Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1909-07-03
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
CHAPTER XIX.-(Continusd.)

A. as ~ tOftAJ tNobihkf 40 AiiSotc sHAe
lone Of those rare September evenings
Mat come when summer and autumn seem
blending into each other. Alison stood
Tor a moment in the hall, debating whsth-
n she was too tired to seek Roger In the
timber yard, or whether she should In
6ulge In solitary musing under the lime
trees. A free half hour was a delicious
boon, and she must employ 1t to the best
advantage. She decided after a moment
that che was too dull for even Rogers
company to cheer her-for sho was In one
Of those moods that the masculine mind
hnds so difficult to understand-and she
was just taking down her garden hat from
the peg when q figure came between her
and the evening light, a familiar voice
spoke her name, and the next moment ALI
son was In Aunt Dlana's arms.
Miss Carrington's kisses were very
grave and tender. They spoke volumes,
but she seemed to have no words at the
moment. But Alison's "Oh, Aunt Di I"
was more than eloquent-ths CULVER Of
her voice meant ecstasy. But the next
moment Miss Darlington put her at arms
length, and, still holding her, scrutinizsd
her face almost pitlfully.
"Allie, my poor, dear child, what have
they done to you? Oh, dear, what thin
Dhseks, what heavy eyes !" And sud-
lsnly closing her face between her hands,
yhe kissed her again and again, and Miss
Darlington was not demonstrative wom-
kn-her caresses meant something out Of
me common. They brought Alison's soft
bolor back, and the happy tears came into
her eyes.
II am glad l did not tell you," re-
burned. unsteadily II shall be quito well
ind rested now l have seen your dear
lace again. Oh, Aunt Di, how have
wanted you" her voice sinking still
lower.
Eyes, I know" replied Miss Caring
bon, almost abruptly-all the more be-
pause her feelings were not so well un-
DER control as usual. allie. what must
you have thought of my silence? Come
Yet us sit down somewhere where I can
kalk to you without interruption. l don't
want to see any other face but yours
lor the present-not even Rogers"
II think my room will be best" re-
burned Alison, hesitating a little. Miss
Leigh is In tho drawing room and Rudel
In the dining room, and Roger generally
BITS in the study when he comes In Of an
evening. Walt moment, Aunt Di,
please; l must ask Sarah to make some
lea for you-supper will not be ready
Ior an hour. Oh" smiling archly. II
know your taste-Aunt Di can not 20
Without her tea"
Miss Darlington offered no rcmon-
struncs, perhaps she was In need Of re-
lrsshment. She waited to see the cab
ban deposit her luggage In tho hall, and
hen she followed Alison upstairs.
my dear" she observed, looking round
her as she entered, this Is not your old
loom; thought this was Missies?"
"Yes, but Missile had mine, and / did
pot like to turn her Quit would only
have caused unpleasantness. Please do
not look 30 grieved, Aunt Di; l have
10 much as l did at frst-at least, 1t does
hot make my head ache"
"And you never told me. 1 could not
have borne to have thought Of you in
this room, Allie. Well, you have spared
ne many a heartnche. l should have
wanted my child back In her little nest,
and have been unhappy because could
not get her" And Miss Darlington pos
lively shuddered as she looked at the
krim lines of the crane, and round the
lark, heavily furnished room.
II am glad l did not tell you," re-
burned Alison, gently, as she unfastened
Miss Carrington's mantle and waited on
her. Perhaps Aunt Diana loved to feel
tie soft little hands busy about her, for
he offered no resistance as Alison
ymoothed her hair, and brought her a
lootstool, Of which she took possession
herself.
''That Is right" observed Miss Car
hngton, stroking the brown head that laid
itself in child fashion on her lap. Alison
was 30 very tired there was utter aban-
Con In her attitude, and Jet she was so
happy, too.
Nov we will have one Of our cozy
talks-don't look at the door, Allie-I am
In no hurry for my tea My dear, I am
longing to tell you how II Is your letters
have miscarried 1 read them all for the
hrst time last night"
Aunt Di, do you mean that you have
down to us-only telegraph wires could
have done It," laughing incredulously.
"You may be sure that I should have
down to you II had the power" return
ID Miss Darlington, seriously. allie,
was not in Switzerland, as you thought.
was recalled suddenly, a fortnight ago
By Mr.. Moors's sudden illness. Grsvills
telegraphsd for me. and came home at
pnce."
''Mr. Moore lW exclaimed Alison.
With fast paling face.
'Yes, very Ill, but thank God, my dear
old friend Is better now. II has been an
anxious time for us, darling. Grsville
Is cast down and unhappy-you need not
look at me so reproaohfully. would
not write to you-it would have given
Tou useless pain, and l was 50 enErossed
with nursing that letters were impossi-
bic Injuries. Little did / think In my
hight watching that Allie was ANXIOUS
and unhappy, too"
Aunt Di, that Is why you look tired"
'sTired Nonsense, child. 1t Is blsss-
I'd thing to wear out ones self for ones
frisnda. love that sort of fatigue
could not have left my patient until be
was out of danger, but now l can safely
trust him In Greville's charge. He IA a