Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1909-05-01

CHAPTER v-(cOntinued.)

0OoIs hh AhOuAn NC lnAtuutN " AOioW
Poppies example; please come with us
into the drawing room, and l will make
you so comfortable"
very WELL" was his good-humored on
swer, as he got up little YEARLY from
bis chair
Alison waited moment before she fol-
lowed them.
Are you not coming, tooT she asked.
as Roger threw himself down on an easy
chair
Roger shook his head smilingly.
'Rudel has got to do his lessons Mis-
sic never admits him into the drawing
room Of an evening. She says II Is not
the room for boys. I 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 wistfuly.
Il have almost a mind to come, too"
he muttered. but as Roger said, hastily.
~Better not, Rue. we don't want any rows
tonight Alison is tired" he remained.
Miss Leigh sat bolt upright by the big
round table, with her work-basket and a
pile Of the boys socks Mr.. Merle had a
little table and a reading lamp TO him
self, and Missile snt on a stool at his feet
With a novel on her lap. Alison guessed
at once that this was their ordinary DO
estion-
"Oh, IL that you, Roger7 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
20 you, Alison, I supposer
We ought to put our books away to-
night" said Mr.. Merle. rousing himself
reluctantly, and making Alison feel as II
he wero treating her like a visitor.
mabel. my dear, suppose you give as one
ct your little songsf"
mo. Indeed, papa" returned Alison.
eagerly, IT hope You will 20 on Just the
same AZ though | were not here. OF
course / 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,
but you boys have no idea Of waiting
upon ladies. You viii 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. II always wait
on you. dol not, Miss Leigh7-
Yes. Indeed, Mr.. Roger. always say
you are SO kind and thoughtful"
Missile struck chord. sharply. "If you
win beygood enough to leave OF talking
viii commence my song" she said. cross
~. and as Roger made a low bow and
retired she began the prelude Of Ger
man song. Nt.ra,
Alison listened with much pleasure.
Among her other natural gifts, Missile
certainly possessed very good voice, and
had been evidently well trained. Her
notes were clear and sweet, and II she
could only have got rid of certain af-
fectation In her style, Alison could have
praised her still more warmly.
As II was, her admiration was 30 sim
cere that Missile began to thaw for the
hrst time II suppose you singf" she
aid. little blantly.
''Not much. l certainly can not com
pare my voice to yours" was the modest
reply. hut I am fond OF instrumental
music, and play a good deal
Then You will be able to play my ac-
compartments" returned Mabel, bright
sning astill more "Wll you take my
place. Alson7 Papa will like to hear
you. am sure"
mot tonight returned Alison, feeling
az though she were not capable Of any
further effort. 81 am rather tired, and
II papa would excuse me think l should
like to go to bed"
by all means. my love-" observed Mr..
L.. l.. l. n
sic, dear, | hope everything Is comfort
able for your sister Never mind singing
30 me tonight. II there Is anything you
8 can do to help Alison"
81 will come with you and see," return
Cd Missile. a little ungraciously, and
though Alison would rather have dispens-
ed with her company, she thought II 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 have come home to live
now" returned her sister, YEARLY; ''but
II you do not want to give It up, Mabel
will try to be content with my present
one; only want things to be comforta-
Bile, and TO do my best for you ALL"
"On. 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.
ty seventeen-and able to take care OF my.
self and other people, too. l hope you
are not going In to see Poppie; think II
IL q pity waking up the child, and she Is
20 exc.table."
II shall not wake her, but l promised
TO so and see her." returned Alison, with
gentle 6rmness, as she babe Missile good
night Missile need not have troubled her
self about her little sisters wakefulness
Poppie was sitting bolt upright In tn,
darkness, waiting for Alison
-Now for a good cudde and talk, >
she said. stretching out her arms to All
son you are a nice old thing to keey
your promise" And as Alison sat down
on the little bed she forgot her WEAKNESS
a. Poppie laid her warm cheek agains
hers, and called her dear, nice Allie