Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-28
MONA'S CHOICE.
BY MRS. ALEXANDER.

Dabrisay was extremely amusing. She
had been largely educated by observation.
She was at once Skeptical and creduIouS;
her mind was utterly untrained-ynt GER
tain keen mother wit and lar4ouess OF
heart made her judgment, on the whole,
clear She was still quick in temper,
though it had been much chaStened, and
also extremely resentful of small sights.
Things had settled down to a regular
routine. The depth of the winter was
aver, and Parliament had met, and Mona
aid nearly as much to do as she could ac-
complish without fatigue, though she vas
quite willing to do more. Madame even
talked of making a little excursion to the
seaside at the dead season, if things con-
tinued to prosper.
Mona was returning late one afternoon,
after one of her busiest days. She was
Eeary, but more hopeful, though she was
thinking how this time last year she was
looking forward to the mingled JOY and
terror of being presented. 1t was little
hard to he so suddenly dragged down, and
carried away from all the gayeties and
pleasures, the society and distinction, that
she had enjoyed few months ago, and to
which she felt she should never return.
Yet there was no bitterness in her regret;
she felt that she was singularly fortunate
in having found such a friend and such a
home.
Her reflections were suddenly broken in
upon by a familiar voice exclaiming-"By
Jovel it is Monal Mona Joscelynp and
she found her further progress barred by
Berthe Eyerard, Sir Roberts only son, who
was studying law, having no military pro-
clivtties, and thinking legal knowledge
would be useful in managing the family
estate, which was by no means flOuriShing
under his fathers munilicent rule.
"Rertie! / never dreamed of meeting
You, as though the ban which had fallen
on her had been ''banishment''-that an
encounter between two inhabitants Of the
same town had been thereby rendered i'm
posi-
Nor lid l. thought you had emigrat-
ed, or been sent to penitentiary, or some
such thing. You see when anyone drops
out Of sight in London, it is such drop in
the ocean. that he or she leaves no trace
behind. l am quite glad to see you. Come,
tell me all about yourself. Evy has wept
gallons over you. She wanted to write,
and the Lord knows what but my mother
strictly forbade her. You are an awful
black sheep, you know-a lost mutton
COZ course | am" said Mona, smiling.
She understood her Cousins dry bluntness.
But you must acknowledge l have kept
ont Of sight and not troubled you"
Yes, it is quite true. Now have met
yOu / am amazed to find you still exist.
How have you managed it, NIona?"
why trouble about details? l exist,
and want nothing-that is enough. Now,
tell me some news. How is Your dear
mother? She was always so goodr'
she is exceedingly flourishing and busy,
for Evelyn is going to be married-very
good match-to Lord Finistoun He is a
pleasant, easy-going fellow-rather an ass
but that will suit Eyy. She hasn't much
brains herself"
she has sense enough not to think she
has NIL the Drains of The family, as you do
BERTHE"
Yes I do, and am no great things af-
ter all. Your troubles have not taken the
sharp edge off your tongue, Miss Joscelyn,'
he said, laughing.
"There is no Miss Joscelyn now. I have
resumed my poor fathers name. 1t is
more suited to my fortunes and fancy"
by Jovel And what is it? Craig? I'm
1t was Il queer notion of Mrs Newburgh'S
to suppress it. suppose you haven't hearC
or seen anything OIL Naclng!
"No of course not"
''Nor anyone else either! Can't think
what's become of him Some one did say
he was training Il colt for the Derby.
dare say he is glaI enough now that you
have broke with him. Can't understand
why men marryl-must be an awful bore. .
81 have no doubt he is obliged to me-"
'And you are deucedly sorry you gave
him the chance, eh?"
''You would not believe me if Idenied it.
well, no, would not, though you are
a rum sort Of girl, Mona. | alway:
liked you. You say what you think, anC
you held your own with that grandmother
OF yours, who was as big a tyrant as have
met You are fool, too, in many ways
ready to cut your own throat for an idea
but there's something taking about you
never thought ST. John Lisle would lose
his head as he did on your account. l had
q letter from him some time ago--asked
why he had not seen your marriage an
mounced-asked il in poStscript-;alwayS
bad sign of womanisE weakness. Where
10 you live, for Heavens sake? We mus
be approaching the far west"
DO not come any further, Bartie-yoJ
will die of fatigue"
No will not, but you will, if it's few
miles further out; let me secure cab, be
fore we leave the haunts of civilization be
hind US"
Il think ten minutes more Will bring us
to our destination; but to copy your OWL
amiable candor, would rather you did MOI
come"
"Ah, but will l am determined, t.
see your lair"
We'll, cannot prevent YOU, but [ dC
not want you" rejoined Mona.
Ia few minutes they reached Nine
Debrisay's abode, and on opening the doOl
that individual was discovered resting il
an armchair, beside a table set for tea
Her bonnet lay on the floor beside her, apC
her thick and undeniably disordered blacl
hair was uncovered.
This is BERTHE Everard," said Mona
quietly; "Evelyn's brother"
Very pleased to see him, Pm sure, " saiC
madame, rising brayely to face the intru
der, and not deigning to pick up her bon
net. Your sister was one of my mos
charming pupils"
'Oh, indeelr returned Everard. 6
should not have thought it,"
''And you find your sweet cousin lookin!
we'll! l have done my best to take care o
her"
My cousin?" elevating his eyebrows
''Can you tell me the exact degree, Mona
first. second, twenty-f,th?"
'sOhl a cousin removed to the vanishin:
point of relationship. l have not the faint
est wish to claim you, BERTHE"
Really, Mona my dear, that Is not tn
retort courteous"
IF YOU knew Mr.. Everard better, dea
madame Debrisay, you would know tina
,.,,,,+,e,- bir11cplf and others