Connecticut western news., 1886-06-23
NONA'S OBEDIENCE.

A lovely afternoon in the spring, when the bslmy air and the fresh, bright toi- lets of the ladies made gala day even on Broadway.
 Philip Hays stood at his office door, thoughtfully- pulling on his neatly-ftting gloves. I say s'thoughtfully, because that word just describes his state of mind, which was that of halting between two opinions-whether to go for his usual uptown stroll, have comfortable dinner at the Westminster, and a little filtration with Jessie Mabin afterward, or to cross the river and take train for his brothers lovely place in Jersey. He told himself, as he was carefully button ing his right hand glove, that the cher ries were npe, and that he really needed little fresh air and country milk.
 But he knew of far better reason yet, if he would have acknowledged it; and what is more, other people knew it too Brother Will was wise enough to credit his pretty sister-in-law with Philips re- markable access of fraternal affection, and little Mona Zabriska herself had shrewd guess as to what kind of cherries Mir. Philip Hays came to the country to . taste.
 S We'll, on this particular afternoon the country proved to be finally the more powerful attraction, and in an hour and half after the gloves had been fitted to a nicety they were taken off again, that the wearer might clasp the hands of the dearest, sweetest, brightest little coun- try maiden that any man with the right kind of heart or eyes could desire to see.
 What Philip said to Mona, and what Mona said to Philip. the cherry trees and the evening-star probably know; but it was very delightful, and so satisfying that the young people came back to the house without any cherries at all, and presently there was great deal of hand shaking and kissing, which ended in a bottle of champagne and mutual good wishes.
 We'll, after this, for couple of weeks, there was no hesitating at the office door. Philip said Strawberries" now when his friends rallied him about his sudden passion for the country, and the straw berry excuse did just as we'll as the cher ries.
 But as the weather grew hotter, the subject of summer resorts became upper most. Philips mother and sister were going to some fashionable Virginian springs, and he greatly desired that his little Mona should go with them
 To tell the truth, he did wish she was aGttle more stylish, and would put up her curls, abandon aprons, and dress like Jessie Mabin did. That would perfectly satisfy him, he thought. Yes, Mona za- briska dressed like Jessie Mabin would leave him nothing to desire.
 He went about his plans with that tact which young men who have sisters easily acquire. A little present from Tiffany's, and a modest check "just for spending-money,' made his sister Cecelia sufficiently interested in his project.
 'fNona is dear little girl, Cecelia, 1" he said. "All she wants is more state ly manner and stylish dress"
 ''If that is what you desire, Philip, why do you not marry Jessie Afabin2 thought you liked her we'll enough"
 ''Because, Cecile, want heart inside the drcss-a pure, fresh, loving heart"
 s1t seems to me-" But here Cecilc stopped. She was wise enough to know she would be throwing words away"
 The next d fficulty was to make Mona delicately understand his wis,!es. and in- duce her to accept the invitation sent her by his mother and sister. He approach cd the subject under the most favorable circumstances; tho moonlight did not betray his confusion, and his encircline arm held her so close to his heart that ht had no fear of not securing attention if argument or explanation became neces sary.
 q am so glad, Mona, that you arr going with Cecile. I am sure it will dC you good" And then he stopped anc kissed her for emphasis.
 'I go to please you Philip. an quite we'll, thank you"
 "Oh! but I don't mean about you health, Mona. You little witch! wh, could have such bright eyes and red lip and not be quite we'll! I mean abou dress and department, and those kind o things"
 There was little ominous silence, an' then a low, grieved voice: q don think understand you, Philip"
 No, dear; and upon the whole ar glad you have never understood so far You see, when we are married we shal live in the city, and we must behave an' dress as city people do. Cecile will sho, you all about it, darling, so don't troubl your pretty little head"
 'I thought you liked me just as am Philip. What is wrong in the city tha is proper and pretty in the country, wi you tell mea''
 Certainly, Mona. Your loose f1owin hair and short dresses, and your frank familiar ways, all so perfectly charmin just here, would occasion remarks an unpleasant criticisms in the city. Iwar
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