Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1899-05-24


ana consented TO the engagement Just
before the young man was ordered TO
cuba. Both Mona and her father had
80 thoroughly believed in Lawrence's
love and faith that his letter and the
story III the newspaper came upon them
ike bolt from calm sky. Mona's
swo younger sisters were away on a
visit, and her brother was practicing
law In New York. Since their mothers
death, five years before, she had been
her fathers housekeeper and devoted
companion. Though fond of his other
children Mona was the apple of his eve.
ana that any one should cause her main
seemed TO him incredible. Pacing the
rooms wrathfully, he gave vent to his
feelings in swearing volubly 1.-THE
scoundrell L should like TO horsewhip
hlm myself for a whelp 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 attend a dance
given that week at their neighbours.
Mrs Welland's. 1t was "a satisfaction
TO have a man around To whom he could
give vent To his outraged feelings.
As though IN answer to his thoughts.
the butler ut that moment brought in "A
telegram. Yes, Gilbert was coming.
and fortunately day earlier than ex-
pected. bringing a friend with him for
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.
''Going out, dear?''
Only TO the village to post a note. "
ITO him?"
Yes, " she replied with catch in
her breath. Il have written a few lines
20 say that his views upon the subject
of our engagement entirely coincide
with mine.
My brave girlr
Don't say a word more now. father.
! can't bear il. D."
Gilbert Is coming tomorrow at
with an old college friend, who, it
seems, has just turned up in New
York"
Il am glad, " said Mona quietly, and
then calling TO her dogs she walked
quickly away, while her father watched
her tall, slight figure disappearing
through the trees down the road To the
lodge gate.
Gilbert HiPgerson was a good heart
ed, rather Jovial specimen of his profes-
sion, loving outdoor life and always
stealing off for day at Avondale when
he could manage TO escape the routine
of his office. He arrived in high spirits
with his friend. Major Laurie. just
returned from Porto Rico The two
men had not met for nearly ten years,
and each seemed equally glad to renew
his college friendship Major Laurie
was tall, fine looking fellow, with
blond hair and mustache, "A slight lisp
and an eyoglass stuck in his right eve.
As soon as they were alone the general
poured out his Indignation and woe to
his son, who was naturally much in
censed at the behavior 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 IA
ther.
'COnfound it, so it will am deuced-
ly sorry for Mona. No wonder she is
cut up, but as Laurie is sure 10 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.
Il should like TO wiring that rascal S
neck. exclaimed Gilbert impetuously,
land he of all men, whom we all liked
so much.
THAT is just where it hurts SO" an
swered his father
Mona Higgerson proved herself 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 APP
plauded her pride. their hearts bled for
her suffering.
"By George" " exclaimed Major Lau-
rie (after 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 not
engaged TO the dearest girl in the world,
1 should lose my heart 10 your sister. "
81 did not know we had to congratu-
late you, old fellow. When does the
happy event come off?''
Very soon. You'll be invited. "
"Who is she:" asked Gilbert, inter
ested.
"a Miss Sterling, whose nature veri-
fies her name. Have known her since
she was girl.
Rather anxious time for her when
you were wounded, " suggested the gen
eral.
"Oh, but / was not in much danger,
you know Now some fellows got so cut
mp you would hardly recognize them.
There was poor Lawrence-( both his
listeners started)-one leg clean gone,
the other up TO the knee. one arm off
and scar across his face, and the
plucky chap just smiled through it all. "
Father and son exchanged glances.
''He pulled through. thanks TO the
devoted nursing he got, " continued Lau-
rie, unconscious of the interest his
words aroused. II never saw that man
down until yesterday, when he col
lapsed as though shot.
"How was that?" asked Gilbert in a