Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
Aunt Diana
The Sunskire
of the Family
-
XXIl.-fContinued.)
sss.eee o . o soesss

you can just catch CLEAN through the
trces-oh. the dear place. How do
love it"' her voice rising into perfect
crescendo, of which the top note was
complete satisfaction.
1t is just year since you have seen
it" observed Grcville. Miss Alison.
what made you steal a march on me in
that fashion? l was quite hurt that you
never gave me a hint of your intention
of going home"
He spoke in a low tone that Roger
could not hear
The quick, sensitive color rushed into
Alison's face; there was such implied re-
preach IN Greyille's voice. Had he really
been hurt?
"Oh, you must not feel like that about
it she returned, with sweet, candid
look. 1--WE had talked of the possibility,
Aunt Diana and /, but nothing had been
settled. | had put it out of my mind.
| was so naughty, | could not bear the
idea of going homo and doing my duty.
l should never have gone at all if Aunt
Diana had not helped me-
"You did not think how | should feel
when | came back and found you gone"
ittOAtch bitfIllt III Il DOslSA, lHJuEtu
voice, hat reached Roger and made him
smile, only Alison grew a little grave.
Il left a message with your grand
father" she said, quietly. What could
I do: Aunt Diana said it was my duty
to go, and that it was no good putting
ones hand to the pillow and looking back
ward. What is the use of lettering over
difficult task when it has to be donew
THAT is true, but"
Please don't talk Of last summer"
she interrupted him; 'it makes me sad
only TO think about it." And he could
see there were tears in her eyes as she
spoke. II made myself so miserable over
it; | could not bear leaving Aunt Diana,
and | missed every one So
Miss Alison. please do not look sad
over it, said Greville, earnestly. What
a clumsy fellow l am. l have slenced
the nestful of twittering young larSs"-
referring to Rogers speech. Come, l
know you will forgive me, and look chirpy
again, when I tell you l have passed
muster and come off with flying colors"
"Oh, am so glad ~ exclaimed Alison
her smiles returning again. Then you
must have worked hard How pleased
MIR. Moore must be y
ITO hear grandfather talk" returned
Greville, calmly, you would think l was
the Admiral Crichton, at least. The dear
old man makes no end of fuss, bless him
] tell him it is all your doing you gave
me such a terrible lecture that Wednes-
day"
'Oh, no." replied Alison, blushing; at
was your own good sense"
Il shall go in for Greats next year.
so | shall have to grind pretty hard.
am to have a coach down here this sum-
mer. Cheyne, of Balliol, is at The Crays
with his people, and he is rare fellow
for that l have to work all my morn
ings," he continued, rather dolorously.
but l shall have my afternoons and
evenings free. Miss Alison, you are not
listening to me-
'Oh, yes | ami she cried, joyously,
"but can not bear any more just now,
though | am very glad to hear it ALL
Roger, DO look! There is Moss-side-
you know you have forgotten it-and
there is Aunt Di in the porch"
Allie. you have eyes like hawk.
see nothing but greenery and sunshine y
Nevertheless, Roger did perceive, a
moment afterward, a tall figure in myr-
tle-green standing under trellis of roses.
Miss Darlington had evidently heard
the wheels of the dog cart, and had come
out TO look. When they stopped she had
the little gate open and was helping Ali
son TO alight.
How are you, my dear child?" she
said, as Alison put her arms around her
actually not tired. Allie. And you.
Roger? Welcome to Moss-side. my boy -
Aren't you going to welcome me, too,
Miss Carrington?" asked Greville. half
jo1ingly, but ne looked little wistfully
at the group.
NO, not tonight" she returned, de-
cidedly Il must have my belongings to
myself for this one evening; you may
come in to breakfast, if you like
And, knowing of old that Miss Car
rington's decisions allowed of no appeal
Greville lifted his hat and wished them
good evening, and turned his mares head
in the direction of the Fernleigh stables
not without q backward glance at the
slim, dark-eyed girl looking affectionately
in Miss Carrington's face.
Now, Allie. so to your old room and
get rid of the dust, while I show Roger
upstairs" observed Aunt Diana. in q
brisk voice. You will find me in the
studio when you are ready