Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-12

shall be ready. but perhaps-for who
knows His graciousness He may be
thinking of my boy, too
How / should love to see him again ~
exclaimed Alison with a sigh.
so you will by and by, l hope. lie
missed you dreadfully, Alison"
And you, Aunt Dig"
Il am not going TO tell you about that"
Then, as Alison's eyes looked pleading,
we are sort of necessity to each other
at least, l find my life will not shape
itself properly without you. l am always
thinking how Allie will like this or that.
Your absence quite took away the pleas
ure of my trip. You naughty child, you
look delighted; but there comes my tea
please pour me cup, and then tell me
all about your poor father
Alison was soon narrating the story
of the last fortnight. Miss Darlington
had received hers and Rogers letters late
the previous night, and Mr.. Moore,s had
put her in possession of the latest news !;
still there was much that she wished to
hear. She listened attentively, and with
the history of her hopes and fears Her
grave, interested face, and now and then
a frightened grasp of Alison's hand, spoke
in mute sympathy, but otherwise she said
little
at has been a dreadful time" finished
Alison. Roger and l were so afraid Of
papa, and then Missile was so unhappy
and i'll. That is Rogers whistle, Aunt
Di-he is wondering what has become Of
me- Shall l call him in?" And Miss
Darlington nodded.
Rogers look of intense surprise amused
them excessively. but he welcomed his
aunt with evident satisfaction.
Now Allie will be all right again., ~
has been sick for months, Aunt Diana.
You are not going to take her away from
us just at present, are your
mo, not just now" returned Miss
Darlington, quietly. II am going to stop
until you are tired of me, and then Allie
and l must say good-by to each other for
little longer. What should you say to
bringing her for a few weeks in the
spring. if your father gets better? You
look in want of a change, Roger; they
are working you too hard, my boy"
You must not tempt me, Aunt Diana"
he returned, rather gravely. There will
be no holiday for me next year. The
whole concern rests on my shoulders at
present, and our manager is defaulter.
Alison shall go with you, and welcome"
"Well, well. we must see about it !;
winter comes before spring. There is
plenty of time, and l don't mean to give
up my plan of having you and Allie to-
gether. Now l must see your father :;
will you take me to him." And Roger
consented with alacrity.
In the passage she stopped and laid
her hand upon his arm.
Thank you for taking care of Allie !;
l know how good you have been to her."
1T is she who has been good to u.s." he
returned, with a sudden flush. Aunt
Diana, you do not know the blessing she
has been to US :; we have to thank you
for that Alison would never have been
the girl she is if you had not taken so
much pains with her."
Don't make me vain, Roger"
"Missie and l have proposed buying
her a little red morocco book and pre-
senting it to her." continued Roger, with
dry humor 1.-The title will be Aunt Di-
ana's Sayings for Allie brings out a
fresh one every day. Missile says she is
inventive, and coins them herself; but
have an idea that they are genuine
Miss Darlington shook her head at
him, and only babe him lead the way
to his fathers room. Alison had already
prepared him for his sister-in-aw's visit,
and he held out his hand with a pleased
smile.
This is kind, Diana. l said the 81
lence was not like you; my poor girl
here has been fretting herself about it :;
but of course you never got the letters"
NO indeed Alison will tell you about
it presently. 1t is too late for me to
prolong my visit now. Invalids should
be quiet at this hour. You see under
stand all about it, Ainslie; but l am griev
ed to the heart to see you like this"
you must not make yourself unhappy
about it; it is only a case of patience
and 1 have good, attentive children.
wish their mother could see them; she
was always so proud of them
"Yes, indeed Poor Florence you
must miss her, Ainslie.' And Miss Car
rington's lip quivered slightly, for her
sister had been the object of her dearest
affection she had never felt so drawn to
Florences husband as she did now; her
gray eyes rested upon him pityingly.
Children, you must take care of your
aunt; she must be tired with her jour
ney. Tomorrow you must come and sit
with me, Diana" Miss Darlington felt
herself gently dismissed, but she did not
misunderstood him, and, pressing his
hand kindly, she followed the others from
the room.