Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-08-16
MONH'S CHOICE,
BY MRS. ALEXANDER.

INJURED, rousing herself. "It's all past now,
and left not even a scar. did not think
his presence would have moved me so lit
tie. will never avoid him, or seem un-
friendly, but / defy him to firt with me If
do not choose. hope he is enjoying his
ramble with Uncle Sandy"
Here the sound of wheels upon the gravel
drew her to the entrance in time to see the
phaeton drive up, wherein sat Kenneth
triumphant, and Mary Black beside him.
Mona welcomed her cordially.
az am so glad to see you. Uncle Sandy
has gone out round the garden with gen
tleman, SO 1 will show you your room at
once. She is looking blooming, Kenneth
better than when we met in Glasgow"
Il am so glad to see you a bit alone be
fore | meet Mr.. Craig" said Mary, as she
followed Mona down the long passage to
her room; 81 am very frightened Of him."
But you must not be So" said her young
hostess. "My uncle likes those least who
fear him most"
stIt was so good of you to ask me. Ken
meth told me all about it. and mother bid
me present her best compliments to you"
Then they had little cheerful talk about
the most becoming mode Of dressing the
fashion of morning frocks; after which it
was time to go to the drawing room. which
they hardly reached before the bell rang.
Mona could hardly repress smile when
Uncle Sandy appeared, followed by his
guest. Lisle looked rather grave, but Mr..
Craig had an air of dissatisfaction, which
spoke volumes as to the amount of boring
his victim had endured.
"And this is Miss Black? I am weel
pleased to welcome her to Craigdarroch.
Any friend of Miss Craig's, my niece, is
welcome to me- especially a bonnie lassie
like you. Sit ye doom, sit ye doom" And
he proceeded to ask blessing of portent-
Gus length.
The midday meal proceeded very sue
cessfully. TO Mona's surprise, Lisle made
himself very pleasant, listening to all I'm
Gle Sandy said with interest, and just
enough difference of opinion to stimulate
the old man to triumphant argument. He
seemed 10 enjoy the very simple food set
before him, and discussed fsnIng with
Kenneth, inviting him to spend day on
the rivers side occasionally, sending a
half-admiring, half-defiant glance TO Mona,
which seemed to say that he was not to be
easily shaken off Seeing that it made
Mary blush painfully to be noticed, he
kindly left her alone. Directly to Mona he
said very little, but he inquired if she had
seen this or that periodical or quarterly,
and offered to send them up to her. Fin
nally, he was, he said, reluctantly obliged
TO take leave, and the whole party went
out to see him start.
81 suppose | may give your love to Lady
Finistoun, Miss Craig? She will be here
tomorrow, dare say, when she knows
who is in her neighborhood. Many thanks
for your hospitality, Mr.. Craig. 1 will
come up again as soon as | have seen
M'Gregor. Adieu."
A wave of the hand, an uplifting of his
hat, he touched his spirited horse with the
whip, and in another moment he was out
OF sight round the curve of the drive.
"A varra reasonable, wise-like young
mon, for ane in his position, and willing to
hear truth from the lips of q thoughtful
body. But he has his tempers, I'll be
bound. He was just anither sort o. man
the day went to meet him-short-spoken
and scornful-like. But daur say he sune
saw that Sandy Craig could hold his ain
with a'body. Aha, lad, he's changed his
tune the dayi Come along. my bonnie
BARN! Kenneth and me are going to our
books SO Mona will take you round the
gardens and the grounds, forbye the dairy"
CHAPTER XIX.-"'TIs WELL TO BE OFF WITH
THE OLD LOVE-
Mona felt younger and more like her old
self after this meeting with Lisle than she
had done since her grandmother's death.
The encounter had proved to her how com
pletely she had cast off the old feeling of
regret and pain at her disenchaptment, and
showed her that she was stronger than of
old. Still Lisle in way interested her.
His manners, when he chose, were attrac-
tive, though Mona fancied she could per-
ceive the baser metal of selfshness under
lying the silver-plating of his effective ex-
terror.
With all his radicalism, Uncle Sandy
was deeply gratified by the readiness of
this fine gentleman to cultivate his ac-
quaintance. He was remarkably amiable
and serene during the whole afternoon and
evening after Lisle's visit. although he
held forth at some length on the folly and
evil effect of titles on their possessors, as
well as on society at large.
Iisle proved true prophet. The day
but one after his visit, Uncle Sandy and
his guests had assembled in the library to
their five o'clock tea. This was a serious
meal with bannocks and scenes, cookies,
bread and butter, preserves, and toast.
1t served to support nature till eight
O'Clock supper, after which came PRAYERS
and bed. Mr.. Craig had just asked a
blessing, when the sound of an approach
ing carriage interrupted his attack on the
toast and newly-made strawberry jam.
1T is enither visitor" he said 'Why,
one might rs weel be in Edinburgh or
London"
eve had not many visitors in London, !"
observed Mona.
As she spoke, Jessie, the youthful house
maid, came hastily into the room.
''There is a Teddy speerin' for you, Miss
Craigf' she exclaimed; "a BRAN Teddy, in
a chaise Wi twa pownies."
1T must be Lady Finistoun," said Mona,
rising. Il may bring her in, uncle"
"Ehs Surely. Ask her to take e cup o
tean
Mona fastened to the door, before which
in light basket-carriage. sat Lady FINS
toun, and beside her an elderly lady made
up in the most youthful style.
"Ahi my dear Mona So you are at
home. 1 am so glad" She gave the reins
TO smart, diminutive groom, and stepped
out quickly. embracing Mona with effus-
ion. Lady Finistoun continued, 81 was so
delighted to hear you were within reach.
I have brought Miss Morton with me.
You know Miss Morton? Mol Oh, well
you ought; everyone knows her."
''Then l must be no one," said Mona
laughing. 81 am very glad to see you
Evelyn. You must come in, we are at tea,
my uncle begs you will join u.s."
noccnn1inr- ho 81, s1x-,-