The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1909-07-08

DO an you nke-thst sort OF reading cal
not hurt one"
Alison felt the permission was accord
ed rather ungraciously. but still she dares
not refuse to avail herself Of it, Sh'
brought the Bible-Aunt Diana's gift
and sat down quietly by her fathers side
The voice trembled a little as she read
but she did not know how sweet it sound
ed in her fathers ear. Once when she
looked up she found his eyes fixed on hel
face, and stopped involuntarily.
Shall leave OF. papag"
''Yes. that will do for tonight: you
may read TO me tomorrow. You are SO
Of her Bible. too. You are a good girl,
and take after her"
Poor dear mamma. How hard it must
be for you. papa, TO lie there missing
her"
All" he said. averting his face. 1t
is lifelong loss. l think l never knew
any one 50 gOod-not even Diana could
compare with her. Do you know you
reminded me so much Of her that day
when you wanted me to go to church.
Child, your reproachful eyes quite haunt
ed me. All, well if ever l get we'll"
He paused with a sigh.
You win come with US then. papa."
she said, softly.
Il hope so, Alison. but / fear it will
be long time before have the chance.
When man has looked death in the face.
as l have, who might have been hurried
into eternity without a moments prepara-
ton. he thinks little more seriously
about things. l hope l am grateful for
being spared think l am. You shall
come and read to me every night if you
like. my dear; it is a grand book. the
Bible"
Alison's heart was too full to answer
him, but as Nurse Meyrick came into
the room at that moment she leaned over
and kissed his forehead.
Goodnight. dear papa; 1 hope you
will sleep we'll"
Goodnight" be answered. cheerfully,
''and give my love to Missile"
Alison felt strangely happy as she left
her fathers room; it seemed to her as
though they were coming closer to each
other. There had been a look in her
fathers eyes and a caressing tone in his
voice that told her that she was becom-
ing very dear TO him. She said to herself
in her young gladness that Providence
had accepted her sacri6ee-her fathers
heart was no longer closed to her, and
Mabel was beginning to love her. Ask
and it shall be given to you" was abun-
dainty realized in her case-so true it is
that love begets love. that the Divine seed
Of charity sown broadcast. even over bar
rem hearts. will still yield some thirty
fold. some sixty-fOld. some hundred-fold
Alison's tranquil rest that night was
only a preparation for a most trying day.
Missile had left her bed for the couch |
that afternoon. When Alison had placed |
her comfortably. she had gone down
stairs for a few minutes to speak to
Anna. leaving Miss Leigh in charge. Anna /
detained her longer than usuai-she had /
70 much to say on the subject of Eva's /
marriage. and while Alison
vas still talking and listening. Miss Leigh 4
hurried down stairs with very pale face.
Il wish you would come" she said. in
much agitation mabel is so very hys-
erical can do nothing with her. Per-
APPS have been fncautiOus. but she ques-
toned me so closely as TO what the ply
icians said about her father that l could
lot avoid telling her.
-Oh, dear. what a pity. 1 meant to
ave told her myself when she was bet
er," observed Alison. somewhat reproach-
ully.
Miss Leigh's tact was often at fault,
nd she had chosen an unlucky moment
Dr. breaking the news to Missie-just
hen she was weary with the fatigue Of
ressing.
Alison found her in a sad state-sob-
ing bitterly, with her head hidden in
le piIIows-and for a long time she re-
Ised to allow Alison to raise her into
more comfortable position. To her re-
eff, Roger entered the room and asked
Immediately. in his downright manner,
hat was the matter. and why Missile
as making herself i'll.
This brought on a fresh burst
.'Oh, Roger what shall / do? Poor
apa
at is poor Mabel. think" observed
oyer. kindly, and he raised the sobbing
tile figure in his arms and brought the
ct face into view. Il declare, child, '
,u are a perfect Niobe. Allie. what are I
e to do with herf
He will not get up for months-per- |
lps for years-and it is all my fault 70 I
led Missie. passionately.
perhaps so, my dear, but do you sup
,se all these showers of tears will do
Their any goodT !
Il must cry ought to cry when I
n so unhappy" returned Missile, fmpa- :
entity, and trying to free herself s
'No, my dear, no." was Rogers quiet s
lswer; you have given US all so much b
ouble that you ought to spare US any
,isy repentance; the best thing you
n do for US all Is to get as well and
.ppy as you can, and help to nurse
Their" q
CHAPTER XIX.
Missile left of crying and stared at
,~.r He told AIfaon affcrward thot