San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-12-05


very happy, and you too, uncle. You know
what "a sweet
You'll just drive me afr my heidr' he
interrupted. Don't We see that Kenneth
needs a wife wi tocher-a bit siller!-a
careful, thoughtful woman wha'd be
guide and a stay to him, not bit lassie
that he'll be David an Solomon and the
rest to-"
Il fancy there is much more probability
that Kenneth would be all the wiser and
stronger for the companionship of wo-
man that looks up to him"
"Whaur's the use of argufying? Mary
Black is no the wife | want for my nay
few; an if he crosses me, I'll just pit him
DOT. Why should gle my money to a
feckless loon wha hasna the sense to con-
suit me in the maist important step o. his
rOad?n
But. uncle, of all the steps a man can
take, the most important to himself is
matrimony. Now, where would you find
sweeter girl than Mary' You miss her
yourself when she goes; can't you fancy
her and Kenneth making a happy home
for you, and caring for you? Suppose he
married rich girl who had been educated
at some first-rate school, do you think she
would be content to live here as your house
keeper, and have no change from years
end TO years end"
And what for shouldn't she?"
81 do not know why; but am quite sure
most girls would tire of Craigdarroch, sweet
and lovely as it is; even do"
"YOu.-you tire of Draw home like
this?'
"Oh, shall be pleased to come back; but
like to 90 away sometimes; and am old
of my years"
"Aweel, | deserve that o Kenneth that
asking me first"
"Why. that is more than father could
expect from a son; and, besides, we do not
know how long these two may have loved
each other-perhaps before you had any
claim on Kenneth"
'Ech, the follies O. children diDna reck-
onp'
Don't you think if Miss Leslie had loved
you, uncle, you would have chung to her
though father and mither and a should
go mady'"
"Ah, my lassie, but that was a different.
She was gram young leddie, wi five fig
ures to her tocher; an, Mona, my dear, a
mon thinks deal o. the girl that's just
abune his reach"
Perhaps so, uncle; but the true man
thinks the girl within his reach just as
sacred and precious, if she is dear to him."
A quick sob rose III Mona's throat as she
spoke, and Uncle Sandy, in his quickened
condition of mind, Observed
What's wrang wi ye?" he asked.
you're no fond o. the laddie yourself"
'Only in sisterly way, assure you.
am deeply interested in his welfare"
Sac am |; but Gamma see it's for his
welfar' to wed wi penniless BARN"
"a BARN that would look on you as
father, and be daughter to you, Uncle
Sandy"
Nav, it's no use telling me sic a like
tale. | doOt that onybody wad be as guild
to me as you are, Mona; and | want Ken
meth to get a fortin' wi his wife, that l
Inay gle you better tOcher, my dearie.
You'll we'd gran gentleman some day,
and you must be weel tOChered."
"Uncler' cried Mona, earnestly; "yOu
must not think of that! My possible mar
riage is long way off, and will go away
and leave you if you let me come between
my cousin and happiness"
IF yOu must go, you mustW said Uncle
Sandy, sternly, though his voice was I'M
unsteady. ~ did without you before, and
| can again"
That is for you to consider. Now, I'M
Gle, make me promise
what is it," he asked, cautiously.
while Mr. Waring stays, make no dis
turbance. He has been so comfortable
here, let him take away his good impress
sion unimpared. If you speak to Kenneth
and show displeasure, Mary will go away,
and her people will forbid her to speak to
Kenneth; our pleasant life will be broken
I'D: / Shall be too distressed to remain;
shall accept General and Mrs. Fielden's
often repeated invitation to go and stay
with them in Paris, and you will bully poor
Kenneth till he does not know a mangle
wuTZel from a kale"
you are just trife too clever, missile"
said Uncle Sandy, irritated, but not con-
quered. Il dinna understand why you ale
so strong on they fules' side. However,
I'll max no disturbance while Mr.. Leslie
is in my hoOse. But prOmise-fOr promise
you must-gie me your word not 20 let
them know am acquaint wi their foolish
ness"
Mona was silent for a moment or two,
while she thought that it would do no good
TO put the offending pair on their guard.
Very well, she said Il promise. But
you must not be cross; you must be nice
and kind, as you have been"
"Pm muckle obleeged to you for the
compliment" dryly.
And, uncle, don't think Iwant to leave
you. | am grateful to you, and like you;
am interested in you, for you are full of
character; but if you are unjust to Ken
meth on my account, or if you doubt me,
and try to worry me into marrying anyone