Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-01-02

confesses Mona. meekly: Ut was a great
lord who aid it on the stage, so I
thought it would be all right
Great lords are not necessarily fault
lesSly correct either on or off the STAGE
says Godfrey. But. Just for choice, |
prefer them off of it. No, that viii not
do at all. When my moth1r addresses
you, you are to answer her back again
in tones even colder than her own, and
'sBut, Godfrey. why should 1 be cold
to your mother? Sure you wouldn't
have me be uncivl to her, of all peo-
ple?"
mo. uncivil, but cool. You will say
to her. 1T was rather better than l an
ticipated, thank YOU And then, if you
manage to look bored, it will be quite
correct, so far, and you may tell your
self you have scored one"
II may say that horrid speech, but l
certainly can't pretend l was bored
during our drive, because l am not"
says Mona.
II know that. IF I was not utterly
sure of it should instantly commit
suicide by precipitating myself under
the carriage-Wheels," says Godfrey.
'Still-'let US dissemble.' Now say
what l told you"
So Mrs. Rodney says, at was rather
better than 1 anticipated, thank you"
in tone SO icy that his is warm be-
side it.
But suppose she doesn't say a word
about the driver" says Mona, thought
fully. How Will it be them"
''She is safe to say something about
it, and that will do for anything" says
In Of tho fnn1iShr1aSS of his
heart.
And now the horses draw up before
brilliantly-lighted hall, the doors of
which are thrown wide open as though
in hospitable expectation of their COM
ing.
Geoffrey, leading his wife into the
hall, pauSeS beneath a central swinging
lamp, to examine her critically. The
footInan who is in attendance on them
has gone on before to announce their
coming; they are therefore for the mo-
ment alone.
Mona is looking lovely, a little pale,
perhaps from some natural agitation,
but her pallOr only adds to the luster of
her great blue eyes and lends an addi-
ti0nal sweetness to the ripenesS of her
lips. Her hair is little loose, but emf
nently becoming, and altogether she
looks as like an exquisite painting as
one can conceive.
Take off your hat" says Godfrey,
in tone that gladdens her heart. so
full it is of love and admiration; and,
having removed her hat, she follows
him through halls and one or two ante
rooms until they reach the library, into
which the man uSherS them.
1t is very pretty room filled with
Sul.iued light, and with blazing fire
II 1-, 4
warmth, and comfort, but to Mona i'll
her present state it is desOlation itself.
The three occupants of the room rise
as she enters, and MOna'S heart dies
within her, as a very tall statuesque
woman, drawing herself up languldly
from lOunging-chair, comes lelSurely
up to her. There is no welcoming
haste in her movements, no gracious
smile, for which her guest is thirSting,
upon her thin lips.
She is dressed i'll black velvet, and has
a cap of richest old lace upon her head.
To the quick senSibilitieS of the Irish
girl it becomes known without a word
that she is not to look for love from
this stately woman, with her keen,
scrutiniZing glance and cold, unSmiling
lips.
A choking sensation, rising from Der
heart. almost stops MOna'S breath; her
mouth feels parched and dry; her eyes
widen. A sudden fear Expresses her.
How is it going to be in all the future?
Is Godfrey 'S-her own husband S
mother to be her enemy?
Lady Rodney holds out her hand, and
Mona lays hers within it.
so glad you have come" says Lady
Rodney, in tone that bellies her words,
and i'll a sweet silyery voice that chi!lS
the heart of the listener. I've hardly
thought we should see you so soon, the
trains here are SO umpmctual. L hope
the carriage was in time"
1T was rather better than [ antiei-
pated, thank YOU, not in the naughty
tone adopted by her half an hour ago.
but in AN mneTyed and frightened
whisper.
at this remarkable answer to a very
ordinary and polite question, Lady Rod
ney stares at Mona for moment, and
then turns abruptly away to greet
Godfrey. WhereupOn Captain Rodney,
coming forward, tells Mona he is glad
to see her, kindly but carelessly; and
then young man, who has been stand
ing up to this silently upon the hearth
rug, advances, and takes Mona,S hand
in warm clasp, and looks down upon
her with very friendly eyes.
At his touch, at his glance, the first
sense of comfort Mona has felt since
her entry into the room falls upon her.
This man, at least. is surely of the same
kith and kin as Godfrey, and to him
her heart opens gladly, gratefully.
He has heard the remarkable speech
made to his mother, aud has drawn his
own conclusions therefrom. ''GeofIrey
has been coaching the poor little soul,
and putting absurd words into her
mouth, with-as is usual in all such
cases-a very brilliant result" So he
tells himself, and is, as we know, close
to the truth.
He tells Mona she is very welcome,
and, still holding her hand, draws her
over to the fire, and moves a big arm
chair IN front of it, in which he en-
sconces her, bidding her warm herself,
and make herself las he says with a
kindly smile that has still kinder mean
ing in i'll "quite at homen
ITO be Continued