The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1909-04-08
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
----=---Ss------
cHAPrER xyIII-(con,i,

ned SO grieyously against her father If Eva
had not undermined her principles by her
fiattery and playful words Of advice to b.
I independent and assert herself.
A veil had fallen from her eyes; she
no longer saw Eva's conduct in the same
light. and as she grew better, and Eva
sought opportunities to be with her, the
disillusion became more complete Missile
found herself wondering over her own in
fatuation. Had Eva always been 80 loud
in her manners, 50 uniilial in her behavior
to her mother, so unkind to Anna? Missile
at first grew critical and then reproachful
Strange to say, Eva accepted her rebukes
very meekly-eyidently her affection for
Missile was sincere in its way, for she
took some pains to please her, and even
tried to break herself of her faults. But
for her unlucky engagement with Captain
Harper there was every probability that
Missile might have Influenced her for
good but her approaching marriage soon
drove all salutary reflection away.
As Missiles violent infatuation for her
friend cooled, she turned more and more
to Alison for sympathy; and here at least
she did not find herself disappointed-Ali-
son returned her affection warmly.
Missile was little exacting as an in
valid, for she was still separated from
her father, and, alas, there was still
cause to be anxious for him.
Dr. Greenwood never told Alison what
he had feared: but after a few days,
wher he and another doctor had consult
ed together over the case, he told her
and Roger that there was certainly some
degree of mischief in connection with the
spine; It would be many months-per-
haps a year or two-before he could
rise from his couch.
I'VE certainly hope for his complete
recovery in the future" he continued, re-
assuringly, as Alison turned pale and
Roger looked unhappy. another inch
and he would never have moved his limbs
again; but now things are not 50 bad
Mr.. Merle viii have his books, and they
will go far to console him in his @hforced
inacticn."
DR.. Greenwood was right in his con
lecture; Mr. Merle took the tidings very
quietly.
Il told you your broad shoulders were
made for something he said, looking at
his son with a smile. He and Alison had
come TO bid him goodnight
The nurse had not been dismissed,
though it was already arranged that
Roger should take her place in his faith
ers dressing room
I shall have to leave the mill IN your
hands. Greenwood gives NE no hope of
being fit for business for the next year
or two"
Il will do everything 1 can, father
returned Roger, sorrowfully; but | feel
awfuIIy cut up about it ALL
.sThere is no need for that, my boy
returned Mr.. Merle. Il should not Won
der If YOU do better at business than l.
Roger. Perhaps this will be less trial
to me than you suppose. l do not deny,
Of course. that 1t is trial; but sun.
with my books and children | shall try
to be content.
I've shall do everything in our power
70 ease your mind" returned Roger,
,rayely. But he said no more, and short
y afterward left the room, leaving MS
father and Alison together.
Roger feels this dreadfully," she said
,nxions that her father should not mis-
understand his sons lack of words.
ayes. NV dear. know he does re-
urned Mr.. Merle, with a sigh. Il am
.ortpnate TO have such a son. To think,
% addad with emotion. that l could |
,vsr have been so blind as TO believe that |
,iIlain's innuendos against him-and now !
he whole business is in his hands"
aYou can trust him fully, papa"
YES, better than | can trust myself.
Alison; that boy is true as steel, and
will not fail me. | wish l had found
t out before. remember souI
Diana once saying TO me that ! s'uu-
ed my children as wen as ulu
ooks should be rewarded LOT my PAINS
By the bye. Alison, wnat does your aunt
ay to all this uniucSy accideht
I'VE have not heard from ner,
urned Alison, in low voice' roger
rrote the very next day AFTER une aeci-
ent, and / wrote the next DAY OUT we
ave had no reply.
THAT is very unlike Diana, observed
Ir. Merle, in a surprised tone
Roger says that she can not nave re-
eived our letters, papa; you see sne IS
u Switzerland, mad perhaps sne mas
eviated from the proposed route-tnat is
nst her way; II she takes fancy 10
lace she will stay there Tor a DAY or