Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1909-04-30
CHAPTER v.-(Continued.)


Papa, dear, you will not 60 into the
study tonight" observed Mabel, in a
coaxing tOne as Mr.. Merle looked at the
door, as though he intended to follow
Poppie's example; please come with US
into the drawing room, and l win make
yOu so comfortable"
VERY WELL" was his good-humored an
Swer, as he got up a little YEARLY from
bis chair.
Alison waited a moment before abe fol-
lowed them.
"Are you not coming, tooT she asked,
a. Roger threw himself down on an easy
chair.
Roger shook his head smilingly.
Rudel has got to do his lessons. Mis-
Ste never admits him into the drawing
room Of an evening. She says 1t Is not
the room for boys. / generally keep
Rudel company or 60 out and amuse my
self"
But not tonight, dear" she returned
gently, and he got up at once.
Rudel looked up rather wistfully.
Il have almost a mind to come, too"
be muttered. but as Roger said, hastily.
Better not, Rue, we don't want any rows
Miss Leigh sat bolt upright by the big
round table, with her work-basket and
pile Of the boys socks. Mr.. Merle had
little table and a reading lamp to him
self, and Missile sat on a stool at his feet
with novel on her lap. Alison guessed
at once that this was their ordinary po-
sition.
"Oh, Is that you, Roger? You don't
often honor us with your company of an
evening" observed Missile, with a toss of
her pretty head. 'This is a compliment
to you, Alison, supposeP
we ought to put our books away to-
might" said Mr. Merle, rousing himself
reluctantly, and making Alison feel as IL
ne we're treating her like a visitor
Mabel, my dear, suppose you give us one
Of your little songs2"
mo, indeed, papa" returned Alison,
eagerly, Il hope you will go on just the
same as though l were not here. OF
course l should like to hear Mabel sing,
but not II 1t disturbs you"
"Oh, always sing to papa Of an even
ing" replied Missile, walking to the piano
with much dignity. Roger, l think you
might offer to light those candles for me,
upon ladies. You will find them dread
fully rough, Alison"
"On the contrary, l am rather fond Of
waiting upon ladies'" was Rogers non
chalant answer, laying a peculiar stress
on the last word that brought an angry
flush to Missiles face. II always wait
on you. do not, Miss Leigh?"
Eyes, indeed, Mr.. Roger, always say
you are SO kind and thoughtful"
Missile struck a chord sharply. "If you
Will be good enough to leave of talking
will commence my song" she said, cross
", and as Roger made a low bow and
retired she began the prelude Of q Ger
man song.
Allison listened with much pleasure.
Among her other natural gifts, Missile
certainly possessed q very good voice, and
II had been evidently well trained. Her
notes were clear and sweet, and II she
could only have got rid of a certain af-
fectatiOn In her style, Alison could have
praised her still more warmly.
Al It was, her admiration was 20 Uin-
eere that Missile began to thaw for the
art time. suppose you sing?" she
said. q little bluntly.
'SNOt much. l certainly can not COM
pare ny voice to yours" was the modest
reply, ''but I am fond Of instrumental
music, and play a good deal.'
Then yea will be able to play my &C
compartments" returned Mabel, bright.
sning still more evil you take nv
place. AllsOa1 Papa will like to hear
yOu. am sure"
mot tonight returned Alison, feeling
a. though she were not capable Of any
further efOrt. ~ am rather tired, and
II papa would excuse me think should
Ike to 60 to bed"
by all means, my love-" observed Mr..
Merle, locking up from his book. "Pus-
sie, dear, l hope everything Is comfort
able for your sister, Never mind singing
% me tonight, II there Is anything you
can do to help Alison"
''I will come with you and see," return
Cd Missile, q little ungraciously, and
though Alison would rather have dispens-
ed with her company, she thought 1t bet
ter policy to accept this faint offer Of
help. On the landing Missile stopped, and
said. rather awkkardly, II hope you don't
mind about the change Of rooms, Alison,
but as you do not live at home. I thought
I could please myself"
81 suppose have come home to live
now" returned her sister, YEARLY; ''but
Il you do not want to give It up, Mabel,
I will try to be content with my present
one; only want things to Be comforta-
bic, and to do my best for you ALL"
"Oh, as to that, we have got along
very WELL" returned Mabel, hastily; "you
need not put yourself out on our account
As papa says, am grown up now-near-
b Seventeen-and able to take care Of my
self and other people, too. 1 hope you
are not going In to see Poppie; / think It
IL a pity waking up the child, and she is
90 excitable."
81 shall not wake her, but l promised
TO go and see her." returned Alison, with
gentle frmness, as she babe Missile good
night. Missile need not have troubled her
self about her little sisters wakefulness.
POppie was sitting bolt upright In the
darkness, waiting for Alison
snow for q good cuddle and a talk"
she said. stretching out her arms to All
son; you are . nice old thing to keep
your promise" And as Alison sat down
on the little bed she forgot her WEAKNESS,
~ Poppie laid her warm cheek against
49, and ealiad har daaP nioa Ant