Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-09-24
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
CHAPTER TX.
. osseseesess . . . eees .

MISS Earring on received letter IEOU
Alison soon after this, the conclusion OF
which made her smile; but that was not
Alison's fault. Roger had taken posses
sion of the half-fnished sheet of note
paper and had filled it after mis- own fash.
ion. adding lengthy message from Rudel
Alison protested in vain; the letter must
90 with Rogers appendix or else a days
post would be lost.
We have good times now and then
and get up a laugh and astonish ourselves
One thing, l have enjoyed my breakfast
for the last three weeks. No more luke
warm coffee, poured out with an acidu-
lated smile, we have the real thing in
smiles now. There, | think | have in
hlcted enough on you, so l will subscribe
myself,
Your affectionate and grateful nephew,
ROGER"
When Miss Darlington read this letter
to Mr.. Moore, on the old bench by the
river, a pleased look came over the old
mans face.
Il like that lad" he said, striking his
ivory-headed stick into the ground. Il
remember his voice pleased me when he
was here some years ago; good honest
voice it was. Mark my words, Miss Di.
ana. our little sunbeam is fulfilling her
mission"
Il think Roger is all the happier for
having his sister," returned Miss Caring,
ton, with a sigh.
oh" he said, turning his sightless
face toward her quickly, you are missing
the child, and so am |. Sunny is beyond
our reach just now; one can not help
wishing her back sometimes. For my
part, | had no idea how sorely l should
miss my little pupil"
Il always knew what her loss would be
to me-" returned Miss Darlington, with
some emotion that is the worst of iso-
lating ones affections. l have so few
who are absolutely necessary to me only
you and Greville and Allie-three out OF
this world full of millions; it seems
wrong somehow"
THE fewer to love-the fewer tc
leave" replied the old man, somewhat
dreamily.
DO you know" observed Miss Caring
ton, little abruptly, that Greville is
very angry with me for sending Allie
away"
'Oh, he has written to you, has hep
with half smile, for he had already re-
ceived stormy letter from his grandson
on the same subject.
Yes; he is as indignant as possible
about the sacrifice. as he terms it, He
calls me shabby for not letting him into
the secret; he declares he shall go round
by Chesterton on his way home and have
1t out with Alison; but | have put a
stop to that"
What! you deprived him and Sunny
of that poor little pleasure? What a
hard hearted woman you are Miss Diana
ard yet you were young yourself once"
My dear friend, it would not do at
all" returned Miss Darlington, in her
most reSolute tone. You spoil that bow
so dreadfully that you give in to all his
whims. You want me to keep you all in
order"
But where would be the harm?" per-
sisted Mr. Moore, smiling. Just a call
and chat; why, it would do Sunny
good"
mo, no; it would only unsettIe her.
Greville shall go down to The Holms some
h'y' buL uOL just yet Allie VIII get on
better if we leave her entirely to her.
self the first few months Why, unless
things go very wrong, l do not intend to
go down myself until next spring. But
Greville, oh, no; told him on no ac-
count to do it."
And you expect him to obey you. l
suppose?"
'Oh, yes, he will obey me now. Later
on. perhaps-But we shall see. l am
sure it would be only cruel kindness for
Greville to unsettle her. She frets enough
after us, | am sure of that, and seeing
him will only bring us more vividly be-
fore her. Besides, there are other rea-
sons; but. my good old friend. YOU do
not often distrust my wisdom"
Nor do l now" he returned. SLOWLY.
Il was only putting myself in nv bows
place, and thinking how he must long for
glimpse of Sunny. Have it your own
way, Miss Diana; Greyille is almost as
much your boy as he is mine, and | know
you would not cross him if you could
help it,"
No, indeed" she replied, very gently ;
Il think you, and Greville, too, may trust
me-" And then the conversation dropped