Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1909-03-05
any more, lest 1t should increase hi, m.


tation; she only took his hand and SOFTLY
laid her cheek against it. as though she
would show by this action a child's love
and devotion. Her touch seemed to quiet
him. and by and by he dozed little
Morning came at last, and Roger
reused himself with difficulty.
Alison felt weak and jaded the strain
was beginning to tell even on her vigor-
Gus vitality. She was glad the nights
inaction was over, but she felt too weary
for the days work. But Roger had not
forgotten her; he came back presently
with refreshed look on his face, and
told her that breakfast was all ready in
the dressing room.
"a strong cup of coffee has made me
different man." he said. cheerfully;
"you must try my recipe, Allie" And
Alison found the benefit of his prescrip-
tion.
Her hands were soon full of business,
Dr. Greenwood came early. bringing the
new nurse with him. and Alison had to
make arrangements for the strangers
comfort. She seemed a pleasant. capable
woman, with neat figure. and a bright
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vor. She took possession at once of her
patient, after a feeble protest on his part
that he objected to nurses, but after the
first few minutes he ceased to grumble.
DIR. Greenwood soon convinced him that
Roger was too bus"
young for such a responsibility; besides,
the chief care of her sister must devolve
on her.
Missiles sleep had not refreshed her as
they hope; the pain of her bruises was
making her feverish. She could not turn
in her bed without suffering, and her
anxiety for her father added to her dis
comfor' Alison tried to console her, and
Miss Leigh, who was sufficiently recov-
cred TO sit in her room, spoke reassur-
ing words 10 her but it was evident that
Missile could take no comfort; only when
Alison was alone with her, miserable,
self-acc,ls ne words came to her lips.
Indeed dearest. there is no need for
you to speak So" Alison said to her once,
with strong yearning to console her.
Dear para asked after you the first mo-
ment lie saw me- You should have heard
how tenderly he said Poor child y"
"I'hat is because my arm is broken,
and he knows | am suffering such pain.
II any one hated me they would pity
me now returned Missie, in a stihed
voice
"No, no: you must not take it in that
way exclaimed Alison, quite shocked,
as she smoothed Missiles fair hair. She
looked so pale and pretty, and the blue
eyes had such pathetic look in them.
Alison had parted the soft fringe, and
the soft curly ends lay quite smooth and
showed the broad white forehead. diff
ferent Mabel lay there, with the poor
wounded arm folded on her breast, and
all the little vanities laid aside. AS
Alison stood looking at her, Missile rails
ed her uninjured arm with sudden
movement toward Alison, and in another
moment the sisters were clasping each
1 other close.
"Oh, my poor dear, my poor deal! y
whispered Alison, in the softest. most
pitying voice. Missile kissed her hastily,
and then seemed as though she would
push her away, only Alison held her
still.
"No, l don't deserve it; please don't
be so good to me. l have been altogether
horrid ever since you came home"
"Never mind all that now, dear"
"Yes, but must mind it." turning rest
lessly away and then uttering low
groan. "Oh, this pain, Alison Shall l
ever be able to move again without it?
did not want you to come home; l
thought you would be in my way, and
that made me cross. l was Jealous Of
you, and | did not want the others to
care for you. Roger was never fond of
me as he was of you, and | wanted him
to be fond of me. And oh ! how horrid
and small it all seems now! finished
poor Missie, reading her past conduct
under a new light. In the dark hours
when ones strength is low, conscience
sometimes filings a vivid torch into the
recesses of ones being, bringing hidden
faults to light.
"Dear Mabel, we will forget all that
now," returned Alison, gently; I'VE will
try and love each other more"
"Oh, it is easy for you to love people,"
retorted Missie, almost pettishly "every
one is so fond of you. and you are never
cross and disagreeable as | am. Roger
makes you his companion, and Rudel is
less rough when you are in the room, and
now papa will love you best"
"Hush, dear: what nonsense! J"
ut is not nonsense" she returned, in
a despairing tone. 81 have forfeited his
love- He will never forgive me now. He
told me that he hated deceit; that he
should never be able to think the same
of me. He said l should never see Eva
again if he could help it. Oh, he was
so angry, so unlike himself! 1 suppose
my obstinacy vexed him, for would not
say 1 was sorry. He took hold of my
arm and almost shook me to make me
speak, but think | was like that man
who had dumb spirit"
(To be continued.l
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