Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-05
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
XyIII.-(Continued. J

MissIe mad plenty OF good sense, and
she no longer stifed it; her conscience
told her that she would never have sin
ned so grievously against her father If Eva
had not undermined her principles by her
fattery and playful words of advice TO be
independent and assert herself.
veil had fallen from her eyes; she
no longer saw Eva's conduct in the same
light, and as she grew better, and Eva
sought opportunities to be with her, the
disillusion became more complete Missile
found herself wondering over her own in
fatuation. Had Eva always been 50 loud
in her manners, 50 unflial in her behavior
to her mother, so unkind to Anna? Missile
at first grew critical and then reproachful.
Strange to say, Eva accepted her rebukes
very meekly-evidently her affection for
bissie was sincere in its way, for she
took some pains to please her, and even
tried to break herself Of her faults. But
for her unlucky engagement with Captain
Harper there was every probability that
Missile might have influenced her for
good but her approaching marriage soon
Grove all salutary reflection away.
As Missiles violent infatuation for her
friend cooled, she turned more and more
20 Alison for sympathy; and here at least
srs did not find herself disappointed-Ali-
sof returned her affection warmly.
Missile was a little exacting as an in
valid, for she was still separated from
her father, and, alas! there was still
cause to be anxious for him.
DR. Greenwood never told Alison what
he had feared but after a few days,
L nod t1lt-
ed together over the case, he told her
and Roger that there was certainly some
degree of mischief in connection with the
spine; it would be many months-per-
haps a year or two-before he could
rise from his couch
I'VE certainly hope for his complete
recovery in the future" he continued, re-
assuringly, as Alison turned pale and
Roger looked unhappy. Another inch
and he would never have moved his limbs
again; but now things are not so bad.
Mr. Merle will have his books, and they
will go far to console him in his enforced
inacton."
Dr. Greenwood was right In his con-
lecture; Mr.. Merle took the tidings very
quietly.
L LOlu you your DTUdu ShOulhchS "SAS
made for something" he said, looking at
his son with smile. He and Alison had
come to bid him goodnight.
The nurse had not been dismissed.
though it was already arranged that
Roger should take her place in his faith
er's dressing room.
Il shall have to leave the mill in your
hands Greenwood gives me no hope Of
being fit for business for the next year
or two"
81 will do everything I can, father"
returned Roger, sorrowfully; but L feel
awfully cut up about it ALL
'"There is no need for that, my boy
returned Mr.. Merle. Il should not won
der if you do better at business than L,
Roger. Perhaps this will be less trial
to me than you suppose. do not deny,
of course that it is a trial; but still,
with my books and children l shall try
to be content"
1--WE shall do everything in our power
to ease your mind" returned Roger,
bravely. But he said no more, and short
ly afterward left the room, leaving his
father and Alison together.
Roger feels this dreadfully," she said,
anxious that her father should not mis-
understand his sons lack of words
"Yes. my dear, l know he does,' re-
turned Mr.. Merle, with sigh. Il am
fortunate to have such son. To think,
he added, with emotion, that l could
ever have been so blind as to believe that
villains innuendos against him-and now
the whole business is in his hands"
You can trust him fully, papa"
"Yes, better than l can trust myself.
Alison; that boy is true as steel, and
will not fail me. l wish l had found
II ont before. | remember your aunt
Diana once saying to me that If | stud
led NV children as we'll as L did my
hooks should be rewarded for my pains
nv the bye, Alison, what does your aunt
saw to all this unlucky accidentT
I'VE have not heard from her. re-
turned Alison, in a low voice. Roger
wrote the very next day after the acct
dent and | wrote the next day: but we
have had no reply
'"That is very unlike DIANA observed
Mr.. Merle, in a surprised tone.
Roger says that she can not have re-
ceived our letters, papa; you see she is
in Switzerland, mad perhaps she has
deviated from the proposed route-that is
lust her way if she takes fancy to
Mace she will stay there for q day or
two, and then she does not get her letters
for DAYS. If we do not hear from her
soon. Roger thinks l had better write to
Mr. Moore. 1t does seem so strange
her ewes filing with tears-"that Aunt
Di should rot know how unhappy we
have been"
~ believe you are fretting after her,
Alison-you are quite thin and fragile
looking"
But Alison denied this with great
deal of unnecessary energy. She was
only little tired; but now Mabel was
getting better she would be able to have
walk sometimes.
But you must not talk any more.
papa" she finished; you are looking
rather exhausted. Nurse Meyrick will
be here directly; may l read to you
little until she comes?"
Mr.. Merle shook his head sadly.
MY dear, l should like it Of all things,
but you know DR.. Greenwood has for
hidden any kind of study for the next
few weeks, and l never cared much for
works of fiction, except Sir Walter Scott"
II meant chapter or two out of the
Bible before you went to Sleep" re-
turned Alison, blushing with timidity.
A sudden shadow passed over Mr..
Merle's face.
Il did not understand you, my dear"
he said, with little effort. We'll. child
do as you like-that sort of reading can
not hurt one"
Alison felt the permission was accord
ed rather ungraciously, but still she dared
not refuse to avail herself of it. She
brought the Bible-Aunt Diana's gift
and sat down quietly by her fathers side.
The voice trembled little as she read,
but she did not know how sweet it sound
ed in her fathers ear. Once when she
looked up she found his eyes fixed on her
face, and stopped involuntarily.
Shall l leave off, papa?"
YES, that will do for tonight; you
may read to me tomorrow. You are so
T. 1 i