miserable than you Zoete, it I thought my uncle had quarreler) with yon about me. I have per- fect cotlfidrnee in your loyalty." "Anal you may have that, Cousin 'alma; but pt's many a long day before I can be of any rise to you." Let me give you at cup of tea, MTr. Ken- neth," said madame, kindly. 'It is my opinion," she cnntinned, as she podded it out, "that neither one or other of you will aver see a sot of your uncle's money. IIe will get all he can out of you, and then tonere all he ltas to some church or institu- tion, or something wicked of that kind." "No, I do not think that," returned Mora, thoughtfully. "I holiest() ho is quite earnest in his intention now, but he might got angry again and change his mind." "After all." cried Mmo, Dobrisay, "I don't believe he has much to leave behind him. He talks big; but for all the cry I suspect there is not much wOoh" "There is no telling," said Kenneth. "But I think he is rich. My poor mother thought he was ferry rich." "We shall never know tillr oor Uncle 1 Sandy has no blether need of our services " said Ilona smiling, "So there Is no use conjecturing." "Chat ie true. 1111,, but he is dreadfully angered against Mona," returned Kenneth, addressing Mme. Debrisay, "When I said I would come over and see her, he broke out against her and forbade me to cross, your th1Aeheld. I could not stand that, I just tolyl him that I was willing to obey 1I hits in many ways, but that neither of us' hal any right to quarrel with her. So af- ter sono words—a good many words—he told mo to do as I liked, but I was never to name your name to flim, He is awful miserable—just frottiug the flesh off his' bones, We ars to start for Cralgciarroch' on Monday," Some More talo and friendly cc» 100101/0 nado time pass quickly 1,111 Naturen son to'btd them coed -Mat. (EL.—, 1")4.:-r. 5yt;vvt -^'*•^ ,•: y,. n. a�,t v;�ii aa.xi ..,,:,era ;;&7r;:rtn e24 r'MVELIslIr Mona could hardly believe 'that Line! Sandy wotthl leave town without 000in S her, end she kept a 041,111 deal in -door anti the 'Monday aced for itis departure; bu t the oltl roan made no advance. Mme, Debrisay insisted on her being ',,lees for at least a m int!, to which 1h ••:u'of (Arend iugherkind hostess compelled O118 to agree. Otherwise, the rest and iunceaial companionship were very de- lightful. Uncle Sandy had bean gone about a week, and the last days of Jniy were fat allotting away, wile.. 'le warm eultry af e' ofNnrthelierlent went out of her mind g about hint, et, it is said, and only the earl die'i su su,ldt•nty Orme would have been a t feurfnl row," "He was eery agreeable," said Mona, a quietly. o Yes, Ho 1105 been very popular in In- dia, but he is coming home now of 'urgetit private afrtdrs,' 1 suppose, and 18111 proba- bly leave the army, You are not going yet, Mom?" "I most. Madame Dobrisay will be topics 1118 for me." - Lardy Moist -oust t embraced her affection- ately, and :lions walked leisurely home through Kensington Gardens in a very thoughtful mood. +t 8 * * * * * * The encounter with Lady Finistoun af- forded much matter for talk to Mme, Deb - rimy. She did not press Mona to accept her levitation. "I am not sure it would do you any good, dear. Itis better to keep with those of your own trade. It went to my heart to nee you leave your beautiful home. and the society you were used to; but it had to be done, and there is no use in looking back. Life has many sides, and there's none without its own spark of light." So the friends enjoyed the quiet holiday tiro together. Prudence forbade their leaving town. But Mona, fresh from her wanderings, was glad to rest; and Mme, Debrisny was quite content while she .tad Mona. Kenneth wrote occasionally. Uncle Sturdy was greatly annoyed at the lois- management of all things appertaining to the fartn during his absence. He had dis- missed the man he had left in charge, and 801)3 determined, with Kenneth's help, to direct everything himself; but he was very unwell anclgractione. He never mentioned Idona's name, bat Kenneth was of opinion tornoon, as Mona was out shopping for madame, whose soul expanded at sale (inc a smart footman overtook her, ac costing her with the words, "1f you l'ase'r, Lady Finistoun would bo glad Qreak to you," "Lady Fintstoun?" repeated Mona, look - g round. "Where is she?" "Her ladyship is In the carriage, close 7." Following the Haan, Mona was soon Oak - hands with her former telly. [ was so afraidI should miss you, clear," d the young pectase, shaking hands mly with her, "1 was afraid you had 101101 from mo altogether, Bartle told about meeting you abroad with a won - til old millionaire of an uncle. Come, 10 drive you whereveryou are going, otter still, let me take you to seebaby. 