The daily morning Alaskan., 1899-12-26

IAhk IT, ANb VI hANNh1s oAA esNA5s lasted from the week before Christmas to New Years. and the young Croft roads were therefore enjoying their mldwlnter vacation.
 Jack. you and Jim behave your selves" called their mother from the Kitchen. And you. Jo. quit making such a noise. And you, Cathie and Matilda. get to your knitting"
 Thcrc was a siarp note in Mrs. Croftroad's tones. but on the whole. her "scOldlng" was not very severe. Still. Co Marlon's ears. unaccuStOmed Co harsh words and equally a stranger to the noisy. rough ways of her cous- ins. the scene down stairs iu the "liv- ing rooms" of the house was anything but pleasant
 "No: won't go down stairs, thought Marion as the vociferous shouts broke out afresh. They would only tease me.
 The thought of Christmas coming to- morrow did not make Marion happy. Last Christmas she had had her own sweet mother What a change this from the happy. peaceful home life with mamma. The sudden death of her mother In the spring had left her an orphan with no means for her sup port.
 What shall be done with MarionT' was the question that The relatives had discussed an summer. Aunt Patience did not want the little girl at first. As # I hadn't enough of my own!" she said ln her nOlslly aggressive way. "lf she was big and strong. | wouldn't care SO much. for then she could help with the hard work and earn her board and clothes. but she's such a splndling. delicate little thing and all spoiled with betting"
 Although Marion was little. she was past l3. and she realized. with many a keen pang of grief and humiliation. what lt was to be unlOved and poor and homele when 1t was finally de- clded that she must either be sent to an orphan asylum or go to Uncle James in the country. Aunt Patience yielded. "Ob. well" she said. q guess one more ln the family won't matter much"
 Early in tho autumn Marion bad been very Hl with fever. One Of the results or this sickness was peculiar tend rncy Co fall asleep at odd hours of the day. The doctor said that as soon as she had recovered from the "dregs" of the disease she would be well again and that her relatives need not be alarmed. slarion always felt better after thes, daylight SlumberS. which brought t,e roses back Co her cheeks aud made her feel strong. But the habit atfOrted her cousins great op- portunlty fo- teasing often she would awaken on the dining room sofa to and them all laughing at her and mak' ing remarks not at an complimentary or klnd in their still more mischie- vous moods the boys. aud even Cathie and Matildg. would sometimes tickle her fa~c while >'r slept. saying Red head. ,lyely head go to bed. %
 Nuurail Marion grew Co dread the prcScuc,. of her cousins when she felt herself hccomiu@ sleepy. Strictly speak irc. hcr hair was noi red. but beauti' fuI shade of auburn. Aunt Patience presently called up the stairs. Amt you got the beds made yet. MarionF'
 "Yes. maam." answered Marion. Her voice tremhled. for she was crying.
 Then don't stay moplng up there ir the cold. or the arst thing you'll be falling asleep"
 The little girl tried hastily to hide the traces of her tears. but her eyes were red when she came Into the din- Ing room.
 "whats the matter. Mary AnnT ask ed Jim.
 Marion disliked to be called Mary Ann" and she did not answer.
 Been mapping already this morning Mary AnnT asked Jack.
 Say. Mary Ann. Mary Ann! con- hnued Cathie.
 'I would thank you to call me by my proper name" said Marion when she could endure the teasing no longer sYou know well enough that my name b not Mary Ann"
 Marion Eanr hair Ia azfni r-d VI A>n