Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-07-27

HE has come into large property and
baronetcyn
"Oh, indeed How did that happen'"
81 think he always expected it. Old Sir
Howard Isle was relation of his fathers
and as they were non-marrying set OF
men, our acquaintance, though not near
cousin, was the next heir"
So. after all, he was not poor man. He
had wealth and position almost in his grasp
when he shrunk from sharing his life with
her, thought Mona, while Lady FInfstoun
ratified on. But suppose there are many
like him." was her conclusion.
81 rather think my mother would have
liked him for Geraldine, but I am not so
sure he would have made good husband"
Lady Finistoun was saying when Mona
| listened again. ''These fascinating, all
accomplished men seldom do. They tell
queer stories about them. The Countess
of Northallerton went out of her mind
about him, so it is said, and only the earl
died so suddenly there would have been a
fearful row."
HE was very agreeable" said Mona,
quietly.
Yes. He has been very popular in In
dia, but he is coming home now on urgent
private affairs l suppose, and will proba-
bly, leave the army. You are not going
yet, Mona?"
q must. Madame Debrisay will be look
ing for me'
Lady Finistoun embraced her affection
| ately, and Mona walked leisurely home
through Kensington Gardens in 4 very
thoughtful mood.
The encounter with Lady Finistoun af-
forded much matter for talk to Nine Deb
risay. She did not press Mona to accept
her invitation.
81 am not sure it would do you any good,
dear. 1t is better to keep with those of
your own trade. 1t went to my heart to
| see you leave your beautiful hona, and the
society you were used to; but it had to be
done, and there is no use in looking back
Life has many sides, and there's none
without its own spark of light"
So the friends enjoyed the quiet holiday
time together Prudence forbade their
leaving town. But Mona, fresh from her
wanderings, was glad to rest; and Nine.
Debrisay was quite content while she had
Mona
Kenneth wrote occasionally. Uncle
Sandy was greatly annoyed at the mis-
management of all things appertaining to
the farm during his absence. He had dis
missed the man he had left in charge, and
was determined, with Kenneth's help, to
direc' everything himself; but he was very
unwell andfractious. He never mentioned
Mona's name, but Kenneth was of opinion
that he thought of her good deal Mean
time there was no chance of his getting
away, and he began to fear that it would
be many q month before he could see his
Highland Mary.
The days and weeks flew by rapidly, and
Nine. Debrisay was beginning to think of
work again, when one morning in the first
week of September, the post brought Mona
a letter addressed in exceedingly shaky,
spider-like calligraphy. 1t bore the post
mark of "Kirktoun;' and having looked
at it earnestly for a moment she exclaim-
ed
why, here is letter from Uncle Sandyr'
You don't say sol Read it to me, if you
will"
''Pn try. What an awful hand"
'MY DEAR NIECE:-As you have had
time to think over your unkind and I'M
grateful conduct to your natural protector
and nearest of kin, | make no doubt YOU
are sorry and ashamed of yourself. But,
as youth is always willful and selfopinion-
ated, | dare say false shame holds you back
from saying you are sorry. Therefore, for
the sake Of your father, and indeed for
y
in your heart, and are willing to aUOne to
me, by trying to be comfort to my poor
troubled old age, which you have been, all
the time we journeyed together.
Kenneth is Il good lad, and decently
sensible out-Of-dOors, but within it is awful
deSOlate without Il woman to order things.
therefore propose that, if you are peni-
tent, as | hope you are, You come and stay
with me as my daughter, to look after me,
and rule my house, and promise that you
shall not be asked to wed with anyone you
do not like, but that if you do wed, and
leave me, you will find some wise-like
woman to bde with me, and care for me,
in your place.
Nov, you must write Mt once to me, yes
or no, and then come as soon rs you can
start Kenneth shall meet you in Glas-
gov. AS you are young and strong, you
might take the night train and come on
here when you have taken a bite of break
fast in Glasgow. Feeling sure you will
come to your old uncle, | inClose you
poSt-OtliCC order for three pounds five shll-
lngs and siXpcnCe, to pay your fare Second
class, and cab and such like And l'll
give you tritle for clothes every quarter
regular, as we may agree upon. If your
heart is good toward me, you might lose
no time and be with me by Thursday first.
For l am just wearying for you, my dearie!
Ana give my respects to madame. May
be she III come up in holiday time and pay
us visit. 1t Is always a treat to look on
the Highlands and You'll be BONNER than
ever when you live in the sweet mountain
air. Now just answer straight, and as YOU
answer, 50 I'll be your loving uncle or no.
ALEXANDER CRAIG"
"Well," said Nine. Debrisay, her coun-
tenance falling, 81 always expected it.
What'll you do, dear?"
'Do?" repeated Mona, slowly. 81 scarce
ly think have any choice. You see he
voluntarily removes all cause of complaint;
but it is hard to leave you, Deb"
at is cruelty hard to let you go; but
must. Now, Mona, my dear, be careful in
answering that letter. You must show
him that you are sacrificing independence
to nurse him. And do not commit your
self to stay with him always"
How can bargain with a poor old man
that loves me?'
HE loves his 'siIler' better. You must
not sacrifice yourself, Mona. Let me write
what l want you to say, and you can mod
ify it If you like; but you must let him see
that you are giving up independence for
his sake. Now is the time to make Glen
tclc, and you resign the chance"
Very well, Deb. In such a matter two
heads are better than one. There is one
point will stipulate fora yearly holiday
to come and see you! That will revive me,
and you too; will it not?"
"Ah, my darlin' child, it will indeedp'
The tears sprung TO Nine. Debrisay's
bright, expressive eyes, and leaning to-
ward her beloved pupil, she kissed her af-
fectionately.
NOW, dear" she continued, "let us get
rid of the breakfast things, and concoct
our famous letter"
1t was piece of work not to be quickly
done. The collaborators had ~ide differ
ences of opinion as to what was and was
not to be insisted upon. Mona had mostly |
her own way, but, nevertheless, was good |
deal influenced by her friends shrewd ad- |
vice.
Finally. the letter was dispatched. As
soon as the post could bring a reply came
another epistle agreeing to everything, and |
expressing Uncle SandY'S extreme salts |
faction. He gave his niece few commits
sions to execute respecting books, papers, |
etc, and promised to subscribe to an Edin- |
burgh circulating library, that they might |
have entertainment and instruction in the |
long winter nights.
The ensuing week was busy one. Lon |
don dreSS-makerS were not to be thought |
lessly left behind. Preparations for pro- |
longed sojourn in comparative wilds were |
10 be made. And Mona dearly loved be- |
coming dress and pretty things. Still |
madame preached economy, and the ne |
ceSsity of considering Mona's tiny capital |