1 a dear, darling baby. You will be Intel with him. Do come in. Open or, William." h, yes! I should be so deli:data to our baby, dear Evelyn!" sold Mona. o next minute she w110 seated beside Lao Finistoun, and driving toward that 1adyt s houee. "Wily d;' ;lou not lot me know you were in town"' a "I have not beets long here," returned Mona, "and I have been busy. Nor did I think of looking you'up, You see it is 00 nuc attempting to be 0n the old footing. We must drift apart." "0h, nonsense! You look as 1ve11--in- deed better than ever. You will never lose your style, Mona, and I dare say you will marry very well, especially with this rich uncle behind you. "My uncle has an heir," • "No! Has be? How very disgraceful! , Never mind, dear, you aro evidently a fa- vorite of fortune. Where aro you staying now?" "With Madame Dobrisay." "_end what have you done with the un- cle?" "He has quarreled'with me and left me." "Oh, you foolish girl) How did you of- fend him?" "Itis too long a story to tell you now. Tell me about yourself." Nothing loath, Lady Finistoun poured forth the annals of a golden life flooded with the sunshine of prosperity—with busy pleasure and careless, though kindly hap- piness.. Soon they reached Hyde Park Gardens, and Lady Finistoun sent a peremptory message to nurse. She soon appeared with the Hon. Hector Aubrey Douglas Mont- gomerfe In her arms—a very active young gentleman, who did his best to precipitate himself head -foremost on the !boor—jump- ing, crowing, clutching at his nurse's cap, and slobbering after the fashion of babies from St. James' to St. Giles'. He held out his plump, mottled arms to his delighted mother, who proudly took him, and then, as the highest mark of affection and con- fidence, gave him to Mona. She received him with no small apprehension, though pronouncing him, with genuine admiration 1 to be a splendid fellow, and "so like Lord 1 Finistoun." "Do you see the likeness too? Yes, I think he is. But do you know, Mona, he has the Newburgh gray eyes? They are like yours, Mona. Don't you think baby's eyes are very like Miss Joscelyn's—I meau Miss Craig's? (Your name always puzzles me, Mona)." "Perhaps so, my lady. They are very fin" eyes, any way." A little more showing off, and nurse judged that her lady had had as much of baby's society as was good for them all. She suggested that tate young gentleman's own apartment was cooler and fresher for him than the drawing -room. After alittlo more kissing and cuddbiug ho was taken away, and Lady Fhtistoun and her kins- woman sat down to tea. "I «4(t so glad you are pleased with the , boy! 1 could see by your eyes you were ren at to love hien. There are lots of peo- ple ready to exclaim, 'He is a flue childl' but few look athim as youdid, dear Mona!" cried the yonllg mother, "Tape off your lett, and w'e shall have a nice chat over our tea. I aur not 4(t home to anyone, Tom- kins"—to tho butler. "I wautyouto 001110 and stay with mo at Strathoirlie. As soon as our cruise Is over wo are going for a week to the Chase, and will be in the High- lands the second week of September. W111 • you come, Mona?" "I do not tbin.k I eau. I sbaliwant to bo in town by the first of October, anal—" "Oh, but you really mast come! And , then, dale a1118 on( 1,' ,•a, .; i you elan make ., ssk hint , snip. •, 11'.:11,'.„,r..4( .dt•a, to (Mow.”` "I shall not go nage-' c'-, 1 -.31 1' 1 very thankfully with my ;4(,,l frees D0b1•isay,14110never (man ss, it. s111,..