Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-20
MONH'S CHOICE.
BY MRS. ALEXANDER.


Mona, frankly. She felt delightedly at
home and at ease once more. Il must ask
Uncle Sandy if he can spare me; and I can
turn back when have-gone far enough, SO
as not to impede your progress"
She went swiftly away to seek her uncle.
Waring walked to the window, and stood
with folded arms in deepest thought, quite
oblivious that Kenneth was talking to him.
But Mona soon returned to announce
that she had permission to absent herself,
and in a few minutes the trio were climb
ing the hillside to gain the upper road by
a short cut.
1t was very delightful expedition.
Warning said the scenery surpassed all he
had ever seen before for beauty, though he
might have met with grander views. They
found endless subjects for conversation,
and when Mona proposed to leave them,
both gentlemen decided that they would
return with her, as it would be lmpolite
not to return in time for dinner.
Mona was surprised at her own light
heartedness, at the delightful sense Of har-
mony which soothed her spirit after her
short confidential talk with Warning. How
generous he was in generating her from
all blamei How glad she was to be on
frank, friendly terms with himl 1t was
evident he had quite got over his old fancy
for her, SO they could enjoy each others
society with perfect safety for the little
time he was with them. Alas! that it was
SO short. Well, let tomorrow take heed
Of itself, she would enjoy today.
And it went quickly-too quickly. War
ing was shown everything about the place
by Uncle Sandy himself, who generally
bestowed q degree of attention and favor
on his guest such as Mona had never seen
bestowed on any other visitor. Then, in
the evening, Warning seemed never tired
of her sOngs-eXcusing his frequent de-
mands on the score OF his speedy departure
to land where the ditties of cowboy, or
the crack Of his whip, were all the music
he would hear.
Then came the inevitable hour of part
ing.
Warning had still some business to settle
in Glasgow respecting the small sum he
had inherited, and after a few days there
ne had to visit London, finally embarking
at Liverpool.
Mona could hardly steady her voice to
bid him goodbye. 1t seemed too cruel
that he should be expatriated merely for q
little-not little-imprudence; and, say
what he might, Mona could not but per-
ceive that had she married him, he would
never have committed the faults and follies
which had changed his life.
Warning himself was quite calm and
cheerful lie promised Uncle Sandy to
write occasionally. He begged Kenneth
to come and pay him visit whenever it
could be managed; and he looked for an
instant, kindly and gravely, into Mona's
eyes, holding her hand in painfully tight
grasp; then he mounted the phaeton in
which Kenneth was already seateu, and
they drove off.
moo they are awa'," said Uncle Sandy,
as he hobbled toward the library, followed
by his niece, wen have yesterdays paper
till the new ane comes. read varra little -
Mona made no reply; she would have
given anything for half an hours private
thought, and the relief of tears, but this
need must be concealed at any cost.
''Eh," continued her uncle, falling into
his chair, ''yon's an uncommon fine young
man. You see how the Scotch bluid tells
in him. He was awful fulish an led away
for bit, but he has come a right, like a
brave chiel; and he has his mothers eyes"
'"Then the late Mrs. Warning must have
had very fine eyes," said Mona, rousing
GAY, she had that-she had that From
a young Leslie q Gamma bide his ither
name)-from a. he tells me, Pm thinking
he'll do weel cot yonder. It's a rough life,
but it's honest and healthfu', and he'll get
mair coed DOT OFT than he'd find among a
pack o. proud upsetting fule-bodies in
London" Then with q groan, ''Eh, but
MY limbs are bad the day Moo, my dearie
just look at the city article, an after that,
there's something ABBOTT the colonies want
to hear"
Il wonder what keeps the lad" said
Mr.. Craig. ''He isn't often so long on the
road; an | begin to want my denner."
We need not wait for him."
NAV, but it wants mair than half an
hour yet 10 the time. I'll TAX a cup o.
milk wi adrap o. whisky intiIt, just to stop
the craving
This refreshment administered, the old
man took up the paper himself, and began
to study the state of the funds He was
perfectly we'll able to read to himself but
his niece's soft voice and clear enunciation
We're luXuries to which he considered him
self entitled, and Uncle Sandy was not the
man to forego a hair's-breadth of his
rights. Over the price current" how
ever, he loved to linger, and judge for
himself, after Mona had SKINNED it for
him
Mona went to put some fresh flowers in
the drawing-room. She, too, was anxious
for Kenneth's return; she hoped Gas he was
to call at the postoflice) that he would
bring her letter from Mary accepting the
invitation she had been permitted to send.
She had grown fond of the gentle Highland
lassie, and she greatly appreciated the
companionship OF an Intelligent girl.
Mona resolutely directed her thoughts to
some little plans of work and practice to
be shared by Mary, when the distant sound
of approaching wheels caught her ear
and, going to the window, she saw the
phaeton crawling slowly up the steep road.
Kenneth held the reins; but. could she be-
Heve her eyes, Warning was again beside
him! What had happened?-He could not
have missed his trainI They had started
In abundant time. Warning was leaning
back in a languid manner quite unusual
Uncle Sandyl' she cried, running into
the library; there is Mr.. Warning returning
with Kenneth"
9e don't say SOP cried Mr.. Craig. catch
ing up both sticks, which always stood in
the corner beside his chair, and moving
with unusual rapidity to the front door
whats that for?''
Mona followed her heart beating fast.
They both reached the steps as Kenneth
pulled up.
where's the gardeners" he cried, as he
threw the reins on the back of the old horse
and sprang down. MIR Warning has met
with bad accident, and can scarce get out
alone.'
''Guid preserve Us! what has happeneds"