Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-07-26
MONA'S CHOICE.
By MRS. ALEXANDER


the place appeared absorbed in the hustle
created by this important arrival; and the
visitors, as they assembled for dinner.
talked Of nothing else. The great men
had signified their gracious intention of
dining with the general public, and their
places were being busily got ready, cham
payne bottles put into coolers, and extra
dainties for dessert being placed ct their
end Of the table.
It's just a hUmeeliating spectacle" said
Uncle Sandy, taking his seat and unfolding
his napkin, while his very nose seemed to
curl up with contemptuous disapprobation,
Ito see such like set out over tya laddies
that would be better earning their crust"
II fancy, from what have heard, Lord
F,itzallan is by no means young"
"Why? What do ye ken about him"
Before she could reply, the door opened
and the new guests, conducted by the
manager of the hotel, entered. The first
was q tall, thin, very thin man. Of forty
five or fifty, whose coloring was extremely
neutral. His hair was Of light hay-colOr,
his mustache shade or two darker; his
complexion a pale drab; his eyes a faded
blue; q very long pointed nose; and a rather
Teceding chin, did not convey an idea of
mental strength; nor did his sloping Shout
ders, spidery legs, and long neck suggest
physical power. lie was smiling bIandly
at something the host was saying, and his
expression was kindly enough, but Mona
scarcely took in these details, so surprised
was she to see that his friend who followed
him was BERTHE EYerard.
That gentleman's keen eyes detected her
instantly but with his usual immobility,
ne merely raised his eyebrows, smiled
int w or,I I,r, ho
pected to meet his young kinswoman at
the table dbote. Mona was yeXed at her.
self for coloring as she felt she did when
she returned his bow, smiling at the same
time with irrepressible amusement The
idea Of an encounter between Uncle Sandy
and BERTHE Everard seemed infinitely
comic.
''Wha's that?" asked the former, indig-
nantly.
''He is q sort of cousin of mine, or rather
Of my poor grandmother. I used to stay
ut his mothers house. She was very kind
to me-"
''Ay, till you began to earn your own
living, those are aye worthless folk Stop
the waiter, will ye? I cannot eat this fish;
it has seen a deal of the world since it left
the waiter"
The offending fish removed, Uncle Sandy
''glOWered," rs he would have said him
self, ut the newcomers, until it was re-
placed by O saints of pigeons.
At length dinner was over. Everard left
his seat, as Mona and Uncle Sandy were
leaving the table, and intercepted them.
Mona presented her uncle, and Everard
introduced her to Lord FitzalIan, who
bowed twice, once to the lady, once to the
crabbed-looking little Scotsman.
''Ahl Miss Craig, don't you think we
might contriye a cOusinship out of the
double relationships he said, in soft
but weakly voice, and with whathe intend
ed for y fascinating shipper.
81 am afraid not. The only real relation
] have is my uncle"
"What rude speech, Monal Do you
repudiate me?" said Everard.
''Oh, mol l take you for what you are
worth"
Everard lifted his eyebrows.
Glow is your friend and partner, the
music mistress? 1t was the funniest idea
yourrunning away from my mother to her"
'Run away? Did you really run away?
What an enterprising young Iady?" said
Lord Fitzallan, as the quartet strolIed out
towards some seats under the trees.
''Dinna hear till him > cried Uncle Sandy
u @iCA hGttl blSb III bGAl W IISGG ID 1lOU
the sort o. young Teddy to do sic an I'M
mannerly imprudence, size is just lassie
wi n proper sense of independence"
Proper sense of independence" repeat
ed Everard; Il fancy you will think it i'm
proper when she runs away from yOu?'
''Ehl but she'll no DO that She can
have good home with me if she chooses,
as you know my lordr'
''Who-me?" exclaimed Lord Fitzallan.
"My good sir, what do 1 know about it,"
''Then you ought, considering you have
rented my house for near on two years!
Don't We mind Craigdarroch?"
"Craigdarrochl by Jovel Are you Craig
of Craigdarroch? l had not the faintest
idea should meet my landlord in this re-
mote region. l should like to have third
season ct Craigdarroch. 1t is snug little
box, and as do not like large parties, it
just suits me-"
''Sma'r' repeated Mr.. Craig, Indignantly.
''There are six large sleeping-rooms, forbye
tWa ithers, and servants accommodation. a
drawing-room and adining-room, library
and my museum, and cellars, etc."
''What funny notion that Craigdarroch
should belong to your uncle, Mona," said
Everard.
"And why shouldn't it," asked Uncle
Sandy. testify. 'Why shouldn't Mona's
uncle buy what he likes with the money he
worked so hard to make?"
II am sure have no objection. Only l
wish you would let Fitzallan have the
place for another year. can only be with
him for ten days this season, and the shoot
ing about there is first-rate."
ST am afraid you are a self-seeker, young
mon." sid Uncle Sandy, solemnly.
Eyes, of course am. So are you; so are
we all"
q have always tried to do my duty" re-
turned Uncle Sandy, startled by this at
tack
81 dare say. It is much the best plan; it
does one no harm if you manage properly,
and it pays in the end"
yet" said Mona, quietly, 81 can imag-
inc your performance of duty not being
specially profitable to your employer"
'sWhat right have you to say that?' cried
Everard, little nettled cit is appalling
to think what your tongue will be when
YOU are an old woman considering what it
is at present"
''Miss-NIiss-'' began Lord FitzalIan,
whose memory was not retentive. Your
charming cousin will never be Old"
seWell, have some letters to write, so
cood-evening," said Everard, rather alb
ruptly. and he went off toward the etab-
basement
Lord Fitzallan remained few moments,
trying, vainly, to flirt with Mona, but her
manner was so chilling that he, too, bowed
and departed.
CHAPTER xv-AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
Move Ala not find l;fa ar ContreSeyille