Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-09-21

handy-but, ma, nal there are few can
come up to my ain niecew
CHAPTER xxyL-AS UNEXPECTED VISITOR.
This premature discovery was very en-
barressng to Mona Her conviction that
il would make matters worse IL Mary or
Kenneth knew that Uncle Sandy's eyes
had been opened, gave her courage, how
ever, to keep it q secret from the parties
most interested. 1t would be great gain
II he grew accustomed to the idea Of the
engagement before he was able to fly out
and pledge himself to opposition, for to an
obstinate, headstrong nature like his, re-
traction was almost impossible. He had
an immense contempt for men who threat
ened and did not execute.
But Mona felt infinitely depressed, and
singularly lonely. If she could but see the
question Of Keuncth's engagement set at
rest, she would certainly take leave OF alb
sence and pay her dear Deb visit Not
that she could ever tell even that dear
friend the secret of her inner sorrow; but
the sound of her kind voice-ths change
would bring relief.
Uncle Sandy was in very queer temper
after this discussion. He was querulous
and complaining, yet occasionally obsequi-
GUS to hi. niece, on whom he had grown
very dependent, and OF whose fndepend-
ence he stood in awe
Waring felt that something had gone
wrong, and watched Mona's expressive
fact with profound sympathy.
Let me come with you," he said, one
afternoon, when she had complained Of a
headache, and begged Mary to read to Mr..
Craig, while she went to try the fresh air
cure.
Very WELL" she returned T will show
you my favorite haunt"
They proceeded through the grounds in
to the group OF oak trees beyond. On the
edge of tho little wood was a bench from
which wa. view Of the sea. between two
rocky hills. A narrow ravine opened
steeply down to the beach, widening as it
descended, and here, on its sheltered sides,
the first primroses, the earliest yellow
honey-scented gorse blossom. were to be
found. Behind the seat were big gray
powders, scattered among the tall brack-
ems, and from the little space Of level
ground where it stood, the hillside rose
steeply up.
1T is a delicious place to read In" said
Mona, as they sat down. "On a very still
day you can hear the dash and ripple of
the waves down there like a soft accom-
paniment to your thoughts, or the thoughts
you are reading. Then, later on, the hum
Of the bees as they gather the honey from
the vhins, as Uncle Sandy calls them,
makes complete harmony with the whis-
per of the wavelets. 1t is enough to make
poet even of my uncle"
81 dare say" said Warning, resting his ell
bow on his knee, and his head on his hand,
while his eyes dwelt on hers with the
grave, yearning expression they often
wore-'1 dare say your uncle thinks he
might be TIL best poet in the kingdom, If
he laid his mind TO it, as he would say
himself"
Mona laughed.
Very likely. [ suppose his good opin-
ion Of himself has been lever to hoist
himself withal"
mo doubt. 1t strikes me he is very ex-
acting. You have seemed to me weary,
and-and depressed, of late. Does he
worry very much'"
"He is really very good. have nothing
to complain of. 1 have been depressed
lately because l am puzzled. l am greatly
tempted to tell you why, and to ask your
advice"
DO" said Waring, changing his posi-
ton, and looking out into the Sc "At
least you may trust me to keep counsel,
and If | can do anything, need | say, COM
mspd mcs"