Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1909-04-09
CHAPTER XXI.

Miss Darlington took a great deal of
notice of Roger, and sought every oppor-
tunity to be with him; she had great
respect for his character, which, she said,
was a most uncommon one.
Roger differs from the young men of
his generation" she said once to Alison !;
"he cares little for other peoples opin-
ions, unless he knows them to be in the
right-mere criticism does not influence
him in the least"
She took a great interest in his work.
and made herself acquainted with the
details of the business. Roger wondered
a little at the quiet pertinacity with which
she questioned him; she even followed
him to the mill. and sat in the timber
yard watching the men at work.
After a few conversations with Roger
she smoke very seriously to her brother
in-law: she told him Roger was very
Young for such a responsibility. He Is
a good lad, and would wear himself out
in your service Ainslie. and that without
n word of complaint, but he looks too
old and careworn for his age; you must
remember he is only two-and-twenty yet
he must have his play time, like other
lads"
But how am to help him, Diana?'
asked Mr.. Merle, fretfully. 1T is not my
fault that am lying here like .og.
The boy must work, or what would be-
come of us all?"
"My dear Ainslie, you misunderstood
me-" she replied gently. "Of course Roger
must work, but surely he needs help FOR
so large a business. Have you put no
one in YOUR last managers placer
mo. not yet" he returned. evidently
struck by her practical good sense. "Rog-
or never proposed it. and | was too in
dolent TO think about it; but there is
Murdoch. a Scotchman-he has been with
us a long time, and he is an honest fel-
low. dare say he would be glad of a
rise in his salary; he has large young
family. will ask Roger what he thinks
of putting Murdoch in the managers
place. think he would watch over our
interests"
81 wish you would do So" she returned
earnestly; Roger is rather too hard
worked for his age. He tells me he has
no time for cricket or tennis. or for skat-
ing in winter. II have set my heart,
Ainslie. on his bringing Alison for long
visit TO Moss-side in the spring. You
will be better by that time, and ii you
have a manager Roger will be able to en-
ioy holiday; he tells me he has not left
Chesterton for two years.
"J ono afraid 7 have been very remiss
and neglected his interests" returned Mr..
Merle. rather sadly. you shall have
YOUR wish, Diana will manage to spare
Roger for month"
"Come, now, that is generous OF you,
she replied, brightly Il shall owe you
good turn for that. Supposing l promise
to come and spend my Christmas and
New Year with you; shall you care to
have me?"
"Try me-" was his only reply. But he
said 1t with one of his rare smiles, and
Miss Darlington felt she would be well
come.
The prospect of having Aunt Diana
for Christmas, and still more the promise
of long visit to Moss-side in the spring,
went far to reconcile Alison to the part
ing when the day came for Miss Caring
ton to leave them, but when the last hour
arrived Alison's heart failed her little.
"You must not look SO pale over 1t,
Allie" Miss Darlington said to her anx-
iously; "you know II had the power ]
would willingly take you back with me-"