Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1898-12-19
He had always liked Colonel

Lawrence ana cO0S0uUeU 10 Gn0 Gu
gagement just before the young man
was ordered to Cuba. Both Mona and
her father had so thoroughly believed
in Lawrence's love and faith that his
letter and the story in the newspaper
came upon them like a bolt from a
clear sky.
Mona's two younger sisters were
away on a visit, and her brother was
practicing law in New York. Since
their mothers death, five years be-
fore. she had been her fathers house
keeper and devoted companion.
Though fond of his other children,
Mona was the apple of his eye, and
that any one should cause her pain
seemed to him incredible. Pacing the
rooms wrathfully, he gave vent to his
feelings in swearing volubly.
sThe scoundrel! I should like to
horsewhip him myself for whep of
a.cur if he was not wounded. What
are his hurts to the stab he has given?
Mona-ah, when Gilbert hears this''-
and then the general remembered
that his son was coming home to at
tend dance given that week at their
neighbours, Mrs. Welland's. 1t was
satisfaction to have man around to
whom he could give vent to his feel
ings.
AS though in answer to his thoughts
the butler at that moment brought in
telegram. Yes, Gilbert was coming,
and fortunately day earlier than ex-
pected, bringing friend with MIN to
the ball. Just as we'll to distract her
attention, thought her father, as
Mona joined him with her hat on and
a letter in her hand.
"Goipg out, dear?"
s'Only to the village to post note"
$50 him?''
eyes," she replied, with a catch in
her breath. II have written few
lines to say that his views upon the
subject of our engagement entirely
coincide with mine.''
"My brave grill"
"Don't say word more now, father.
I can't bear it,"
colbert is coming tomorrow at 5
with an old college friend, who, it
seems, has just turned up in New
York"
81 am glad" said Mona quietly, and
then calling to her dogs she walked
quickly away, while her father watch
ed her tall, slight figure disappearing
through the trees down the road to
the lodge gate.
Gilbert HiggersOn was good heart
ed, rather jovial specimen of his pro-
fession, loving outdoor life and al
ways stealing off for a day at Avon
dale when he could manage to escape
the routine of his Office. He arrived
in high spirits, with lis friend, Maj.
Laurie, just returned from Porto Rico.
The two men had not met for ten
years, and each seemed equally glad
to renew his college friendship.
Major Laurie was tall, fine looking
fellow, with blond hair and mustache,
slight lisp and an eyeglass stuck in
his right eye. AS soon as they were
alone the general poured out his in
dignation and woe to his son, who was
naturally much incensed at the be-
havior of Mona's fiance.
"Pity that your friend is an officer
and just home from the war. 1t will
keep the wound open," added his
father.
"Confound it, so it will! I am deuc-
edly sorry for Mona. No wonder she
is cut up, but, as Laurie is sure to
know Lawrence, we must be careful
not to show him that Lawrence has
hurt us. Mona is plucky enough and
must force herself to be jolly for a
couple of days till Laurie takes his
departure"
''Jolly! Poor girl, how can she be?'
sighed the general.
II should like to wiring that raIscal's |
neck,'' exclaimed Gilbert, impetuous-
ly, "and he of all men, whom we all |
liked SO much.n
''That is just where it hurts sou an !
swered his father. i.
Mona Higgerson proved herself a /
true soldiers daughter and welcomed |
their guest with graceful hospitality |
and managed to hide her grief under |
light badinage and smiling face. Only |
her father and brother could see what |
an effort she made, and, though they |
applauded her pride, their hearts bled |
for her suffering,
"By George" exclaimed sMajor |
Laurie CATER excusing herself early |
in the evening Mona had left the three
men in the billiard room smoking), |
"but Miss Mona is stunning! If I were |