The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1897-10-30
M0NA'S CHOICE.
BY Mrs.
cnAprrR xvr.-.ruE sEnpEyr's roorn.

HArTE xv1.--THE %sERPEsT'S TooTn
On the whole, Alexander Craig's retreat
from Contrexeville was sudden, and barely
10 good order. lie was not n little crest
fallen by the complete collapse OF the bril-
liant HOPES which had dawned upon him
a moment. The excellent effect of the
..tment and waters, however, had re-
stored his elasticity, so that his sullenness
and irritable depression did not last very
long.
By the time they reached Strasbourg and
were comfortably settled in q good hotel,
he began to talk of making plans; maps
and guide-books were brought out, and
the old man frightened up when he found
Mona was highly pleascd at the idea OF
seeing Switzerland.
She was u very efficient assistant, look.
ing up the railway fares, counting the cost,
and calculating the difference between for
eign and English money.
Anc SO uncle and niece set nut on n pill.
grima.e, visiting by very slow degrees the
most interesting places in Switzerland and
OIL the Rhine.
In this tour we will not attempt TO fol-
low; are not these places, their histories
and attractions, written in the books OF
Murray and of Baedekert
For the winter they rested ct Dresden,
where Uncle Sandy was both comfortable
and happy In the society of u Presbyterian
munster OF sound views, who taught Mr..
Craig chess. n great resource, If sometimes
q little irksome to Mona.
So autumn, winter. and spring passed by,
and midsummer was close at hand.
To Nine. Debrisay the loss Of her dear
companion was II real bereavement.
Mona's letters were her greatest comfort,
and, need it be sail, with what welcome
Joy she received Il letter from Mona an-
nouncing that she and her uncle would be
in London on the twcnty-second.
1t was a fine, glowing evening when, in
her prettiest cap, she awaited the arrival
Of the travellers, having assisted to lay the
table and make the place look neat and
pretty. or orr those watched for We're
late, or seemed to be; but ut last a cab,
laden with luggage, drew up to the gate,
and the next mou,ent Mona was in her
friends arms.
ME darlin' child! Ihave been that lone,
ty without you! And you are looking right
well, but terribly sunburned."
A hearty kiss, and then she went to
greet Mr.. Craig, who descended from the
cnb with more alertness than she had ever
seen him show before.
Delighted to see you looking quite q
new man, my dear Mr.. Craig!." she cried
q genuine look Of pleasure dancing in her
bright, dark eyes, rs she shook hands witt
him heartily. "Welcome back, after nj
these long months!'
THANK ye, thank YET" he returned
pleased with the warmth of her greeting
Pm not sorry to be back again. | hope
you are weel."
YES, quite well! I am an evergreen
Mr.. Macalister las been good enough t,
come to cheer me up occasionally. Yer,
kind OF him to trouble about III old VIC
man. Glad to see you. Go inside, Mr.
Craig, your nephew and will settle will
the cabman."
ma. M! rIl just pay him myself"
This done, Nine. Debrisay and Mona hat
a few precious moments to themselves
and then the party sat down to high tea
with the sense Of enjoyment arising from
the mixture of familiarity and corlplet
change.
Chow delicious the tea isl" cried Mona
''That is one thing you rarely get abroad.
Eth! but it is good to get a bit of dr.
toast again." said Uncle Sandy. "An'
Kenneth, my mon, l nm right glad to Sc
yon!"
'eThnnk You. sir. Pm sure Ihave MISE
you and-and Miss Mona here, sorely. !
was a pleasure to nave a bit talk with mac