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

The shock was great TO Mona when she
read OF her good friends illness. Hitherto
Nine. ID sbrisay lad been invariably well,
On the idea OF her being alone and help
less, In a mere lodging, was intolerable.
Mona Immediately determined to go 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"
II 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 of her shoulders.
Madame has seemed better ever since
she had your telegram yesterday; but, for
oil that, she has had q terrible night, such
a fight she has for breath, poor dear. Isat
up till past two with her, and then Lizzy
took my place"
"I will go and see her at once" said
Mona.
do have a 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 10 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 nursed him"
81 would be so sorry il I was the
Of any bad feeling between you! But, oh!
1t is a joy and a comfort to have you near
me. darling!'
Though quite inexperienced in nursing,
Mona's common-sense and careful observ
ance Of the doctors directions soon taught
her, and the atmosphere OF cheerfulness
she created was infinitely beneficial TO the
sufferer. A few days saw q decided im-
provemeut. Soon Mona was released from
the fatigue of regular night watching, and
Nine. Debrisay was about TO take more
nourishment; while the doctor announced
that 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 it looked too accurately
neat TO have an inhabited air; and 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 morning-gown sweeping from her
graceful shoulders TO the ground, giving
her additional height aud dignity.
~ hope | am not taking a liberty in call
ing so early?" said Lisle, coming forward
to clasp the hand she held ont, with the
exclamation
81 had no idea it was you! | fancied you
were still in Scotland"
pray, who did you expect them" asked
Isle, sharply, as he still held her hand.
and looked with eager inquiry into her
eyes.
General Fielden-a friend OF Madam
d brisay's," Withdrawing her hand from
his clasp. Have you any message from
my unclc' Is all well at Craigdarroch"
II do not think Mr.. Craig knew that
was coming 70 London" he returned. Fl
was rather u sudden idea Of mine. ARE
you not going to ask me TO sit down.
"Oh. yes. Of course! Pray. sit down, ST
St. John. am so startled at seeing you
that | forget my manners, " she said, laugh
ing. How did you know where | WASP
"Well, you see, | speak the language
and | asked your killed kinsman. You d.
not suppose 1 was going to los, sight O.
yuui"