The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1883-04-19
[From Temple Bari
Monica.
BY THE AUTHOR OF PHYLLIS, " MRS
GEOFFREY," ETC.


GEoFFREY," ETC.
To any one coming direct from al
the luxury and beauty of the old Court
above, naturally this little cottage
room looks small and poverty-stricken
yet there is a pathetic tenderness
about it, too, born Of a woman's hanC
"a touch of gentle refinement thai
shows itself in the masses of old-worl6
flowers, carelessly and artistically put
together, that adorn the one table and
the two brackets, filling all the tiny
apartment with their subtle perfume
The windows, opening to the
ground, are thrown wide open. Out
side, the garden lies painting in the
sunshine There is the sad lowing as
of many cows in the far distance. All
the land lies quivering in its heat. A
faint useless little breeze comes lazily
into the room, rufiing the ancient
curtains that are drawn closely togeth-
er in vain effort to exclude the sun.
Poor Mr.. Norwood, with a praise
worthy determination to seem quite
the contrary, is looking the very pic
ture of misery He has been dragged
from his sanctum and his beloved al
dimes, Bodonis, Elzevirs," to inter-
view, or rather to be interviewed by,
fashionable young man fresh from
town, who, though his nephew, is to
him an utter stranger.
Conversation for the last five min
utes has been growing more and more
languid. Now it threatens to cease
altogether. The host is at his wits
end. the fashionable young man is
looking distinctly bored. 1t is there
fore with glance full Of rapture, and
nobly suppressed sigh of extreme
relief, that Mr.. Norwood hears step
upon the gravel outside, that comes
qnickly nearer.
1t is-it mast be-Monica, to the
rescue!
Now one of the windows is darken-
ed: figure stepping airily from the
bright sunshine beyond to the room
within, parts the curtains with both
hands, and gazes inquiringly around.
As her glance falls upon the strange
young man, it alters from expectation
to extreme surprise-not confusion,
or embarrassment of any kind, but
simple, honest surprise, visitors at the
cottage being few and far between,
and as a rule exceedingly ill to look at
The strange young man returns her
gaze with generous interest, and
surprise that outdoes her own. For a
full half minute she so stands with
curtain held back in either hand, and
then she advances slowly.
She is dressed in gown OF Oxford
shirting-very plain, very inexpen-
sive. It has little full baby body
that somehow suits wonderfully the
grave childish face above it with its
frame of light brown hair so like the
color of an unripe chestnut. Her eyes
are blue as the heavens above her; her
mouth, trife large perhaps, but very
serious, and very sweet. One cannot
but believe laughter possible to her,
one cannot also but believe she has
found self-communion on many occa-
sions a solace, and a solemn Joy.
"Come here, Monica, and let me
make you known to your cousin,
George Norwood" says her father
very proudly. The pride is all con-
centrated in his daughter. In his soul
he deems king would be honored 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, as though following out a
certain train of thought. Il heard
you had come to the Court
"You must be good friends with
him, Monica" says Mr.. Norwood ner-
vously. HE is your only cousin, you
except Julia"
Yes" she is smiling now-"we
shall be friends of course" Then
more directly to the man who is still
holding her hand, as though he has
actually forgotten it is in his possess
sion, ''As my father likes you, it fol-
lows that l shall like you too"
"Ahr' says George Norwood, with
an answering smile that renders his
face quite beautiful, "then I owe your
father debt of gratitude | shall not
easily repay"
MIR. Norwood has been getting
nearer and nearer to the door by fine
degrees. Monica, without seeming to
notice this, says gently:
$50 back to your books, papa:
will take care of-of-my cousin
At this Mr.. Norwood beats thank
full retreat, leaving the two young
people alone. -.
"Why did you hesitate just now?"
asks George suddenly. She has seat
ed herself on a very ancient sofa, and
is regarding him thoughtfully.
"When?"
"Over my name.
Because | didn't quite know what
to call you Your being my cousin
does not prevent your being perfect
stranger-and stranger, | suppose,
ought to be called Mr. Norwood"
IF you call me that, | shall be un-
happy forever" says George Norwood.
Besides, you can't, you know, because
| shall certainly never call yoW any
thing but Monica"
"Oh, at that rate!'' says she, smil-
ing again.
Presently as he stands upon the
hearthrug, he lifts his eyes and fastens
them upon portrait that hangs above
the chimneyplece.
'What a charming facet he says
What a complexion-and eyes,
"Yes, it is lovely! 1t is my grand
mother. Don't you think the mouth
and nose like papa's?'
''The very image" says George Nor
wood. He doesn't think it bit, but
seeing she plainly expects him to say
it, he does his duty like man. ut is
a perfect face! But the eyes-they