The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1888-09-15

might not hear"
"How hideously cold and unkind you
are, Mona. Well, | have something to
whisper in your ear alone, though, IL you
will listen favorably. do not care how
soon it may be proclaimed upon the house
tons"
He leaned toward her, seeking to meet
her eyes.
Mona's color rose, and then faded
quickly, while she looked steadily at her
work.
''Then do not say it," she replied, softly.
"Do you mean what you sayi"
"I do.'
CHAPTER XIII - UNCLE SANDY FINDS AN
OLD FRIEND.
Back again Mt CrGigdarrUch. under the
murky December clouds. back with the
driving rain, and the wild wind weirdly
sobbing among the solemn pine-trees ana
lea;iess oaks.
Winter on tho west coast, though less
bitterly cold than in other parts OF the
country, is gloomy and threatening. It
was dreary time for Mona. Mary Black
had been recalled to her home. The small
ness OF the little group. isolated as it were
on that rugged hillside, ard the feeling
that it was a work OF time, nay almost OF
danger, to escape to the comfort and COM
panionship of n great city, created a sense
OF imprisonment exceedingly trying to the
spirits.
Mona was quite ashamed OF her own de-
preston a little before Christmas. She
felt rs IL she was forgotten by everyone.
Lady Finistoun had written pressing in
vttrfipn RI y-isit bor nj bn- hnrna in rp-y-
berland, when Mona was with Nine Deb
risay, which, under any circumstances, she
would have refused, and since she had
given no sign, neither had Lisle. And even
Mime. Debrisay had not written for a fort
night. Mona had suggested few weeks
in Edinburgh to help them over the depth
of the winter, but somehow Uncle Sandy
did "not see itg'
There was nothing for It but to endure
the inevitable routine.
Breakfast Mt nine, and n consultation
with the cook; n spell of reading to her un-
Gle; an escape to needle-work or music;
dinner, after which Mr.. Craig slumbered
for n couple of hours, and Mona was free,
IL the weather did not permit Of going out;
O walk to the farm-yard or round the gar
den IL 1t did; tea and the newspaper; more
work or music on Mona's part, moro sleep
on Mr. Craigs; little talk with Kenneth,
then supper and bed Day after day alike.
Mona did not think she could live through
another winter
At last the post brought excitement
surprise-an entirely new set of ideas-in
letter from Nine. Debrsay.
MY DEAREST MoyA:-T suppose you think
me one of the most worthless and migrate
ful women in the world! Well, just wait,
and you will excuse me. My dear, imagine
me writing behind big fan to hide my
bushes, About week ago had come in
very tired L Orn one of my first attempts to
do my usual days work, and was refresh
ing myself with n cup OF tea, when in
walked my general. | sent for another
cup, and we sat down coZily together.
"'You are looking very ill., he said, so
staccato that he made me jump.
81 dare say / am, said !. Tits fatiguing
at first. In another week shall be all the
better for my work. 1t would do me small
good to sit here alone
"'That's true he returned, as If he felt
the truth in the bottom of his heart that's
just what think and we each drained n
Goblet-no, | mean cup. so deep was our
convictiou Still said he, rs if oct of his
thoughts, I don't Ike to see You killing
yourself
"'Indeed | do not want to do anything
OF the kind; life is still worth living for me.
""Thats because you have a COED hearth
he cried, fortissima.
"'Don't fiatter,' said |.
"'l do mott never did, said he. Now,
am rather lonely--so are you; suppose
you come abroad with me and take care OF
me7 It's not much OF an offer 10 a hand
some woman still in her prime said he,
very civilly.
the world say?
"'We'll gag the world, my dear Madame
Debrisay, IL YOU have no objection to go
through little ceremony
"'Good gracious, generalp l cried, do
| You want TO marry meH
al do said he, very stoutly. I haven't
much to offer you, but | can leave you
enough for independence. We have both
| porne the burden of the day, so let us spend
peaceful evening together. | am Il gruff
sort of fellow, but not bad at heart; and
Pll not growl more than | can hea2. Just
turn it over in your mind, and viii come
to-marrow for an answer. LIZ you say yes,
we might get things arranged, and start in
ten days or so for Nice"
well, dear, / have said Yes and !
think have done well. We are To be mar
ried at the registry office, as neither of us
are ut the romantic at,e when we might
want to make religious festival of it.
Herr and Fyau Nachtigall are to be my
witnesses, and an ancient veteran, an old
comrade OF General Fielden's, is 10 be his.
think the dear old follow Is quite FOND OF
me. He brings me presents every day; one
time pair of gloves lined with fur; then .
watch Ut belonged to his wife, / imagine,
but it is good and pretty), then warm
cloak. He is strong in wraps and is quite
cheerful about being married. Well, Mona,
I'll do my very best to make him happy
and comfortable. He is good soul and o
real gentleman. He sends his love to you,
and says he is quite ready and willing &c
adopt you at any time; So dear, you
have not lost me-you have kept me and
gained another and much more potent
friend. Write and tell me what You think
of all this. | shall long To see you, and
Uncle Sandy must spare you 20 us when
we eome back to Paris in the spring.
always your loving friend,
&c. DEBRIsAY."
Mona read this important communica-
ton with sincerest pleasure. az will go
and write a letter of congratulation, and /
will send her poor grannie's cat's-eye and
diamond bracelet for n wedding present;
it is the prettiest thing have. | wonder
will my uncle think of giving her any
thtng1" Here that gentleman's stick was
heard tap-tappiug as he approached after
an expedition to the poultry-yard with