The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1886-07-20
NONA'S OBEDIENCE,

the balmy air and the fresh, bright tot
lets of the 'ladies made a gala day even
on Broadway.
thoughtfully pulling on his neatly-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 a comfortable
dinner at the Westminster, and a little
filtration with Jessie Mabin a%fterward,
or to cross the river and take a train for
his brothers lovely place in Jersey. He
told himself, rs he was carefully button
ing his right hand glove, that the cher
RE re ripe, and that he really needed
q little fresh air and country milk.
But he knew of n 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-
markablc access of fraternal affection, and
little Mona Zabriska herself had q shrewd
SoSSS ~ " IL LIN vi CllC1IlCS NIL
Philip Hays cam 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
a half after the gloves had been fitted to
nicely 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 a great deal of hand
shaking and kissing, which ended in q
bottle of champagne and mutual good
wishes.
Well, after this, for a 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 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
Tifany's, and a modest check 'tjust for
spending-money,' made his sister Cecilia
sufficiently interested in his project.
'tNona is a dear little girl, Cecilia"
he said. "All she wants is a more state
ly manner and stylish dress"
eff that is what you desire, Philip,
why do you not marry Jessie Mabin2 I
thought you liked her we'll enough"
'Because, Cccilc, I want II heart inside
7the drcss-a pure, fresh, loving heart"
cit seems to me-" But her, Cccilc
stepped. She was wise enough to know
shy would be Throwing words away"
The next d. fficulty was to make Mona
delScately understand his wishes, and in
duce her to accept the invitation sent her
by hts mother and sister. Hc approach
ed the subject under the most favorable
circumstances; the moonlight did not
betray his confusion, and his encirclino
arm held her so close to his heart that he
had no fear of not securing attention
if argument or explanation became neces-
sary.
II am so glad, Mona, that you are
going}with Cecilc. I am sure it will do
you good" And then he stopped and
kissed her for emphasis.
81 go to please you Philip. + am
quite well, thank you"
ooh! but I don't mean about vour
health, Mona. You little witch! who
could have such bright eyes and red lips
and not be quite WE'LL I mean about
dress and department, and those kind of
things"
There was a little ominous silence, and
fhnn q Inuy c 49, fr -.