Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1886-06-25
NONA'S OBEDIENCE,

N0NA'S OBEDIENCE,
A lovely afternoon in the spring when
the balmy mir and the fresh, bright ioi-
lets of the ladies made gala day even
on Broadway
Philip Hays stood at his Office door,
thoughtfully pulling on his ncitIy-iittlnS
gloves. l say "thoughtfully,' because
that word just describes his state oil
mind, which was that Of halting between
two opinions whether to 90 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 a train ior
his brothers lovely place in Jersey. Hc
told himself, as he was carefully button
ing his right hand glove, that the cher
ries were ripe, and that he really needed
little fresh air and country milk.
But he knew of far better reason
yet, if he would have acknowledge W
and what is more, otherpeople knew II 'oo
Brother Will was wise enough to creo' \
his pretty sister-in-law with Phllp > II
markable access Of fraternal alfectioR'rT
little Mona Zabriska herself had a shrewd
guess as to what kind Of cherries Mr..
Philip Hays came to the country to
taste.
Well, on this particular afternoon the
country proved to be finally the more
powerful attraction, and in an hour and
q half after the gloves had been fitted to
nicely they were taken of again, that
the wcarer 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 sec.
What Philip said to Mona, and what
Mona said to Philip, the cherry trees and
the evcning-star probably know; but il
was very delightful, and SO satisfying
that the young people came back to tho
house without any cherries at all, and
presently there was great deal Of hand
shaking and kissing, which ended in q
bottle of champagne and mutual gooc
wishes.
Well, after this for couple Of weeks,
there was no hesitating at the office door
Philip said ssstrasvhorries, n1s1e-- szll.s-
his friends rallied him about his suddei
passion for the country, and the straw
berry excuse did just as well as the cher
ries.
But as the weather grew hotter, thc
subject of summer resorts became upper
most. Philips mother and sister werc
going to some fashionable Virginiar
springs, and he greatly desired that hi.
little Mona should go with them.
To tell the truth, he did wish she wa.
a little more stylish, and would put u
her curls, abandon aprons, and dress like
Jessie Mabin did. That would perfectly
satisfy him, he thought. Yes, Mona "a
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 Gust fol
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 Mabin2
thought you liked her well enough"
because, Cccile, want heart inside
the drcss-a pure, fresh, loving heart"
at seems to me" But here CecilC
stopped. She was wise enough to know
she would be ''throwing words away"
The next dfiiculty was to make Mona
delicately understand his wis les, and in
duce 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 so close to his heart that he
had no fear of not securing attention
if argument or explanation became neces-
sary.
81 am so glad, Mona, that you are
going with Cecile. I am sure it will do
you good" And then he stopped and
kissed her for emphasis.
II go to please you Philip. I am
quite well, thank you"
"Oh but l don't mean about your
health, Mona. You little witch who
could have such bright eyes and red lips
and not be quite Welt l mean about
dress and department, and those kind of
things"
There was little ominous silence, and
then low, grieved voice: Il don't
think | understand you, Philip"
mo, dear; and upon the whole am
glad you have never understood 50 far
You see, when we are married we shall
live in the city, and we must behave and
dress as city people do. Cecile will show
you all about it, darling, 50 don't trouble
,7,,,r ,,rot4,, =, l;4tIo boad -
II thought you liked me just as | am,
Philip. What is wrong in the city that
is proper and pretty in the country, viii
you tell me2n