Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-10-22
CHAPTER XVI.

The dreary night watching was new
ernerience in Alison's life, for she had
been too young at the time of her moth
er's last illness to share in the long and
tedious nursing; the silence and lnaction
made the hours drag heavily. Roger, ia
tigued with his days work, was sleeping
heavily with his head against the wall.
Alison pitied his weary position, and
fetched a pillow from the other room and
put it gently behind his head.
Once or twice she went across the pas
sage to look at Missile. She was glad to
find her sleeping. Sarah was at her post,
sitting blot upright and nodding. Now
and then her father spoke few words;
once he asked what the doctors had said.
Alison was thankful that they had not
informed him Of their fears.
They do not seem to know, papa"
she returned, gently; they think you
have q great shock, and you are suffer
ing from nervous exhaustion. They will
tell better by and by"
There seems something wrong with
nv limbs he muttered uneasily; you
are sure you do not know what they
think?'
Quite sure, dear papa" she replied,
SO earnestly that be could not disbelieve
her. "but l hope and trust" her lips
ouivering little, that you may soon be
better"
You are good girl, Alison; your
mother always said so, and if l am
spared" He sighed heavily, and turn
ed his face away and Alison, remember
ing the doctors injunction, dared not say
any more, lest it should increase his agi-
tation; she only took his hand and softly
laid her cheek against it as though she
would show by this action child's love
and devotion. Her touch seemedt to quiet
him, and by and by he dozed little.
Morning came at last, and Roger
reused himself with difficulty.
Alison felt weak and jaded the strain
was beginning to tell even on her vigor-
Gus vitality. She was glad the nights
inaction was over, but she felt too weary
for the days work But Roger had not
forgotten her; he came back presently
with a refreshed look on his face, and
told her that breakfast was all ready in
the dressing room.
"a strong cup of coffee has made me
different man," he said, cheerfully
you must try my recipe, Allie" And
Alison found the benefit of his prescrip-
ton.
Her hands were soon full of business.
DR.. Greenwood came early, bringing the
new nurse with him, and Alison had to
make arrangements for the strangers
| comfort. She seemed a pleasant, capable
| woman, with a neat figure, and a bright
face that prepossessed Alison in her IA
patient, after a feeble protest on his part
that he objected to nurses, but after the
first few minutes he ceased to grumble.
DIR. Greenwood soon convinced him that
Roger was too busy. ~"
young for such responsibility besides.
the chief care of her sister must devolve
on her.
Missiles sleep had not refreshed her as
they hope; the pain of her bruises was
making her feverish. She could not turn
in her bed without suffering, and her
anxiety for her father added to her dis
comfor. Alison tried to console her, and
Miss Leigh, who was sufficiently recov-
cred to sit in her room, spoke reassur-
ing words to her; but it was evident that
Missile could take no comfort; only when
self-accus ng words came to her lips
Indeed. dearest, there is no need for
you to speak So" Alison said to her once,
with a strong yearning to console her
Dear papa asked after you the first mo-
ment he saw ME. You should have heard
how tenderiy he said Poor child -"
THAT is because my arm is broken
and he knows l am suffering such pain.
If any one hated me they would pity
ME now" returned Missile, in stihed
voice
mo, no; you must not take it in that
| way" exclaimed Alison, quite shocked,
as she smoothed Missiles fair hair. She
looked so pale and pretty, and the blue
eyes had such a pathetic look in them.
Alison had parted the soft fringe, and
the soft curly ends lay quite smooth and
| showed the broad white forehead. diff
ferent Mabel lay there, with the poor
wounded arm folded on her breast, and
all the little vanities laid aside. As
Alison stood looking at her, Missile rails
ed her uninjured arm with a sudden
movement toward Alison, and in another
moment the sisters were clasping each
| other close.
''Oh, my poor dear, my poor dear y
whispered Alison, in the softest, most
| pitying voice Missile kissed her hastily,
and then seemed as though she would
push her away, only Alison held her
still.
NO, don't deserve it; please don't
be so good to me. l have been altogether
| horrid ever since you came home"
Never mind all that now, dear"
Yes, but l must mind it." turning rest
| lessly away and then uttering low
groan "Oh, this pain, Alison! Shall
ever be able to move again without it?
L did not want you to come home;
| thought you would be in my way, and
| that made me cross. l was jealous of
you, and l did not want the others to
care for you. Roger was never fond of
me as he was of you, and I wanted him
| to be fond of me. And oh how horrid