The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1897-12-25
M0NA'S CHOICE.
BY MRS. ALEXANDER

The shock was great to Mona when she
read OF her good friends illness. Hitherto
Mme. Debrisay had been invariably well,
an the idea of her being alone and help
less, in a mere lodging, was intolerable.
Mona Immediately determined to 20 to
her, and, as Uncle Sandy rightly surmised,
nothing would have held her back; no fear
of being disinherited would have prevent
ed her, as Uncle Sandy said, from gang
ing her ain gate"
1t was a cold raw morning, thick and
foggy, when she reached her destination.
The landlady greeted her warmly; she was
evidently glad to have the responsibility
lifted off her shoulders.
MADAME has seemed better ever since
she had your telegram yesterday; but, for
oil that, she has had n terrible night, such
a fight she has for breath, poor dear. Isat
up till past two with her, aud then Lizzy
took my place."
II will go and see her at oncc,' said
Mona.
do have a cup of tea first, miss"
mo, thank you-after."
Poor Nine. Debrisay shed tears of JOY at
the sight of her dear child.
"And did your uncle agree to yolr COM
fngf" she whispered.
He was obliged" returned Mona, smil-
ing. Though he grumblcd, he was quite
good about 1t. Isuppose he remembered
how kindly you nursed him."
II would be so sorry if I was the cause
of any bad feeling between you! But, OIL
1t is n joy and Il comfort to have you near
me, darling!"
Though quite inexperienced in nursing,
MnNu,S com nDO-Snpva md cn,af,1 nb,ary
ance of the DOCTORS directions soon taught
her, and the atmosphere of c%heerfulness
she created was infinitely beneficial to the
sufferer. A few days saw n decided i'm
provement. Soon Mona WAS released from
the fatigue of regular night watching, and
Nine. Debrisay was about to take more
nourlshment; while the doctor announced
that we We're doing very we'll indeed"
In q few days, Mona had the pleasure OF
assisting her friend from her bed to IN
easy-chair by the fire, when the "girl" put
in her head to say there was n gentleman
In the drawing-room, md would Miss Craig
speak to him.
II will come directly" said Mona.
Mona soon followed her into the front
room, where a cheerful fire was burning,
though otherwise it looked too accurately
neat to have an inhabited air; and there on
the hearth-rug stood L.isle.
The sudden surprise brought a quick,
bright blush to Mona's cheek, and she stood
still an instant, the long, straight folds OF
her morning-gown sweeping from her
graceful shoulders to the ground, giving
her additional height and dignity.
~ hope l am not taking a liberty in call.
ing so early" said Lisle, coming forward
to clasp the hand she held out, with the
exclamation
81 had no idea it was you! I fancied you
were still In Scotland.'
pray, who did You expect them" asked
Lisle, sharply, as he still held her hand,
and looked with eager inquiry into her
eyes.
General Fielden-a friend of Madame
Debrisay's," withdrawing her hand from
his clasp. Have you any message from
my uncle, Is nll we'll at Craigdarroch"
81 do not think Mr.. Craig knew that ]
was coming to London" he returned. "It
was rather a sudden idea of mine. Are
you not going to ask mt to sit down."
ooh, yes! of course! Pray, sit down, Sill
st. John. Lam so startled at seeing you,
that 1 forget my manners" she said, laugh,
ing. "IIow did you know where l wasp
"Well, you see, l speak the language,
and l asked your killed kinsman. You dc
not suppose l was going to loss sight OF
youi"