Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-07-19
MONA'S CHOICE.
BY MRS. ALEXANDER.
CHAPTER xIII.-DIPLoMACY.

might have been expected. He told his
nephew not to be dOwn-hearted; that his
offer was, perhaps, unexpected like, and
he could not suppose lasSie-a very SUI
perior young lady-would jump at the first
word-that he (Kenneth) must persevere,
and come often to the hOuse-perseverance
could accomplish much. Uncle Sandy had
set his pertinacious mind on the marriage.
All, however, might go well, if only no
breath of the project reached Mary's ears.
Il am exceedingly glad / may go andsee
you often, concluded Kenneth. ''Fcr this
great stony wilderness of a town has
seemed good deal more home-like since
1 knew you"
Meanwhile the usual round of London
life ran its course. Parliament assembled.
New players and old favorites enchanted
the public Fresh scandals, and novelties
of toilets, enlivened the pages OF society
papers. Another batch of little girls were
promoted from the nursery to the school
room, and both Nine Debrisay and Mona's
hands were full.
May set in with unusual warmth, dry
east winds prevailing, and Uncle Sandy
grew Disconnected with his food. restless
at night, feverish by day, dissatisfied with
his liver, and suspicious of his digestive
organs.
81 am no sac sure that Sir Andrew Col
man gives me that attention he ought, sid
ering a. the guineas he has had from me!
Mr.. Maclean" (this was his minister) cad
yises me to try that man in Saville Row,
Doctor Carmichael; they say he is wonder
full for liver and digestion; and l am regu-
lar ont of sorts"
"WeI. I would, Mr.. Craig" said Nine
L. 1o1
his doubts and intention; you have not
been looking at all well-not a bit like
yourself of late. l have felt rather uneasy
about you. Perhaps a new doctor may
observe something that has escaped the
other. May be change of air might do you
good"
Haven't had total change coming
here? And last year I felt a new mani
How is puir frail body like me to go wan
dering about by my ain sell? Why, the
cure wad be worse than the sickness"
'tStill, my dear sir, it is well worth while
to face some difficulties rather than notre-
cover your precious health"
~ know it, know it, )" he growled, i'm
patiently; "and am just thinking what's
best to be DONE III get Mona to write
and ask for an appointment. when she
comes I'M
Il am sure, Mr. Craig, my poor pen is
quite at your service"
'Oh, thank'ee, thanked Pll just wait
till my niece comes in"
Mr.. Craig was quite nervous about his
visit to a new doctor, and at length ex-
pressed a wish that Nine Debrisay should
accompany him to the DOCTORS house,
though he did not wish her to be present
at the interview.
'Why did you not say so at once" she
cried. 81 should have offered to go with
you, but seeing you are a particular man,
did not like to intrude."
''Intrudel Why no, of course, you would
not. did think of taking my nephew,
but it is not easy for him to get away from
business"
''Do not think of it, my dear sir. 1 am,
you know, quite an experienced nurse, and
when Doctor Carmichael makes an ap-
pointment, will arrange to go with you.
You are not really fit to go alone"
you are varra good. l shall be much
indebted to you"
For the remainder of the day Uncle
Sandy was amiable enough; but, as is not
uncommon, wheT the immediate sense of
obligation wears off, the politeness it en-
genders also disappears, and next day he
was as querulous as ever.
The day that Uncle Sandy went to con-
suit the well-known DR.. Carmichael, Mona
was rather late, and went up to his sitting
room before she took off her hat.
She found him at his evening meal--a
chop and some dry toast-while Nine.
Debrisay was busy over n cup of cocoa,
which she was making with the help of a
kettle and spirit-lamp.
''WelI, uncle, what did the doctor say?''
'Not much. He evidently thinks l am
in a bad way. He went so far as to say
that medicine could do me varra little
good. He just altered my diet bit. lam
not to touch tea or coffee, only a wee drap
whisky in cold water; and he has ordered
me to a foreign place never heard tell of
before. That's the worst. If Pm to dee,
let me have one of my ain to close my eyes.
Out of London / will not go, unless you
come with me, Mona"
my dear uncle, this is very serious.
Where are you to CO."
To queer, out-of-the-way water-drink-
ing toun cad Con-ter-X-ville, away in
France. Madame there seems to know
about it, as she does about most things"
Eyes, dear" cried madame, briskly, as
she blew out the lamp, and carried the cup
to the invalid ''The waters are admirable
for govt, and rheumatism, and liver, and
indigestion; and all sorts of things. 1t is
a well-known water in France. Monsieur
LIE Due de Monceau and Madame La Mar
quise de Suresenes both derived the great
est benefit from the cure"
"And whereabouts is it?'
ooh, on the German side; in the Depart
ment of the Vosges, not very far from
Nancy"
Its an awful lang Journey" groaned
Uncle Sandy, land will cost mine o. sill
ler."
mot more than q journey to any other
health resort, my dear MIR. Craig. We
will ascertain the rail fares. You are not
going away all in a minute. We have
time enough to look about u.s."
"And will you come with me dearie?"
asked Uncle Sandy, looking wistfully ut
Mona. II Gamma go without your
If can go I will, uncle; but 1 must hear
little more''
Its Just awfu' to be alone in this wicked
world; and neither chick nor child to fight
for you. You ought to think on that,
Mona; and get me a little MAR toast, like
q good lassie-ny appetite is yarra indif-
ferentn
''He has just devoured 4 rackfull'' whis-
pered Nine. Debrisay; lone round more is
as much as he ought to have"
Mona waited down stairs till the toast
was ready, considering what answer she
should make to her uncle's request though
she well knew that she would end by &C
ctnpanying him. How could she refuse
the poor cid man, who seemed to look to