Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-07-12

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~, after which Uncle Sandy avowed
intention of closing his eyes for q quar-
of an hour. He therefore ra-ascended.
with his ''nayfew's'' help, to his room.
Nine. Debrisay excused herself, because
she had promised to visit some professional
friends, so Mona was left alone with her
newly discovered cousin.
When he returned, after conveying Mr..
Craig upstairs, he sat down by the table.
resting his elbow on it, and shading his
eyes with his hand, he looked curiously at
Mona, who was reading French book Of
travels, which she laid down politely On
his re-appearing.
when my uncle wrote to me that he
had found his brothers daughter. did
not think | should find you such a grand
young lady. You don't seem to belong to
Us, though the MacaIisters are an old
stock"
lou see | was always brought up IN
London and on the Continent; that makes
me seem different. | am not grand"
ct is more than that" he said, refec-
lively, ''more than that Yet you are like
young lady used to go to school with
when [ was wee lad. saw her again
this autumn when 1 was back in Glen
houlaghan; and she is like you-fcTTy like
only you are taller and statelier."
And has she a bonnie reed held as my
uncle says | have"
Your locks are more golden than red, ,
said the young Highlander, with an admir-
ing smile; but Mary's are browner, and
she seems younger"
And | suppose you enjoy getting away
20 the mountains and lochs of your native
sce?"
Eth! it's another life 1 had not been
back for two years. and had no mother
to welcome me this time"
'1hat made sad difference" said Mona,
softly.
He did not speak Immediately, and when
he did, it was to ask in an altered tone
''Were you ever in the Highlands?'
Never"
There is nothing like them anywhere
To be sure haven't seen much else, but
there can be nothing finer. Whether it's
the gray dawn flushing redder and redder
over the mountain tops, or the soft evening
fading from crimson and purple, gold and
lilac, to the pale blue mist and silvery
moonlight; and the air so fresh and free;
the springy heather, that makes your step
light; the grand exuIting sense of climbing
higher. wish l could take you right
away and show you all over the big mount
aims, and glens, and the straths; and row
you out on the quiet loch in the hush Of
the evening""
II wish you could! | should enjoy such
q ramble immensely"
''Weel, " in a lowered and mysterious
n, l. 70
stay at Craigdarroch. He has a lovely
place there"
Here a violent peal of Mr. Craig's bell
summoned them both to their attendance
on that honOred relative.
do you know, Deb, am quite interest
ed III thatyoung Highlander; there is some
thing uncommon about him-he is an orig
inal"
Il don't know, and don't much care,
about his originality, but | do care that he
shouldn't come between you and your I'M
cle's natural affection. My impression is
that he is 4 selfish legacy hunter"
I'm short, he is what you wish me to be.
Oh, Deb, Deb.'
CHAPTER NI.--GLhIPsEs OF THE PAST.
After this first visit Kenneth Macaister
came frequently on Sundays, and some
times Of Il weekday evening tie would
appear between eight and nine O'clock,
having walked straight from the city after
business-jus5 10 stretch his limbs, he said,
after sitting cram9ed at a desk all day long.
Mr. Craig, though by no means cordial
in his welcome, on the whole encouraged
him to come, and seemed pleased that
Mona lent him books from her scanty store,
or played to him, which gave him great
delight. Indeed she grew quite fond of
the queer, half-Jieveloped, irritabt4, i'm
questionable young man, who found such
evident pleasure in her society.
The winter wore on. 1t was severe; but
Mona going constantly out kept free from
cold. Kenneth had been gradually adopted
by her, and was her companion on many
a Sunday. Indeed. Mrs. Puddiford and
her servant consi tered him to be Miss
CraiG's young maa." From this com
panionship Kenneth learned much of man
ners and even modes of thought-learned,
toe, with the rapjlli,y of an imaginative,
impressioaable nature. He admired and
looked up to mis- cousin with profound con-
viction. His society amused Mona, and
helped 10 make her feel younger and more
cheerful. Her own spirits were exceed
ingly variable. Sometimes Uncle Sandy s
cutting remarks and utter want of tact
would raise his nephew's wrath, and he
would pour out his wounded feelings with
much volubility to his cousin, who gener-
ally reasoned with, and claimed him.
He thinks because he has lot of money,
and have a right to expect he will re-
member his sisters son, that he can tram
pie ne under his feet; but | will have him
to know that the Macalisters were gentle
men when the Craigs were lowland peas
ants"
Come, Kenneth don't insult the Craigs;
they are my people, and you must not be
rude"
You are quite different; you are queen
so you seem to me. but you don't insult
3 fellow! Ill not come near Uncle Sandy
till"
Till next Sunday interrupted Mona
''What should l do without my walk:
And, Kenneth, always want you to come
with me-"
ooh, I'll come, cousin Mona! No fear
you sha'n't want your walk for me; but
Sandy Craig is no gentleman, though he
is my mothers Observation-Disclosures
mean'
Kenneth continued to speak, but his
words conveyed no sense to Mona, for her
eyes had been attracted by a well-known
figure.
This conversation had taken place as
the cousins were walking. They had come
through kensington Gardens, past the AL
bert Memorial, and, reaching the road
turned west, intending to return by PalacG
Gardens. Just in the narrowest mart O.
the High Street, at the opposite side. two
men stood talking-one short, stout, bowed
legged, and bull-necked, with amazingly
tight trousers, a gaudy neck-tie, and
most horsey and repellant aspect. He haC