Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-27
MONH'S CHOICE.
BY MRS. ALEXANDER

we should nave apart, DIS we SQGl
now; but at least I do him justice. All
that remains to me is to hide own feel
ings Che shall never pity me), and bid him
goodbye forever with tolerable composure.
Foreverl All! it is hard, cruel fateI'
She was not of the sentimental, weeping
order of young ladies. She sat, very white
and still, and thought it all out, and re-
solved on her own line Of conduct She
would be a kind, pleasant friend while
they were together-and after Then, in
deed, would come anguish and despair
brief parting, probably to meet no more on
earthl
Slowly she gathered herself together, and
collected her IDEAS Then she wrote long
gossiping letter to Mrs. Fielding, telling
all the events of their little world. This
accomplished, she gazed critically in the
glass, snoothed her hair, and looked for
her hat, hoping to efface any sign of emo
ton before meeting any of the party.
1t so happened that Waring asked for
one or two particular songs that evening
Mona sung them easily and sweetly.
'sYou have not had any bad news?" he
asked. coming over to stand blythe piano.
mo. What made you think SOP"
t'Ah, that I cannot tell! You look so
pale, there was something's do not know
what-in your voice that made me fancy
you were-not so bright as usuaL''
"Why, Mr.. NVaring, are you growing
fanciful? YouwilI be writing poetry next"
perhaps mayl Do you and Miss Black
never sing duets?"
ooh, yes! We have one or two. Would
you like US to sing together?"
eyes; very much"
"Come, Mary, and try oh, Were Thou
in the Cauld Blast I do not think we can
do much in this way"
When this was over, Mary was called to
play chess with her host Kenneth stole
away to enjoy a private smoke, and Mona
and Warning were effectually tete-d-tcte.
"You are wonderfully better, Mr. War
ing" said, Mona, who for once was doing
nothing, and sat ensconced in a deep arm
chair which was well in the shadowy re-
cess OF the window, away from the lamp,
near which the chess-players were seated.
Warning, somewhat weary after his walk,
lounged on the sofa, from which, being
still more in darkness, he could see her
profile against the moonlighted window.
'Yes"-suddenly, asif out OF his thoughts
that is exactly what have been saying
to myself. In short, l feel as if L were
staying here on false pretenses. l ought
to be on the move"
81 am sure my uncle does not think sop
"NoI He has been wonderful kind,
though have been troublesome enough
to tire you all outl''
eve are not quite tired out yet"
ooh, you and Miss Black are brace Of
angels; and, in short, must stay till my
arm is as strong as ever, which Donaldson
promises it shall be. A right arm is inn
portant everywhere, but particularly in
my new abode. Do / like the idea of re-
turning? Oh, sha'n't be sorry to be at
work again; but the mere going will be
awfully hard. mean I shall be very sorry
to say goodbye to you ALL"
They were both silent for a few moments
after this. Then Mona asked, in a low
dreamy sort of voice
what is the chief work on a ranche?"
"There is so much that is chief, / hardly
know which comes first. There are cattle
and sheep to be looked after; and fields
1--WE have wheat fields to be plowed, and
sown, and reaped; and horses to break,
ETC., etc."
"You have plenty to do then?"
''Oh, plenty; and then, lots of sport
such heaps of deer, and birds. and bears"
'Bearsl That must be rather fearful.
Do they ever come near your house?"
eyes, they come after the hogs. Part of
our stock-a large part tools big drove
of hogs"
"Your partner is not exactly a gentle
MANI"
"Well one would hardly invite him to a
South Kensington aesthetic evening party;
but he is a very good fellow, a gentleman
as regards keeping his word and a first
rate shot,
Another pause. Mona leaned her head
against the back of her chair, and gazed
dreamily at the moonlight, which SUM
bered in silver radiance on the opposite
hillside.
when was Lisle here?" asked Warning,
with startling abruptness.
ooh, let me seel In the autumn-in Sep
TENDER ind OCTOBER
Il suppose he is the same cool hand as
ever?"
Il see very little change in him, except
that he looks good deal older"
"And he has the family estate now?
dare say he will make good landlord. He
understands his own interest"
81 have no doubt he does"
Il dare say he will be in town when go
there, but | shall not try, to see him. l
have done with that world"
1T is a pleasant world when one is in it,
yet do not regret it either"
'You' Oh, you will flourish in it, Ihave
no doubt"
81 imagine am as much cut off from it
as you can be-"
mo, mol Women like you must always
be at premium-in an ornamental, pleas
ure-seeklng society; someone will persuade
you to enter the ranks once more.n
Mona laughed-a low, hooking laugh
but did not reply.
How is that capital woman, Madame
Debrisay-I mean Mrs. Fielden? l always
liked her."
''She is very well, believe. and must be
at Biarritz by this time. Yes; she is the
kindest, truest soull How good she was
to me, can never forget"
"And l shall never forget her either.
And Lisle-have you not seen him since?'
mot since the autumn, or early winter.
He called once or twice when I was with
Madame Debrisay when she was so i'll"
"Oh, indeedr'
Another pause. Then Warning proceed
ed to inquire for BERTHE Everard and many
of their former mutual acquaintance,
most of whom were lost to sight, and were
by no means dear to Mona's memory.
Il suppose L ought to clear out of this in
about fortnight?" said Warning, rs if to
himself
do not think Of travelling until you feel
sure of your strength" returned Mona,
earnestly. lit would be dreadful to be
laid ND in such place as you describe your
"Homel 1t certainly is not ones idea OF