Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-06-29

ness, IDu lOEOl-- 1utA IC IANittAA
ed Mona's arm with one hand and his
stick with the other. II have drappie in
my portmantle, and I'll just get it.
"Can get it for you, uncle|'
'sNawp' very decidedly. Il never give
my keys TO anyoneH'
With many groans he bent his knees,
leaning heavily on Mona-for the port
manteau had been placed on the f1oor-and
managed to unlock It. Mona had stepped
| back as soon as he let her go, lest he should
think her inquisitive; bit the heavy lid
was too much for him.
why don't We give me a han':" he asked
ENORMOUSLY.
Mona came to his assistance, and the ex-
| ceedingly mixed contents of the portman-
teau were displayed to view.
Uncle Sandy pitched out trousers and
waistcoats and socks recklessly till he
reached the layer where the whisky-bottle
was embedded; he handed it to his niece,
and, having thrust his garments in again,
locked the receptacle; and, rising with the
help of Madame and Mona. tumbled into
his chair again, with many EXPLANATIONS
of pain The desired refreshment was
procured, and then Mona proposed that he
should have the newspaper, and rest till
dinner
"Ayn' said Uncle Sandy. "that'II do fine.
[ am Just awful weary. Are We going to
give me a bite the day, as there IS nothing
preparit?'
"CertainIyr' said Mona.
at was our intention to beg the pleasure
| of your company SAID Nine Debrisay.
Then I'll come. It's pity l have to
gang downstairs; but it Gamma be helpitn'
From the date Of Uac!e S3ndy'S settle
ment tie partners fc.i that the freedom Of
their holiday was over. IL unhesitatingly
claimed constant help and attention.
Moreover, he cavileJl at the price paid for
everything they bought; and many We're
the commissions he gave both.
Still Nine. Debrisay chung to the idea
that he was millionaire, though she care
fully kept her impression to herself.
With all his peculiarities, there was a
certain originality in Uncle Sandy which
attracted Mona Although his ideas of
expenditure were narrow, he was rigid in
paving whatever he believed he ought to
pay. Nor was he conscious of eXacting
more than he gave. Still his recognition
| of the rights Of others was by no means so
| clear as his perception of his own. But
what attracted his niece most was his
| strong liking for herself
lie Itlct Oh ilcE I6Nlu8 Tttl lalT, ITS lG
| considered it. seem ID to be one of Mona's
| strongest claims ulOn his affections. 1t
| appeared to b. Il kind of proof positive that
| she belonged to him.
Naturally the holiday enjoyments of the
| two friends were considerably curtailed by
| the presence of Uncle Sandy Still they
contrived to spend two or three TRANQUILITY
| pleasant days at Hampton Curt, Rich
n,hI,I oil nr Si,1, r,ia of
| sort, though Uncle Sandy grumbled good
| deal at being left alone.
| The six weeks Of vacation passed swiftly
| withal.
| The autumn was exceptionally fine after
wet summer, ana pupils prolonged their
absence from town. O.tober WI; half
over, and Nine. DebriSay was again in
! harness. Mona, too, hal resumed work,
and on the first evening of her return, she
! found her uncle sitting over the fire, hi;
feet on hassock placed inside the fender.
! Come your ways" he cried. The sight
of you is good for sair cen nowadays!
Have We had your bite? Ay? Then Wen
have a good spell O the papers before bed
! time. But, first, there's il bit note | want
to write to a laddie have neglected in
way-my sisters son, Kenneth Macalister
/
dom well. l believe"
"A nephew of yOurs?"
Gay, nephew" Che pronounced it "nay-
few. lie used to come and see me there
in Camden Town. But he and Jamie
| Black-the lad shared the lodging with
used to make Il noise, and argue, and go
on WI fules' talk, till l said | would not
| put up WI it. And Kenneth-he had a
| IIielandman's temperate got offended
| Moo, he has come back from his holiday,
| and is clothed Il daur say he left off the
| breeks when he went hOme) and in his
| right mind. So he writes for leave to come
| and see me. He is Il gu lie laddie, in n way
| not yarra Weel intOrmad but everyone
| hasn't had opportunities, nor have they
| Striven to cdiCate themselves as | have,
| though my disadvantages have been great.
| Moo, my hand is varra shaky the night,
| 50 you write for me- M dearie. Tell him
| to come early to kirk here bye, next Saw
| bath, and coma back with me to a bit din
ncr."
y very few lines suniced; few direc-
| tons as to trains were added, and the note
was sent.
The following Sunday was dull and gray,
but dry.
Dinner was being placed on the table
when Mona who had been to church, en-
tared. Uncle Sandy had already taken
his place, ana Nine. Debrisay was in the
act of gracefully indicating his seat to a
young mana young man whose appear
ance startled Mona.
Hearing Uncle Sandy always speak of
his may few" as a "laddie," she uncon-
sciously formed a picture of an understood,
shy lad, slight and insignificant, with the
family reed heid'-something in style
between a shop-boy and an errand-boy.
She actually beheld a very tall, well-built
figure, surmouuted by an exceedingly black
head, the hair short and thick; heavy dark
eyebrows, and large, dark, deep-set fash
ing eyes; an aquiline nose; high cheek
bones; a pathetic mouth, with somewhat
dOWn-Curved corners, unmasked by mus
tache, and deep red-brown complexion.
This is Kenneth Macalister-yOur cous-
in Kenneth" quoth Mr. Craig. as he tucked
napkin under his chin.
Mona bowed and smiled, but Macalister
took large stride forward holding out a
big, bony, brown hand, and rediening as
he exclaimed
Il am very''-he said "ferry''-glad to
make your acquaintance"
There was Il certain dignity in his car
riaEc, but Mona saw that he was shy,
though probably his pride was strong to
aid him in concealing it. She put her hand
into his, saying pleasantly
1T seems wonderful to me to dine with
an uncle and cousin. | have always
seemed denuded of near relatives"
'Ah, but You have plentvr said Macal-
lister, taking seat. Il have twenty seven
first cousins on my fathers side, and four
teen on my mothers. l have more than
double that in second cousins, but having
been much from home, cannot count all
my far-away kin"
He spoke with the soft, slow Highland
accent, which must be imagined.
Have You been long in London?" asked
Mona.
Going on three years; before that was
in a Glasgow house"
And you like London better than Glas-
gow?"
Il hated both! but am getting used to
London; there is much TO be done and
learned here"
1t is a wonderful place. Do you often
so to the theatre?"
Scarce ever. l am tired after the days
work; and in summer l would rather take
row on the river"
The young are aye carried ava wi an
inordinate love of amusement. an-an' ex-
element, in these latter days.
Man cannot live by bread alone" said