Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-09-14

self pleasantly at home, was a treat 10 I'm
Gle Sandy's loyal. If rather tough heart.
Warnings character and bearing too was
calculated to gain upon such nature SIS
his hosts Society of the higher order had
left its stamp upon his simple, unaffected
manners, and the ready courage with
which be turned from q life OF mere pleas
ure to one Of hard work, when he had still
enough left to idle on, delighted the sturdy
old IMAM Of the people" Warlng was, to
his idea, a sort of glorifed Inclination Of
middle-class merit. the result OF plebeian
energy, which even conquered and appro-
priated the graces Of good-breeding.
This satisfaction was reflected on all
around him.
The monthly settlement of housekeeping
accounts-a crucial test which even Mona
dreaded-was accomplished without a sim
gle growl. Poor kenneth's arithmetical
errors were passed over with slight ex-
preston of contempt, in the term blum
derfn' gowk," and tae contradiction. of
Robbie Sanders, the gardener, were over
looked.
To Mona, this was an unaccountably de-
Iightful break in the monotony Of her ex-
istence. To be good friends with WarinS,
TO see that he was a better and stronger
purest pleasure.
Then he was so very reasonable. He
worried her with no expressive looks or
words which insinuated lover-like feeling.
He liked her to read to him, or to write
for him; but he was nearly "a well pleased
with the services of Miss Black, nearly
not quite; and when IN u laxative mood,
lie used to describe the wild beauty OF his
Californian home quite eloqucntly. He
really had more in him than she at one
time could have believed. He had grown
quite good-looking too Mona was keenly
alive to her exterior advantages) and she
often thought, as he lay back on the sofa
cushions, what an honest strong face he
had, and how much the thoughtful sub
expression of sadness it had developed,
beautiied and ennobled it.
Then the temporary weakness of his
strong frame appealed to the tenderness of
her most womanly heart; there was I'M
doubtedly friendly sympathy between
them. Her voice never sounded so sweet,
SO expressive, as when she read or sung to
him. But they were rarely alone togeth-
err Mary Black was not behindhand in
delicate attentions and, 81 Kenneth OBJ
served, both young ladies We'd with each
ObItI W tIO SLOL4d spun ILiS ilif sAAb iIiS0I'
To Mary, however, most of his talk aud
good-humored chafr was directed. He
praised her songs loudly, and said but little
about Mona's, except now and then an i'm
ploring exclamation of "Do go on" can
other, please, another"
Uncle Sandy, however good-humored,
| did not admit of any neglect, and always
demanded m hour or more Of Mona's time
after their carly dinner, while she read to
him the better part of tho famous Scots
man, and some portion of the Times week
ly edition, which reached them every Sat
urdny. Sometimes Waring slept on the
drawing room sofa during this exercise
sometimes he came to listen, while Mary
and Kenneth disappeared; but occasional
ly the former took her work and sat with
the ill mon" The murmur of thciL voices
while thus engaged, with occasional bursts
OF merrimant, came through the door of
communication to Mona one afternoon, as
she toiled through heavy leader on "mu-
nicipal'' government, and presently Mary
| put in her head.
Mr. Waring says it's so fine and bright
he would like little turn, and | am going
with him." she said. I'VE will be down
the drive"
"Dinna let him do too much!'' cried I'm
Gle Sandy. "Wo will come along and meet
you"
Wariug was now permitted to take ex-
ercise, and was rapidly recovering.
What shall read next?" asked Mona.
| 'tThere is IN article on the Soudan-"
Nav" said her uncle-one of his most
| negative news" which always seemed to
Mona as if it could stop II torrent-and he
sat in thought fora minute; then he reused
| himself
Ppm thinking" he said, chat Mr.. Les
| lie is growing overload of Mary Black
! They are aye at havcrs wiz ane anither,
and am no varra pleased. She's no match
| for Lesiic's grandson; and yet the lassie
| is a guild lassie. | wadna see her vexed.
| He is a weel-spokeu lad forbye-the sort TO
win ony wonan's love. Eli, Mona?"
! 81 do not think Mary cares much about
| him. uncle. Tastes differ widely, you
| know. As to her being no match for him,
| you must remember that Mr.. Warning has
not much in the way of home to offer.
| His
"Hoot, tootr' he Interrupted at will
| be far home enough. Young Leslie ia
| going to be successful mon after bit"
81 am sure | hope so; but do not think
| you need trouble about Mary. AS to Mr..
/ w I'll llAo, htLIG lb tt1tililLG5 lCl 10
| very sweet and charming; but these fancies
| do not trouble men long"
"Ay, the sort o. hempics yorC'Uc been used
| to. But, my la5sie, real thOuchtfu' mon,
| if luye talks hold on his heart, it grips it
! hard and fast, and will ma let go. If young
| Leslie has let himself luyo our Mary, he'll
! no leave her behind him. lie doesna como
CT the sort that gives i'm
fANTnI1 do tlfpl- H,ot ia in
| love with him"
II hope you arc right" said her uncle,
| slowly; then, after pause, he began to
struggle to his feet, Come" be said, ''we
| Will go and meet them"
As it is but a short way, uncle, could
! you get on without me? l have never an
! swercd madame mean Mrs. Fielden's
| last letter, and should like to do so this
! afternoon"
80 do my dearie, so do. I'll just gang
bit down the road. May be rll met Ken
meth"
Mona escaped as quickly as she could to
| her own pleasant room. from the window
| of which she could catch glimpse of the
| sea between two hills, and having hastily
put out her writing materials, she sat
! down, leaned her head on both hands, her
/ elbows resting on the table, and fell into
profound and painful thought.
Her uncle's words had suddenly barred
/ the recesscs Of her heart, and lol there lay
an unsupported root of pain and mischief.
That Mary was completely guarded by
her warm attachment to Kenneth, Mona
| did not doubt. That Waring admired her
! WAS possible, but size did not believe it was
more than 4 kindly liking.
Tho ravale tN ber
Ing really loved Mary, or any other woman,
how WAS she to endure it, The mere idea
filled her with despair. The terrible con-
viCtion grew upon I. that she loved her
rejected lover with all the warmth and
! tenderness OF her fine rich nature, not IN
/ any half-hearted way, but glowingly, COM
( pletely. She loved him for the straight
forward honest sfTection which made him
{ hasten to offer her all he had in her hour
] OF need. She loved him for the delicate
consideration which had guided him in
their brief engagement, for the forbearance
| With which he had released her, for the
frank kiudliness with which he had offered
her his friendship when she had refused
/ his love, for the stand he had made against
his own fOllies and weakness. for the reso
( luton with which he had cast OF his atti
( tude of lover to herself. She admired and
| loved his quiet, unpretendinG strength. hi.
sun-burucd face, his big brown eyes tina,
could say so much If they chose. Never