Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1897-09-25

what attracted his niece most was lis
strong liking for herself.
The fact OF her having red hair. rs he
considered 1t, seemed to be one of Mona's
strongest claims upon his affections. IL
appeared TO be a kind Of proof positive that
she belonged to him.
Naturally the holiday enjoyments Of the
two friends were considerably curtailed by
the presence Of Uncle Sandy. Still they
contrived to spend two or three TRANQUILITY
pleasant days ut Hampton Curt, Rich
mond. and other suburban places OF re-
sort, though Uncle Sandy grumbled a good
ieal ut being left alone.
Tie six weeks OF vacation passed swiftly
withal.
The autumn was exceptionally fine after
4 wet summer. and pupils prolonged their
absence from town. October was half
over, and Nine. Debrisay was again in
harness. Mona, too. had resumed work,
and on the first evening OF her return, she
found her uncle sitting over the fire, bis
feet on a hassock placed inside the fender.
Come your ways" he cried. The sight
NJ you Is good for sair cen nowadays!
Have ye had your bite' Ay' Then Wen
have a good spell O. the papers before bed
lime. But, first, there's a bit note | want
to write to q laddie I have neglected In u
way-my sisters son, Kenneth Macalister.
He is in an Office in the city-a big place
loin' well. | believe
"A nephew Of yonrsf"
LAY, a nephew (he pronounced il may
few'(. HE used TO come and see me there
in Camden Town. Bnt he and jamie
Black-the lad I shared the 10 lying with
used TO make a noise. and argne, and 90
81 wi fnles' talk. till | said | would not
put up wi il. And Kenneth-he had a
~Hie;andman's temperate got offended.
Moo, he has come back from his holiday,
md is clothed Il daur say he left of the
breeks when he went homel and in his
right mind. So he writes for leave to come
and see me. He is a guile laddie, in n way
not varra weel informed; but everyone
hasn't had opportunities, nor have they
slriven TO edicate themselves n ! have,
though my disadvantages have been great
10 come carry % kirk mere Dye, neext saw
bath, and come back with me TO a bit din
ner."
A very few lines sufficed; n few direc-
tions rs to rains were added, and the note
was sent.
The following Sunday was dull and gray.
but dry.
Dinner was icing placed on the table
when Mona, who had been TO church, en-
tared. Uncle Sandy had already taken
his place, and Nine. D.brisay was in the
net OF gracefully indicating his seat to q
young young man whose appear
ance startled Mona.
Hearing Uncle Sandy always speak OF
Ais may few as a "laddie," she uncon-
sciously formed a nicture of an understood,
shy lad, slight anu Insignificant, with the
family freed hcid'-something in style
between a shop-boy and an errand-boy.
She actually beheld a very tall. well-built
figure, ~surmounted by an exceedingly black
head, the hair short and thick; heavy dark
eyebrows, and large, dark, deep-set, flash
ing eyes; an aquiline nose; high cheek
bones; q pathetic mouth, with somewhat
down-curved corners, unmasked by mus
tache, and a deep red-brown complexion.
This is Kenneth Macalister-your cous-
In Kenneth" quoth Mr.. Craig, as he tucked
a napkin under his chin.
Mona bowed md smiled, but Macalister
took a large stride forward, holding out q
big, bony, brown hand, and reddening as
he exclaimed
IL am very"-hc said "ferry''-glad to
make your acquaintance"
There was a certain dignity in his car
riage, bus Mona saw hat he was shy,
though probably his pride was strong to
aid him in concealing it. She put her hand
into his, saying pleasantly
at seems wonderful TO ms to dine with
IN uncle and a cousin. I have always
seemed denuded Of near relatives"
"Ah, but you have plenty!" said Macal-
ister, taking a seat. II havetwenty-s seven
first cousins on my fathers side. and four
teen on my mothers. l have more than
double that in seconi cousins, but having
been much from home, ! cannot count all
my PARKWAY kin"
He spoke with the soft, slow Highland
accent, which must be imagined.
Have you been long in Londony" asked
Mona.
"Going on three years; before that ! was
In a Glasgow house."
"And you like London better than Glas-
gowi"
II hated both! but I am getting used to
London; there Is much to be done and
learned here"
at is a wonderful place. Do you often
go to the theatre,"
Scarce ever. am tired after the days
work; and in summer l would rather take
a row on the river"
"The young are aye carried W wi an
inordinate love OF amusement, an--an' cx-
element, In these latter days"
"Man cannot live by bread alone" said
Macalister. gravely. 'Man wants food for
imagination and wonder, and-and self
improvement"
st i'll becomes the son OF q God-fearin'
minister to be quoting Scriptur, for his ain
weak purposes" observed Uncle Sandy,
reprovlngly. II will ma hear it, and it
makes mt in dread for your immortal soul
when l do"
swell, Uncle Sandy" cried Mona, com
ing to the rescue, .'you must admit that
all work and nc play makes Jack a very
dull boy"
~ am no so sure o. that; I worked hard
enough and l never was dull"
"And pray. Mr.. Macalister, how is trade
at present." asked Nine. Dsbrissy, com
~prehensively. with . view to changing the
subject.
This produced q lengthy and rambling
reply, after which Uncle Sandy avowed
his intention OF closing his eyes for q quar-
ter of an hour. He therefore re-ascendcd.
with his 'nayfew's" help, 70 his room
Mme. Debrisay excused herself, because
she had promised TO visit some professional
friends, 50 Mona was LET. alone with her
newly discovered cousin.
When he returned. after conveying Mr..
Craig upstairs, he sat down by the table.
resting his elbow ON Il, and shading his
eyes with bis hand. he looked curiously at