Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1909-03-19
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
CHAPTER XVII.

80 dNiSb do pOSSlDlt, Dul II SeemeQ
impossible to check the storm of excited
talk. Mabels only relief was to accuse
herself, and put all her conduct in its
blacklist light. A weight of intolerable
misery lay on her mind she felt her own
pains were richly deserved, but the
thought that she had risked her fathers
life by her disobedience was more than
she could bear. Every hour she ques-
toned Alison about his state. Would he
recover? Was he in any danger? What
did the doctor fear? Alison at last called
Roger to her aid.
What shall we do?" she exclaimed
half crying. "Missie will not get any
sleep tonight; she is working herself
into fever and DIR. Greenwood does
not wish to give her an opiate. 1t breaks
my heart to hear her going on about papa.
l think if she could only see him she
would be more contented."
Shall 20 to her." he asked, hesi-
tating a little, for Missile had expressed
no wish to see him.
"Oh, yes, perhaps that will be best"
she said, Frightening a little. Il am so
tired ana harassed that 1 probably DO
not say the right thing"
Il will come presently; but, Allie,
am so sorry you are so tired. Miss Hard
wick is downstairs, and she says she must
see you she seems very much upset. Do
you think you could speak to her for a
momentY
Alison made a gesture of repugnance.
1t was plain that she did not wish to see
Miss Hardwick, but Roger was bent on
carrying his point.
Il have to go to my father now," he
said, quietly, "but in about a quarter of
an hour l shall be ready to see Missie.
will wait for you here. Miss Hard
wick will not detain you many minutes !;
go, dear Allie" And Alison reluctantly
obeyed him.
Eva was pacing up and down the long
drawing room, and came up to Alison
quickly, holding out both her hands.
"Oh, Alison" she said, and the tears
were running down her face unchecked,
81 know you do not want to see me, but
/ begged so hard of Mr.. Roger to send
you. OF course you hate the sight of me.
You think | am the cause of this; bnt,
indeed, indeed. | never knew Mr.. Merle
would be so angry!"
"You tempted Mabel to deceive and dis
obey her father" returned Alison, severe
ly, for her heart was hard against the
girl. You knew that he disapproved of
Captain Harper, and then you encourag-
ed and planned this scheme. How could
any father fail to be angry when his COM
mands are so entirely set aside!"
"You must not speak against Anthony,
Alison" returned Eva, in subdued voice
81 am engaged to him; he is only my
half-cousin. Mabel knew this, and she
thought it would not matter coming with
us. Mamma would have told you, only
did not wish it to be made public All
this has quite spoiled my happiness. Poor
dear Mabel; if | could only see her, and
help you to nurse her. But Mr. Roger
says it is quite impossible" And she wiped
away some fresh tears
There was so much feeling in Eva's
words and manner that Alison's coldness
relaxed little.
"You must not see her." she said
gravely; 81 believe papa has forbidden
that for the present, but can give her
YOUR love. and tell her that you asked
after her"
"Tell her | shall come every evening
to inquire tell her, too, that l shall not
have a moments peace, thinking that
am partly to blame for this. 1t was wrong
of us, Alison l see that now. | deserve
to have something to bear as well as she
poor darling! You and Mr.. Roger must
not be too hard on me, for, indeed, l an
as unhappy as possible; Anna will tell
you So" :
81 will try to forgive you," returned
Alison, with warm kiss, that evidently
surprised and gratifed her. 1T does not
make things better to be hard and bitter
against people. We need not add to our
own unhappiness In that way. Now
must 90, please Give my dear love tc
Anna know she will be fretting about
u.s. And with a quick nod Alison ran
upstairs.
"Well?" observed Roger, interroga-
lively, as she came to his side.
81 am glad you told me to go down,
was her reply; "there is good in every one
and Eva certainly appeared to advantage
this evening. She is really fond of Missie
and she cried so about it all. She is not
a hearted girl"
No; and all this will do her a great
deal of good. Evil Is wrought by want
of thought, as. well as want of heart,
Allie. Now let us go to poor Missie."
Missile flushed up very much when she
saw Roger, but the next moment her face
grew wan and pale.
"Well," he said, cheerfully, taking hel
hot little hand. "this is a sad affair: but
at least we may be thankful it Is moi
worse. / almost think father looks lit
tie better tonight; Mrs. Meyrick thought
so, too. There was certainly slight con.
cussion of the brain last night, but this
evening he seem more like himself
"Oh, Rogerp' and Missiles eyes were
GIl;no In a moment "dO Won really thinL