Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1886-09-02
NONA'S OBEDIENCE.

'u5htsuls puhihs On iits utttt utIulg
yes. say s'thoughtfully, because
1T word just describes his state of
mind, which was that of halting be-
tween two opinions-whether to go
for his usual uptown stroll, have
a comfortable dinner at the West
minister, and a little Irritation
with Jessie Mebin afterward, or to
cross the river and take train
for his brother S lovely place in Jersey.
He told himself, as he was buttoning
his right-hand glove that the cherries
were ripe, and that he really needed
little fresh air and country milk.
But he knew of a far better reason,
yet, II he would have acknowledged it;
and what is more, other people knew
If, too. Brother Will was wise enough
to credit his sister-in-law with Phil
ip's remarkable fraternal affection,
and little Mona Zabriska herself had a
shrewd guess as to what kind OF cher
ries Mr.. Phillip Hayes came to the
country to taste.
Well, on this particular afternoon
the country proved to be finally the
most powerful attraction, and in an
hour and half after the gloves had
been lifted to nicely they were taken
OH again, that the wearer might clasp
the hands of the dearest, sweetest,
brightest little country maiden that
any man with the right kind OF heart
or eyes could desire to see.
What Philip said to Mona, and what
Mona IA n. he Oh =
and the evening-star probably know;
but 1t was very delightful, and so sat
Isfying that the young people came
back to the house without any cher
RES at all, and presently there was a
great deal of Misunderstanding and kiss
ing, which ended in a bottle of cham
pagne and mutual good wishes.
Well, 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 che country,
and the strawberry excuse did just MS
well as the cherries.
But as the weather grew hotter, the
subject OF summer resorts became up
permost. Philips mother and sister
were going to some fashionable yir-
.ginia springs, and he greateIy 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, and abon-
don aprons, and dress like Jessie
Mabin did. That would perfectly
satisfy him, he thought. Yes, Mona
Zabriska 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 modest check ''just
tor spending money" made his sister
Cecilia sufficiently interested in his
project
Mora is dear little girl, Cecilia"
he said "All she wants is a more
stately manner and stylish dress"
IL that is what you desire, Phillip,
why do you not marry Jessie Mabin?
thought you liked her well enough"
Because, Cecile, / want heart in
side the dress-a pure, fresh, loving
| heart"
1t seems to NE" But here Cecile
stopped. She was wise enough to
know she would be Throwing words
away"
The next difficulty was to make No
ma understand his wishes, and induce
her TO accept the invitation sent her
by his mother and sister. He APP
preached the subject under the most
favorable circumstances; the moon
light 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 ii argument or
explanation became necessary
II am so glad, Mona, that you are
going with Cecile. 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"
"0h! but / don't mean about your
health, Mona. You little WITCH who
could have such bright eyes and red
lips and not quite well? mean about
dress and department, and those kind
of things"
There was an ominous silence, and
then a low, grieved voice: don't
think / understand you Philip"
"No, dear; and upon the whole am
glad you never understood so far.
You see, when we are married we shall
live in the city, we must dress and be-
have as city people do. Cecile will
show you all about it, darling, so
don't trouble your pretty little head"
81 thought you liked me just as /
am, Philip. What is wrong in the
city that is proper and pretty in the
country, will you tell me?"
Certainly, Mona. Your loose,
flowing hair and short dresses, and
your frank, familiar ways, all so per-
tectly charming just here, would oc-
casiSu remark and unpleasant crIti-
cisms in the city. / want my little girl
to be as fashionable and as stylish
as-as-well, as Jessie Mabin."
"Ahl she is your ideal, is she?"
Much more to the same purpose,
mingled with kisses and compliments,
but nothing in it deceived the wounded
woman's heart. For Mona, though
not fashionable woman. was true
woman, nevertheless, and understood
not only what had been said, but also
all that had been left to be inferred.
1t was not possible for him to leave
his business entirely, but it had been
arranged that once a month he was
to pay few days visit to the springs,
and in the intervals be refreshed and
comforted by regular and plentiful
supplies of letters.
The supply was pretty fair the first
week, but fell of gradually afterward,
until several days passed without any
token of Nona's faith and memory.
Still, he did not feel much troubled
He thought that he quite understood
Nona's reasons, and at any rate he re-
lied with implicit confidence on the ef-
feet which Philip Hayes in his own
proper person could not fail to make
This confidence did not agree with
events. He arrived at the springs and
found Mona out driving with Jack
Christie-a young man whom he par
ticularly disliked for his pretentious
manner. He was on the piazza
when they returned, and he
was certain Mona saw him,
though she kept her eyes on
Jacks face, and pretended the great
est interest In his foolish conversation
for of two things Philip was certain
first, that her interest was pretend
ed" and second, that Jacks converse
ton was foolish"
Then he, unaccountably and, as he
very well knew, unreasonably chilled
by the greeting of the splendidly dress.
ed Mona who calmly and nonchalantly
extended the tips OF her gloved fingers
to him, drawing out the while pretty
little assurance of being $50 glad to
see Mr.. Hayes" with the information
that "Cecil has been expectinp him