Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-06-16
N0NA'S OBEDIENCE.

A lovely afternoon in the spring, when
the balmy air and the fresh, bright tot
lets of the ladies made gala day even
on Broadway.
Philip Hays stood at his office door,
thoughtlully pulling on his ncotly-ftting
gloves. I say "thoughtfully," because
that word just describes his state of
mind. which was that of hating between
two opinions whether to go for his
usual uptown stroll, have comfortable
dinner at the Westminster, and little
Irritation 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
rics were ripe, and that he really needed
little fresh air and country milk.
But he knew of far better reason
set, if he would have acknowledged it;
and what is more, othcrpcoplc knew it too
Brother Will was wise enough to credit
his pretty siste:-in-law with Philips re-
markablc access of lratcrnal affection, and
little Mona Zabrska herself had shrcwd
puess as to what kind of cherries Mr..
Philip Hays came to the country tc
taste.
Well, 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 tC
q nicely they were taken Off again, that
the wcarcr 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 cvening-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 n
bottle of champagne and mutual good
wishes.
Well, after this, for n couple of weeks
there was no hcsitating 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 well 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
little 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 Ia
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
Tilfany's, and n modest check Gust for
spending-money,' made his sister Cecilia
sufficiently interested in his project.
"Nona is dear little girl, Cecilia, +"
he said. "All she wants is a more state
ly manner and stylish dress"
"If that is what you desire, Philip,
why do you not marry Jessie Mabin3
thought you liked her well enough"
"Bccausc, Cccilc, | want a heart inside
the drcss-a pure, fresh, loving heart"
at seems to me-" But here Cccilc
stopped She was wise enough to know
she would be throwing words away"
The next d fliculty was to make Mona
dclicately understand his wishes, and in
ducc her to accept the invitation sent her
by his mother and sister. lie approach
ed the subject under the most favorable
circumstances; the moonlight did not
betray his confusion, and his encircling
arm held her 50 close to his heart that he
had no fear of not securing attention
if argument or explanation became ncces-
sary.
81 am so glad, Mona, that you arc
going with Cecile, | am sure it will dc
you good" And then he stopped and
kissed her for emphasis.
81 go to please you Philip. I am
quite well, thank YOU"
"Oh but / don't mean about you.
health, Mona. You little witch! who
could have such bright eyes and red lips
and not be quite well | mean about
dress and department, and those kind OF
things"
There was little ominous silence, and
then low, grievcd voice: 81 don't
think | understand you, Philip"
mo, dear; and upon the whole am
glad you have never understood so far.
You sec, when we are married we shall
live in the city, and we must behave and
dress as city people do. Cecilc will show
you all about it, darling, so don't trouble
your pretty little head"
81 thought you liked INC just as am,
Philip. What is wrong in the city that
is proper and pretty in the country, will
you tell mc1"
Certainly, Mona. Your loose flowing
hair and short dresses, and your frank,
familiar ways, all so perfectly charming
Just here. would occasion remarks and
unpleasant criticisms in the city. Iwant
my little girl to be as fashionable and as
stylish as--as- we'll as Jessie Mabin."
"Ah! she is your ideal, is shc2"
Much more to the same purpose, min
gled with kisses and compliments, was
said. but nothing In II deceived the