•,." ".Ali, yes, she 1' it dem' old tldnui 11;11 fancy staying in Lo ,len all the year. You will matte yourself lid, Moaa," "Just think, Evelyn, of the hundreds of people who never quit it, and live on." "Then they are quite different." "I cannot see," began Mona, when Lady Finistouu interrupting her, exclaimed Moral do you remember Captain L181o? I do," meproperty and a baronetcy."HeLasco "Oh, indeed H01 into a large did that happen?" "I think he always eXpeeted it, 0111 Sir Howard Lisle was a relaticnof his father's and as they were a non -marrying set of men, our aogltaintance, though nota near cousin, was the next heir." So, nftor all, he was not a poor man. Ho had wealth and position almostinhis grasp When ho shrtutk from sharing his life with her, thought ]Ilona, while Lady Finistoun rattled on. "But l suppose there are many like him," was hot conclusion. "I rather think my mother would have liked him for Geraldine, but 1 ain not so auto he would have made a goodhueband," Lady Finistoun was saying when Minta listened again, "These fascinating, all aceemplished len seldom do. They toll ouoor stories about !hem. The Cinuu1888 ".Hcrc is a letter from Uncle Sandie i. M am- •iti r, r.would 4(.4: 1 see Lie ' ,.,, h•• r:! rr to think Of ' 0 'w e nr,rehig in the first ,' ,,l4.: r, tie )lost 110,,,I ;111 Mona 11 1'' Le. 4(•I tressed in exceedingly shaky, 'P1 ier-;t..• , slligrapny. It bore the post, mere of ••l:iktoun;" nod having looked at it earnestly for at moment, she exclaim- ed- -Why, here is a letter from Uncle Sandyl" "You don't say so! Reach it to me, if you will." "1'11 try. What all awful hand." "DIY DEAR NIECE:.—As you have had time to think ower your unkind and un- grateful conduct to your natural protector and nearest of lain, I mike no doubt von are sorry and ashamed of yourself. But, ate youth is always 1011)(111 andself-opinion- ated, 1 dare say false shame holds you back from saying you are sorry. Therefore, for the sake of your father, and indeed, for your own, 1 will believe that you say them in your heart. and are willing to 1110110 to me, by trying to be a comfort to my poor troubled old age, which you hnvo been, all the time we journeyed together. •Kenneth is a good lad, and decently sensible out-of-doors, but within it is awful desolate wi Hort e al women to order things. I therefore propose that, if you are pout - tent, as I hope you ars, you conte and stay with lee as 1n , thrush 4.'r, to look atter me, I m• 1 and rola m a1.. ,4.t: l 1 , r, (1,8101 1 nthat cu shall not hY 1 ted to wslwith yole Sou do not like, but that 1l yon do u' d, slid leave me, you will find some wise -like woman to bide with me. and care for me, in your place, "Now, you must wrl;e at Once to Ole, yea Or Ito, "ti,l then 0'':::o a+ 8000 115 von can start, 1(ennr'•" • ..11 -sleet you in Glas- gow, 4s you •re your, r and str';ag, you might take the audio trait and corse on hero when you have 1 aeon a bite of break- fast lit Glass::, ,, lie e, a sure yon will come to your 'd 1 urea.', I Melees you a gest-cilias order ft r three pounds five shill- ings and sixpeeee, to nay your faro (.snood class), and a cob and 111(,! like, Aur, 1'11 give you a triti • tar clothes every quarterregular, is 180 luny agree upon. 1C your heart is good Gowned me, yon night lose no time and be wiL, in by Thursday first. For 1 nm just wears—mg for yon, n,ydeariel And give my respects to madame. May be she'll come upiu hoilday-time tool pay 11s a visit. Itis always a treat to look on the Highlands, and you'll be bonnier than ever when yon live in the sweet mountain air, Now just answer straight, and as you answer, so I'll be your loving uncle or no. "ALICXANfER CRAIG." "Well," said Mme, Dobrisay, her coun- tenance falling, "I always expected it. What'll you do, dear?" "Do?" repeated Mona, slowly. "Iscarae- ]y think nave any choice. You see he voluntarily removes all caused complaint; but it is hard to leave you, Deb." "It is cruelly hard to let you go; but I must, Now, Mona, my dear, be careful in answering that totter. You must show him that you aro sacrificing independence to nurse hila. And do not o cm A mitour Y self to stay wth him always." "How can I bargain with a poor old man that loves me?" "He loves his 'Miler' better, You must not sacrifice yourself, Mona. Lotmewr'ite what I Want you to say, and you can mod- ify it if you like; but you must let Ilam see that you are givifig up independence for hie sake. Nese is the limo to make a Mari - tele, and you resign the chance," "Very well, Deb. In suelt a matter two heads are better that ono. There is olio point i will stipulate for—e, yearly holiday to come and soo youl That will revive me, and yott too; will it not?" "Alt, xny anent" child, it will indeed!" The tears Sprung to ]Mme, Debrisay's bright, o1`pressive eyes, and donning to- ward her beloved pupil, she kissed ler af- f0eti0llately. • (00 1114 CONTINUED.) • I+i CD(--� R>S� I---1 l✓ 18.