The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1909-04-15
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
CHAprNR XIX.-(Continued.l
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that come when summer and autumn seen
blending into each other Alison stool
for moment in the hall, debating wheth
err she was too tired to seek Roger in tn,
timber yard, or whether she should in
dulge in solitary musing under the lint
trees. A free half hour was a delicious
boon, and she must employ it to the bes
advantage. She decided after moment
that she was too dull for even Rogers
company to cheer her-for she was in ont
of those moods that the masculine MIND
finds so difficult to Understandable she
was just taking down her garden hat from
the peg when figure came between her
and the evening light, familiar voice
spoke her name, and the next moment Ali
son was in Aunt Diana's arms.
Miss Carrington's kisses were very
grave and tender They spoke volumes
moment But Alson's "0h, Aunt Di !!
was more than eloquent-the culver OF
her voice meant ecstasy. But the next
moment Miss Darlington put her at arms
length and, still holding her, scrutinized
her face almost pitifully.
allie, my poor, dear child, what have
they done to you? Oh, dear, what thin
cheeks, what heavy eyes p And sud-
denly closing her face between her hands,
she kissed her again and again, and Miss
Darlington was not demonstrative WON
an-her caresses meant something out of
the common They brought Alison's soft
color back, and the happy tears came into
her eyes.
Il am glad I did not tell you" re-
turned, unsteadily; Il shall be quite well
and rested now l have seen your dear
face again. Oh, Aunt Di, how l have
wanted you," her voice sinking still
lower.
"Yes, | know" replied Miss Caring
ton, almost abruptly-all the more be-
cause her feelings were not SO well un-
der control as usual. allie, what must
you have thought of my silence? Come,
let us sit down somewhere where l can
talk to you without interruption. l don't
want to see any other face but yours
for the present-not even Rogers"
Il think my room will be best re
turned Alison, hesitating little. Miss
Leigh is in the drawing room and Rudel
In the dining room, and Roger generally
sits in the study when he comes in of an
evening. Wait a moment, Aunt Di,
please; l must ask Sarah to make some
tea for you-supper will not be ready
for an hour Oh" smiling archly, Il
know your taste-Aunt Di can not go
without her tea"
Miss Darlington offered no remon-
STRANGE: perhaps she was in need of re-
freshment. She waited to see the cab
man deposit her luggage in the hall, and
then she followed Alison upstairs.
my DEAR" she observed, looking round
her as she entered, this is not your old
room; thought this was missile
Eyes, but Missile had mine, and ala
not like to turn her Quit would only
have caused unpleasantness, Please 20
not look so grieved' Aunt III | nave
got used to it, and do not mind the crane
SO much as did at hrst-at least, II does
not make my head ache
"And you never told me, | could not
have borne to have thought OF you IN
this room, Allie, wen, you nave spared
me many a heartache. should nave
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
grim lines OF the crane, and round the
dark, heavily furnished room.
81 am glad did not tell you, re-
turned Alison, gently, as she UNASSIGNED
Miss Carrington's mantle and waited on
her. Perhaps Aunt Diana loved to feel
the soft little hands ousy ABOUT ne1, lof