Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-19
CHAPTER XXI

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;
,''he 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
a 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-Iaw; she told him Roger was very
young for such a responsibility. He is
a good lad, and would wear himself out
in your service, Ainslie, and that without
a word of complaint. but he looks 100
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"
'I3ut how am l to help him, Diana? 2"
asked Mr.. Merle, fretfully. 1T is not my
fault that l am lying here like !os
The boy must work, or what would be-
come of us allE'
my dear Ainslie, you misunderstood
me-" she replied, gently. "Of course Roger
must work, but surely he needs help for
so large a business. Have you put no
one in your last managers place"
mo, not yet" he returned, evidently
struck by her practical good sense. 'Rog-
err never proposed it, and I was too in
dolent to think about it; but there is
Murdoch, a Scotchman-he has been with
MS a long time. and he is an honest fell
low. | dare say he would be glad of
rise in his salary; he has large young
family. | will ask Roger what he thinks
of putting Murdoch in the managers
place. | think he would watch over our
interests"
II wish you would do So" she returned
earnestly; Roger is rather too hard
worked for his age He tells me he has
no time for cricket or tennis, or for skat-
ing 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 if you
have a manager Roger will be able to en-
joy a holiday; he tells me he has not left
Chesterton for two years"
81 am afraid l have been very remiss
and neglected his interests" returned Mr..
Merle. rather sadly You shall have
your wish, Diana will manage to spare
Roger for a month"
Come, now, that is generous of you,"
she replied. brightly; Il shall owe you a
good turn for that. Surprising | promise
to come and spend my Christmas and
New Year with you; shall you care to
have me?"
Try me-" was his only reply. But he
said it with one of his rare smiles, and
Miss Darlington felt she would be well
come.
The prospect of having Aunt Diana
for Christmas, and still more the promise
of a long visit to Moss-side in the spring,
went far to reconcile Alison to the part
ing when the day came for Miss Caring
ton to leave them, but when the last hour
arrived Alison's heart failed her a little
you must not look so pale over it,
Allie" Miss Darlington said to her anx-
iously; you know if l had the power
would willingly take you back with me-"
Yes, but l could not leave papa lying
there. There can be no question now
about my duty; it is a comfort to know
that
Yes, dearest, your place must be here
a little longer; they could not spare you
to me yet. Do you know, l sometimes
doubt whether the old days will ever
come back"
"Oh, Aunt Di! Do you mean l shall
never be able to live with you again?"
asked Alison, in an alarmed voice.
Miss Darlington looked at her in a
strangely moved way.
Il do not think you will live at The
Holn:s always; missile will replace you
by and by. | am quite sure we shall be
together, even if it be not in the old way
Don't look so perplexed, Allie, darling ;
in this life, with its manifold changes and
chances, things are seldom quite the
same"
You and l will never be different
am convinced of that" exclaimed Alison,
not in the least understanding the drift
Of Aunt Diana's strange speech. "Oh,
Aunt Di, how delicious TIC spring will
be- To think that we shall be rowing
on the river again to Long Island, to
hunt for forget-me-nots, and that we shall
hear the cuckoo in Aspy Woods, and
shall be sitting in the studio watching
you painting, and Roger will be with u.s."
That's right; look forward, Allie darl-
ing; it is your birthright. The young
must always look on to a happy future.
Now say goodbye to me, for l hear the
carriage coming round. Christmas will
soon be here. and heaven willing, we shall
meet again" And pressing her tenderly
in her arms, Aunt Diana turned away.