The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-12-12
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
CHAPTER V.-(Continued.)

CHAPTER V.-(Continued.)
Papa, dear, you will not go into the
study tonight" observed Mabel, in a
coaxing tone, as Mr.. Merle looked at the
door, as though he intended to follow
Poppie's example; please come with us
into the drawing room, and l will make
you so comfortable
VERY WE'LL" was his good-humored an
swer, as he got up little YEARLY from
his chair.
Alison waited moment before she fol-
lowed them.
'Are you not coming, too?" she asked,
as Roger threw himself down on an easy
chair.
Roger shook his head smilingly.
''Rudel has got to do his lessons. Mis-
sic never admits him into the drawing
room of an evening. She says it is not
the room for boys. I generally keep
SELF"
But not tonight, DEAR" she returned,
gently, and he got up at once.
Rudel looked up rather wistfully.
Il have almost a mind to come, too, "
he muttered, but as Roger said, hastily,
Better not, Rue, we don't want any rows
tonight, Alison is tired" he remained
Miss Leigh sat bolt upright by the big
round table, with her work-basket and a
pile of the boys socks. Mr.. Merle had a
little table and a reading lamp to him
self, and Missile sat on a stool at his feet
with novel on her lap. Alison guessed
at once that this was their ordinary po-
sition.
"Oh. is that you, Roger? You don't
often honor us with your company Of an
evening"" observed Missile, with a toss of
her pretty head. This is a compliment
to you, Alison, 1 suppose|
I'VE ought to put our books away to-
night" said Mr.. Merle, rousing himself
reluctantly, and making Alison feel as if
he were treating her like visitor.
Mabel, my dear, suppose you give us one
Of your little songs?"
mo, indeed, papa" returned Alison,
eagerly, II hope you will go on just the
same as though l were not here. OF
course 1 should like to hear Mabel sing,
but not if it disturbs you"
"Oh, always sing to papa of an even
ing" replied Missile, walking to the piano
with much dignity. Roger, think you
might offer to light those candles for me,
but you boys have no idea Of waiting
| upon ladies. You will find them dread
fully rough, Alison"
"On the contrary, am rather fond of
waiting upon ladies'" was Rogers non
chalant answer, laying peculiar stress
on the last word that brought an angry
flush to Missiles face. II always wait
on you, do 1 not, Miss Leigh?"
Eyes, indeed, Mr.. Roger, always say
you are so kind and thoughtful"
Missile struck chord sharply. IF you
will be good enough to leave off talking
I will commence my song," she said, cross
ly, and as Roger made a low bow and
retired she began the prelude of Ger
man song.
Alison listened with much pleasure.
Among her other natural gifts, Missile
certainly possessed very good voice, and
it had been evidently we'll trained. Her
notes were clear and sweet, and if she
could only have got rid of a certain af-
fectation in her style, Alison could have
praised her still more warmly.
As it was, her admiration was so sim
cere that Missile began to thaw for the
first time 81 suppose you sing?" she
said, little bluntly.
"Not much. 1 certainly can not COM
pare my voice to yours" was the modest
reply, 'but 1 am fond of instrumental
music, and play a good DEAL
''Then you will be able to play my &C
commandments" returned Mabel, bright
ening still more. "Will you take my
place, Alison? Papa will like to hear
you, l am sure"
mot tonight returned Alison, feeling
as though she were not capable of any
further effort 81 am rather tired. and
if papa would excuse me think 1 should
| like to 60 to bed"
by all means, my love-" observed Mr..
Merle. looking up from his book. "Pus-
sic. dear, 1 hope everything is comfort
able for your sister. Never mind singing
70 me tonight, if there is anything you
can do to help Alison"
81 will come with you and see," return
ed Missile, little ungraciously, and
though Alison would rather have dispens-
ed with her company, she thought it bet
| FER DOlICy W dSSCpI IhAC Ad1AC OACA VI
help. On the landing Missile stopped, and
said. rather awkkardly, II hope you don't
mind about the change of rooms, Alison,
hut as you do not live at home, I thought
could please myself"
81 suppose 1 have come home to live
now" returned her sister, YEARLY; 'but
If YOU do not want to give it up, Mabel
| 7 will try to be content with my present
one: 1 only want things to be comforta-
BILE and to do my best for you ALL"
.sOh, as to that, we have got along
very WELL" returned Mabel, hastily; you
need not put yourself out on our account
AS papa says. am grown up pow-near-
" seyenteen-and able to take care of my
self and other people, too. l hope you
are not going in to see Poppie; think ii
| is a pity waking up the child, and she is
| 40 excitable."
81 shall not wake her, but l promised
Ia 90 and see her." returned Alison, with
gentle firmness, as she babe Missile good
night. Missile need not have troubled her
self about her little sisters wakefulness
| Poppie was sitting bolt upright in the
darkness, waiting for Alison.
.Now for good cuddle and talk, y
she said. stretching out her arms to Ali.