Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-30
Gales aIro Sketfkes.
MONICA.
BIZ THE AUTHOR OF "PHYLLIs," MRS.
GEoFFREY," ETC.


To any one coming direct from all the
luxury and beauty of the old Court above,
naturally this little cottage room looks
smsll and poverty-stricken, yet there is
pathetic tenderness about it, too, born of a
woman's hand-a touch Of gentle refine
ment that shows itself in the masses Of
Old World flowers, carelessly and artistl-
cally put together. that adorn the one Ia
BILE and the two brackets, filing all the
tiny apartment with their subtle perfume
The windows, opening to the ground.
are thrown wide open. Outside, the gar
den lies painting In the sunshine. There
Is the sad lowing as OF many cows in the
tar distance. All the land lies quivering
in its heat A faint, useless little breeze
comes lazily into the room, rufiilng the
ancient curtains. that are drawn closely
together in vain effort to exclude the
sun.
Poor Mr. Norwood, with praiseworthy
determination to seem quite the contrary,
is looking the very picture of misery. He
has been dragged from his sanctum and
beloved "Aldines, Bodonis. Elzevirs," to
interview, or rather be interviewed by a
fresh young man fresh from town, who.
though his nephew. is to him an utter
stranger.
Conversation for the last five minutes
has been growing more and more languid.
Now It threatens te cease altogether. The
host is at his wits end, the fashionable
young man is looking distinctly bored. 1t
10 therefore with glance full Of rapture.
and nobly suppressed sigh OF extreme
relief, that Mr.. Norwood hears a step
upon the gravel outside, that comes quick
ly nearer.
1t is-it must be Monica to the rescue !
Now one OF the windows is darkened:
figure stepping airily from the bright
sunshine beyond to the room within. parts
the curtain with both hands, and gazes
inquiriDgly around.
As her glance falls upon the strange
young man. it alters from expectation to
extreme surprise--not confusion, or en-
barrassment Of any kind, but simple. hon
est surprise, visitors at the cottage being
few and far between, and as a rule ex-
ceedingly i'll to look at.
The strange Young man returns the
gaze with generous interest, and a sur
prise that outdoes her own. For a full
half minute she so stands with the curtain
held back in eth hand, and then she adj
vances slowly.
She is dressed in gown of Oxford
shirting-very plain, very inexpensive.
1t has little full baby body that some
how suits wonderfully the grave child
ish face above it with its frame OF light
brown hair so like the color of an unripe
chestnut. Her eyes were blue as the
heavens above her; her mouth trifle
large perhaps. but very serious and very
sweet. One cannot but believe laughter
possible to her, one cannot also but be-
lieve she has found self-communion on
many occasions a solace and solemn
joy.
Come here. Monica, and let me make
You known to your cousin, George Nor
wood" says her father very proudly. The
pride is all contracted in his daughter. In
his soul he deems king would be honor
ed by such an introduction.
AT this she comes closer and places a
small slim hand in her cousins.
II should have known, of course" she
says, rs though following out certain
train of thoughts. 81 heard you had come
to the Court
'You must be good friends with him
Monica" says Mr.. Norwood nervously
ale is your only cousin. you know ex-
cept Julia"
..Yes, ''-she is smiling now-'.we shall
be friends. of course," Then more di-
rectly TO the man who is still holding her
hand. as though he has actually forgotten
it is in his possession. las my father likes
you. it follows that shall like you too"
"Ah ~ says George Norwood, with Ar
answering smile that renders his face quite
beautiful. .then | owe your father debt
of gratitude shall not easily repay"
Mr.. Norwood has been getting nearer
and nearer to the door by fine degrees
Monica, without seeming to notice this
says gently;
Go back to your books. papa. will
AXE care of-of my cousin"
At this MFR. Norwood beats Thankful
retreat, leaving the two young people
alone.
why did you hesitate Just now P" asks
George suddenly. She has seated hersel
on very ancient sofa. and is regarding
him thoughtiully.
..Whenpr
'Over my name"
because didn't quite know what t.
call you. Your being my cousin does no
prevent your being a perfect stranger. ant
stranger. | suppose. ought to be called
Mr.. Norwood"
IF you call me that / shall be unhapp,
forever" says George Norwood. BE
sides. YOU can't. you know because shall
certainly never call you anything bu
Monica"
.'Oh. at that rate ~ says she, smiling
again.
Presently. rs he stands upon the heartl
rug, he lifts his eyes and fastens them up
on n portraitthat hangs above the Gimme,
piece.
'.What a charming face, :" he says
''What complexion-and eyesr'
.'Yes, it is lovely! 1t is my grand
mother. Don't you think the mouth an,
nose like papa's P''
The very image" says George Nor
wood. He does not think it a bit, but see
ing she plainly expects him to say it, h,
does his duty like man. 1T is a pertec
face! But the eyes-they are your own
surely"
.Are they? Do You know that never
look at that picture without feeling bitter"
She laughs as she says this in a way tina
precludes the idea that acrimony of any
sort could belong to her. 1T was tn,
only thing my grandfather left papa. II,
made particular point of it in his viii
that it should be given to him. When h
had carefully cut him off to a shilling, h,