Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1897-12-25
MONA'S CHOICE.
By MRs- ALEXANDER

The shock wDs great 10 Mona when she
read Of her good friends illness. Hitherto
Nine. Dtbrisay rad been invariably well,
an the idea OF her being alone and help
less, In a mere lodging, was intolerable.
Mona Immediately determined to go 70
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 nave the responsibility
lifted of her shoulders.
Madame has seemed better ever since
she had your telegram yesterday; but, for
all that, she has had a terrible night, such
a fight she has for breath, poor dear. Isat
up till past two with her. and then Lizzy
took my place"
81 will go and see her at once" said
Mona.
do nave q cup Of tea first, miss"
mo, thank y~ou-after."
Poor Nine. DeDrisay shed tears OF joy at
the sight OF her dear child.
"And did your uncle agree to your com
ing'" she whispered.
He was obliged" returned Mona, smil-
ing. Though he grumbled, he was quite
good about II. suppose he remembered
how kindly You nnrsed him"
81 would be so sorry il / was the cause
Of any bad feeling between you! But, OH
it Is a Joy and "A comfort 20 have you near
me, darlingI'
Though quite inexperienced in nursing,
MOua's c-ommon-sense and careful obsery
ance Of the doctors directions o taught
her, and the atmosphere Of c~heerfulness
she created was infinitely beneficial TO the
sufferer. A few days saw q decided i'm
| provement. Soon Mona was released from
the fatigue of regular night watching, and
! Nine. Debrisay WAS about to take more
| nourishment: wniie the doctor announced
hat we were doing very well indeed"
In a few days, Mona had the pleasure of
assisting her friend from her bed TO an
| easy-chair by the fire, when the girl put
In her head TO say there was a gentleman
in the d~rawing-room, and would Miss Craig
speak TO him.
81 will come directly" said Mona.
Mona soon followed her into the front
room, where a cheerful fire was burning,
though otherwise ii looked too accurately
neat to have an inhabited air; anC there on
the hearth-rug stood Lisle.
The sudden surprise brought a quick,
bright blush to Mona's cheek, and she stood
still an instant, the long, straight folds OF
her m~orning-gown sweeping from her
graceful shoulders to the ground, giving
her additional height and dignity.
IL hope | am not taking a liberty in call
ing so early?" said Lisle, coming forward
10 clasp the hand she held ont. with the
exclamation
~ had no idea it was you! 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 Fieldeu-a friend Of Madam
d. brisay's," Withdrawing her hand from
his clasp. Have you any message FROM
my uncle' Is all well at Craigdarrochs"
Il do not think Mr.. Craig knew that
vas coming to London" he returned. III
was rather u sudden idea Of mine. Are
you not going 10 ask me TO sit down.
"Oh, yes! Of course! Pray, sit down, Sir
st. John. am 30 startled at seeing you,
that / forget my manners, - she said, laugh
ing. How did You know where | was!"
"Well, you see, | speak the language,
and asked your Killed kinsman. You d.
not suppose | was going to los, sight OF
yVuf"