Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1909-04-16
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
~~~-~~--WsS--
CHAPTER XXII.-(continued.,

Oi' theie ~ the river exclaimed ALI
son, in a tone Of ecstasy. Look, Roger
you can just catch a CLEAN through the
trees--Oh, the dear place! How 1 do
love it!' her voice rising into perfect
crescendo, of which the top note was
complete satisfaction.
1T is just year since you have seen
It," observed Greville. "Nliss Alison,
what made you steal a march on me in
that fashion? l was quite hurt that you
never gave me a hint of your intention
of going home"
He spoke in a low tone that Roger
could not hear.
The quick, sensitive color rushed into
Alsons face there was such implied re-
proach in Grevilles voice. Had he really
been hurt?
"Oh, you must not feel like that about
It, she returned, with sweet, candid
look. I'VE had talked of the possibility,
Aunt Diana and l, but nothing had been
settled. / had put it out Of my mind.
/ was so naughty, / could not bear the
Idea of going home and doing my duty.
l should never have gone at all if Aunt
OldHd udu not uelpeu me.
"You did not think how / should feel
when | came back and found you gone"
retorted Greville, in a boyish, injured
voice, that reached Roger and made him
smile, only Alison grew a little grave.
Il left a message with your grand
father" she said, quietly. "What could
/ dof Aunt Diana said it was my duty
to go, and that it was no good putting
ones hand to the pillow and looking back
ward. What is the use of lettering over a
difficult task when it has to be done?"
THAT is true, but"
"Please don't talk of last summer"
she interrupted him; "it makes me sad
only to think about it." And he could
see there were tears in her eyes as she
spoke. 81 made myself so miserable over
It; could not bear leaving Aunt Diana,
and | missed every one so.'
Miss Alison, please do not look sad
over it, said Greville, earnestly. "What
a clumsy fellow l am! l have silenced
the nestful of twittering young larks"-
referring to Rogers speech Come,
know you will forgive me, and look chirpy
again, when l tell you have passed
muster and come off with flying colors." !"
"Oh, / am so gad!" exclaimed Alison,
her smiles returning again. "Then you
must have worked hard. How pleased
Mr. Moore must be-
ITO hear grandfather talk" returned
Greville, calmly, you would think l was
the Admiral Crichton, at least. The dear
LA ,,,o,, r,ol,oe M apd Of f,co h1acc hi
! tell him it is all your doing; you gave
me such a terrible lecture that Wednes-
day"
"Oh, no." replied Alison, blushing "it
was your own good sense"
II shall go in for Greats next year,
90 l shall have to grind pretty hard.
am to have coach down here this sum-
mer. Cheyne, of Balliol, is at The Crays
with his people, and he is a rare fellow
for that. have to work all my morn
ings," he continued, rather dolorously,
"but shall have my afternoons and
evenings free. Miss Alison, you are not
listening to me-"
"Oh, yes l am ~ she CRIED. joyously
''but l can not bear any more just now
though | am very glad to hear it all
Roger, do look There is Moss-sde-
you know you have forgotten it-and
there is Aunt Di in the porch"
''Allie, you have eyes like hawk.
see nothing but greenery and sunshine '
Nevertheless, Roger did perceive, a
moment afterward, a tall figure in myr-
tle-green standing under trelis of roses
Miss Darlington had evidently heard
the wheels of the dog cart and had come
out to look. When they stopped she had
the little gate open and was helping Ali.
son to alight.
How are you, my dear child?" she
said, as Alison put her arms around her
''actually not tired, Allie! And you
Roger? Welcome to Moss-sde. my boy =
Aren't you going to welcome me, too
Miss Darlington asked Greville, hall
jokingly, but he looked little wistfully
at the group.
"No, not tonight" she returned, de
cidedly. 81 must have my belongings tC
myself for this one evening; you may
come in to breakfast, If you like"
And knowing of old that Miss Car
rington's decisions allowed of no appeal
Greville lifted his hat and wished then
good evening, and turned his mares heat
in the direction of the Fernleigh stables
not without a backward glance at thu
slim. dark-eyed girl looking affectionately
In Miss Carrington's face.
"Now, Allie go to your old room ant
get rid of the dust, while | show Roger
upstairs" observed Aunt Diana, in {
brisk voice. "You will find me in thu
studio when you are ready"
CHAPTER XXIII.
Her old room! Alison gave happ,
little sigh as she trod on the threshold
1nrl a4 n nronn littla hnwer IL looked and