Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1908-12-04
CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.
Miss Darlington took a great deal of
notice of Roger, and sought every oppor-
tunity to be with him; she had a great
respect for his character, which, she said,
was a most uncommon one.
Roger differs from the young men Of
his generation" she said once to Alison;
she cares little for other peoples opin-
ions, unless he knows them to be in the
right-mere criticism does not influence
him in the least"
She took a great interest in his work,
and made herself acquainted with the
details of the business. Roger wondered
little at the quiet pertinacity with which
she questioned him; she even followed
him to the mill, and sat in the timber
yard watching the men at work.
After a few conversations with Roger
she spoke very seriously to her brother
in-law: she told him Roger was very
young for such a responsibility. HE Is
a good lad, and would wear himself out
in your service, Ainsiie, and that without
a word of complaint, but he looks too
old and careworn for his age; you must
remember he is only two-and-twenty yet
he must have his play time, like other
lads"
"But how am to help him, Diana?'
asked Mr.. Merle, fretfully. lit is not my
fault that 1 am lying here like sog
The boy must work, Or what would be-
come of us all?'
"NTv dear Ainslie, you misunderstood
me-" she replied, gently. "Of course Roger
l,,,& no needs helm FOR
40 large a business Have you put no
one in your last managers place"
''No, not yet" he returned, evidently
struck by her practical good sense Rog-
er never proposed it, and l was too IN
dolent to think about it; but there is
Murdoch. a Scotchman-he has been with
no long time, and he is an honest fell
low dare say he would be glad of a
rise in his salary; he has large young
family. I will ask Roger what he thinks
of putting Murdoch in the managers
Mace. I think he would watch over our
interests"
81 wish you would do So" she returned
osrnast1v. Roger is rather too hard
worked for his age. He tells me he has
NO fine for cricket or tennis, or for skat-
mo in winter. II have set my heart
Ainslie. on his bringing Alison for long
visit to Moss-side in the spring. You
will be better by that time, and II you
have a manager Roger will be able to en-
iov a holiday; he tells me he has not lett
Chesterton for two years.
81 am afraid 1 have been very remlss
and neglected his interests" returned MI
49, ro+ber sadly. "You shall have
vour wish. Diana will manage to spare
Roger for month"
"Come, now, that is generous OF you'
she replied, brightly; Il shall owe you a
good turn for that. Surprising promise
tn come and spend my Christmas and
New Year with you; shall you care to
have me?
"Trv me-" was his only reply. But ne
.oid Il with one of his rare smiles, and
Mics Darlington felt she would be well
come.
The prospect Of having Aunt Diana
for christmas. and still more the promise
~ a long visit to Moss-side in the spring,
went far to reconcile Alison to the part
ing when the day came for Miss earring
ton to leave them, but when the last hour
arrived Alison's heart failed her a little.
ssYou must not look SO pale over 1t,
Allie" Miss Darlington said to her anx-
iously: "you know if had the power |
would willingly take you back with me-
"Yes but I could not leave papa lying
+bere There can be no question now
about my duty; it is comfort to kno"
that"
Eyes. dearest, your place must be mere
a little longer; they could not spare you
70 me vet. Do you know, | sometimes
donht whether the old days will ever
come back"
ooh. Aunt Di! Do you mean L snail
newer he able to live with you again
asked Alison, in an alarmed voice.
Mice Darlington looked at her IN
strangely moved way.
81 do not think you will live at Inc
Holn;s always; Missile will replace you
~ ord nv I am quite sure we snail De
toootbar even If it be not in the old way.
Don,t look SO perplexed, Allie, darling;
in This life, with its manifold changes ana
obencas things are seldom quite the
same" s;aouo,+ T
"You and / will never be dlfterent-l
am convinced Of that exclaimed Ailson L.
not in the least understanding the arlIt
80 Arnt Diana's strange speech. On,
.,,n+ hi how delicious the spring WIN
hai To think that we shall De rowing
+ba river again to Long lslano' 70
b,,nt for forget-me-nots, and tnat we si,alI
haor the cuckoo in Aspy Woods ana
she'll be sitting in the studio watching