The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1909-02-11

1
Mt once that this was their ordinary 20
sition
"Oh, is that you, Roger? You don't
| often honor US with your company Of ar
evening" observed Missile. with toss Of
her pretty head This is a compliment
to you. Alison, l suppose?'
| we ought to put our books away to-
night" said Mr.. Merle. rousing himself
reluctantly, and making Alison feel as if
he were treating her like visitor
Mabel, my dear, suppose you give us one
of your little songs?'
NO indeed, papa" returned Alison.
eagerly, Il hope you will go on just the
same as though | were not here. OF
course should like to hear Mabel sing,
but not if it disturbs you"
"oh, I 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.
but you boys have no idea of waiting
upon ladies. You will find them dread
fully rough. Alison"
"On the contrary, | 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. Il always wait
on you, do l not, Miss Leigh?"
Eyes, indeed, Mr.. Roger, l always say
you are so kind and thoughtful"
Missile struck chord sharply. IF you
will be good enough to leave off talking
will commence my song" she said cross
ly, and as Roger made low bow and
retired she began the prelude of Ger
man song.
Alison listened with much pleasure.
Among her other natural gifts, Missile
certainly possessed a very good voice, and
it had been evidently well trained Her
notes were clear and sweet, and if she
could only have got rid of certain af-
fectation in her style, Alison could have
praised her still more warmly.
As it was, her admiration was so sin
cere that Missile began to thaw for the
first time. Il suppose you singT' she
said, little bluntly.
''Not much. l certainly can not COM
pare my voice to yours" was the modest
reply, 'but am fond of instrumental
music, and play a good DEAL
Then you will be able to play my &C
compartments" returned Mabel, bright
ening still more "Will you take my
place, Alison? Papa will like to hear
you, l am sure"
Not tonight returned Alison, feeling
as though she were not capable of any
further effort Il am rather tired, and
il papa would excuse me l think should
like to &C to bed"
by all means. my love-" observed Mr..
Merle. looking up from his book. "Pus-
sic. dear, hope everything is comfort
able for your sister. Never mind singing
to me tonight, if there is anything you
can do to help Alison
II will come with you and see" return
ed Missile, a little ungraciously, and
though Alison would rather have dispens
ed with her company, she thought it bet
ter policy to accept this faint offer of |
help On the landing Missile stopped, and
said, rather awkkardly, Il hope you don't /
mind about the change of rooms, Alison,
but as you do not live at home, thought |
| could please myself"
81 suppose 1 have come home to live
now returned her sister, YEARLY; but
If you do not want to give it up, Mabel,
| will try to be content with my present
,ne; only want things to be comforta-
Die. and to do my best for you all"
"Oh. as to that, we have got along
,ery WE'LL" returned Mabel hastily; you
iced not put yourself out on our account.
As papa says. am grown up now-near-
' seventeen-and able to take care of N.Y.
elf and other people. too. I hope you
ire not going in to see Poppie; l think it
s a pity waking up the child, and she is
10 excitable."
Il shall not wake her. but l promised
o go and see her." returned Alison, with
emile frmness. as she babe Missile good
light. Missile need not have troubled her
elf about her little sisters wakefulness.
'oppie was sitting bolt upright in the
arkness, waiting for Alison.
Now for a good cuddle and a talk
he said stretching out her arms to Ali
on; you are nice old thing to keep
our promise" And as Alison sat down
n the little bed she forgot her WEAKNESS,
$ Poppie laid her warm cheek against
ers, and called her dear, nice Allie.
CHAPTER vi.