The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1888-04-14
His Sister Alice.

older than he really was nor why,
from being man full OF mirth and
loving society. he seemed 10 shun both.
But his sister Alice suspected the cause
long. long before Mrs. Merton herself
was aroused TO tho faintest glimmer OF
the truth. and the truth was sad
enough, for DIR. Merton was in debt.
How had such a state of things como
about In thriving household such ms
was that of DIR. Merton? FIRST OF all
il bad begun on increased expenditure
on Mrs Merton's part; on her insist
nncc on = liberal income TO spend; on
her utter want OF business capacity.
Next the debtor. who was but too
good-natured. was imposed upon by
The son Of an old fricnd--induced TO
become his security for $500. which
the doctor had to pay after all.
Then, one year he had number OF
bad debts. and. rs he was generous
hearted. he would not curtail his sis
ter's allowance of hundred year;
for Alice nd many things in the
household--tanght the children. walked
out with them. made things for their
wear, saved the expense Of music les
sons for the elder girls, and Their broth
or argued that IL Alice got married aud
left them they would never get her
place supplied by paying any one else
n hundred year. and that such an al.
lowance was her due.
Alice had come to live in her broth
er's house when she was left homeless
by her fathers sudden death six years
ago. She was now twenty -four; but
most people, not aware of the con-
trary, took her for nineteen or twenty.
She was dozen years younger than
the doctor aud very beautiful young
woman. highly intellectual. and fond
of literary pursuits.
''Alice. dear" said the doctor one
day to his sister. 'you look tircd-are
you working too hardP"
mot a bt-I like work." said she.
cheerily.
What is the use OF all this brain
work. AliceP" asked the doctor.
"Some day you will marry that nice
young fellow. Samuel Ormsby. and
then you will not need to study"
Alice flushed up at her brothers re-
mark.
IL am very sorry you have taken
such an erroneous notion into your
head. Edmund" said she. LET me
assure you that Mr.. Ormsby and myself
nre on friendly terms. and nothing
more. Nor ever will be-" she added
with sigh that sho dared
not permit to escape her.
1t was sigh which carried with II a
good deal OF hidden heart-grief For
in reality Alice Merton loved Samuel
Ormsby with deep devotion. but she
was inwardly persuaded that he cared
nothing whatever for her. and that he
would either not marry at all or else
choose wife very brilliant and ac-
She had known Mr.. Ormsby for two
years now He had bought n very
property in the neighbor-
hood. and lived about six miles from
DR.. Merton's residence. having brought
his mother and two sisters to make
their home with him.
One evening. II CHANGED that Alice
and her brother were alone together
a thing which did not often happen
but tonight Mrs. Merton was spending
a few hours at the vicarage. and the
were gone up TO bed. Both
brother and sister held books in their
hands. and appeared TO DO reading. but
in truth, thet thoughts OF each were
busy and sad. taking no heed Of the
page before them.
All at once, as Alice cast a furtive
glance at her brothers care worn face.
she met his gaze fixed on her. full OF
tender anxiety. In an instant she d.
vined that some crisis In his grief had
arrived-that he would speak out now
and contide to her his secret trouble;
and throwing .side her book. she sank
on her knees ~ his side. pressing one
OF his hands in hers. and repeating:
Edmund. tell me what Il isl There
is something which is eating away
your lifet'
.'0hl Alice. wo shall have to move
into small house. and my wife must
teach the girls. How shall I tell herp
For we are terribly in debt. and ruin
stares me In the face. Think what /
feal whom have IN aav IN vou ~, ~ ovn