Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-10-29
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
. o 0 0 Q 0 9 o . 9 o Z
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CHAPTER XVII.

HeI>e4l, anu put all ler conduct IN us
blacklist light 4 weight of intolerabIe
misery lay on her mind she felt her own
pains were richly deserved, but the
thought that she had risked her fathers
life by her disobedience was more than
she could bear. Every hour she ques-
toned Alison about his state. Would he
recover? Was he in any danger? What
did the doctor fear? Alison at last called
Roger to her aid.
What shall we do?" she exclaimed,
half crying. Missile will not get any
sleep tonight; she is working herself
into fever and DR.. Greenwood does
not wish to give her an opiate 1t breaks
my heart TO hear her going on about papa.
I think if she could only see him she
would be more contented.'
Shall ] 20 to herr" he asked, hest
tating u little, for Missile had expressed
no wish to see him.
-'Oh, yes, perhaps that will be best"
she said, Frightening a little. Il am so
tired and harassed that l probably do
not say the right thing"
Il will come presently; but, Allie, |
am so sorry you are so tired. Miss Hard
wick is downstairs, and she says she must
sec you; she seems very much upset. Do
you think you could speak to her for
mOment?"
Alison made a gesture of repugnance.
1t was plain that she did not wish to see
Miss Hardwick, but Roger was bent on
carrying his point
Il have to go to my father now" he
said, quietly, but in about a quarter of
an hour | shall be ready to see Missile.
/ will wait for you here. Miss Hard
wick will not detain you many minutes
go, dear Allie" And Alison reluctantly
obeyed him.
Eva was pacing up and down the long
drawing room, and came up to Alison
quickly, holding out both her hands.
oh Alison" she said, and the tears
were running down her face unchecked,
81 know you do not want to see me, but
l begged so hard of Mr. Roger to send
you Of course, you hate the sight of me-
You think l am the cause of this; bnt,
indeed, indeed. | never knew Mr.. Merle
would be 50 angry ~
You tempted Mabel to deceive and dis
obey her father" returned Alison, severe
Iy, for her heart was hard against the
girl. You knew that he disapproved of
Captain Harper, and then you encourag
ed and planned this scheme. How could
any father fail to be angry when his COM
mands are so entirely set aside?"
You must not speak against Anthony,
Alison" returned Eva, in a subdued voice
81 am engaged to him; he is only my
half-cousn. Mabel knew this, and she
thought it would not matter coming with
us. Mamma would have told you, only
did not wish it to be made public. All
this has quite spoiled my happiness. Poor
dear Mabel if | could only see her, and
help you to nurse her But Mr. Roger
says it is quite impossible" And she wiped
away some fresh tears.
There was SO much feeling in Eva's
words and manner that Alisons coldness
relaxed little.
You must not see her." she said
gravely; Il believe papa has forbidden
that for the present, but | can give her
your love, and tell her that you asked
after her"
Tell her l shall come every evening
to inquire tell her, too, that l shall not
have moments peace, thinking that |
am partly to blame for this. 1t was wrong
to have something to bear as we'll as she,
poor darling You and Mr.. Roger must
not be TOO hard on me, for indeed, | am
as unhappy as possible; Anna will tell
you So"
Il will try to forgive YOU" returned
Alison, with warm kiss, that evidently
surprised and gratified her. 1T does not
make things better to be hard and bitter
against people, We need not add to our
own unhappiness in that way. Now |
must go, please. Give my dear love to
Anna; | know she will be fretting about
us" And with a quick nod Alison ran
upstairs.
'Well?" observed Roger, interrora-
lively, as she came to his side.
Il am glad you told me to go down. {"
was her reply; there is good in every one
and Eva certainly appeared to advantage
this evening. She is really fond of Missile
and she cried so about it ALL She is NOT
a bad-hearted girl"
No; and all this will do her a craat
deal of good. Evil is wrought by want
of thought, as well as want of hea IF {,
Allie. Now let us go to poor Missile"
Missile flushed up very much when she
grew wan and pale.
WELL" he said, cheerfully. taking her
hot little hand, this is a sad affair: but
at least we may be thankful it is NOT
worse. l almost think father looks a lit
tie better tonight; Mrs. Meyrick thourbt
so, too. There was certainly slight con-
cussion of the brain last night but this
evening he seem more like himself
"Oh, Roger {" and Missiles eyes were
filling in moment, do you really think
SOP" But the last word became a sob
Yes, dear. and Nurse Meyrick said the
same; he spoke more clear and articulate-
ly. Now" kissing her forehead, you
will be easy about him, and will try to
Sleep
There is no sleep in my eyes," she re-
turned, with a little of her old excitement.
"Oh, Roger, you don't know what it is TO
be bruised and battered all over, and not
TO be able to turn without pain. If it
were not for that | would go to him"
Perhaps YOU will be able to 20 to NOR
row. he returned, humoring her, for her
flushed face and excited look made him
anxious. You will try to lie patiently I'M
til the morning, Mabel dear. will you not {?
Alison is so worn out, she must sleep to-
night. and, indeed, we are all overtired
and harassed.''
Yes, and I am the cause" she return
ed, restlessly. "Oh, Roger, will not ask
you to forgive me; Alison has, but then
she is different. But you, of course, you
can never care for me again.
Indeed, you are wrong, my dear little
sister, he said, soothiugly; Il do care
for you very much, all the more that you
are so unhappy. When you get we'll again
you shall see how proud l shall be of my
two sisters, and what nice times we shall
have"
"Oh, no." she returned, bursting into
tears Il never expected any one to be
fond of me again. l have made your life
miserable. Roger; have tormented you
just for love of teasing. If were not so
wicked | should like TO die and then per-