The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1909-04-30
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
Of the Family
CHAPTER v-(ContInusd.
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Papa, dear, you viii not 60 into The
study tonight" observed Mabel, in
eoaxing tone. az Mr.. Merle looked at the
door. a. though he intended 70 follow
Poppie's example; "pleass come with ~
into the drawing room, and I win make
ysu % comfortable"
every WE'LL" was his good-humored an
swer, a. he got up . little wearily from
h. chair.
Allison waited q moment before she fol-
lowed them.
'Are you not coming, toor' he asked,
- Roger threw himself down on An easy
chair.
Roger shook his head smilingiy.
'Rudel has got to do his lessons. Mis-
ds never admits him into the drawing
room Of an evening. She says It u not
the room for boys. generally keep
Rudel company or 60 out and amuss my
self"
"But not tonight, DEAR" she returned.
gently. and he got up at once.
Rudel looked up rather wistfully.
II have almost a mind to come, too"
be muttered. but as Roger said, hastily,
Better not, Rue, we don't want any rows
VV-ui6utp AliSOu 10 no Eculdlucu.
Miss Leigh sat bolt upright by the big
round table, with her work-basket and
pile Of the boys socks. Mr.. Merle had a
little table and 4 reading lamp to him
self. and Missile sat on stool at his feet
with a novel on her lap. Alison guessed
ct once that this was their ordinary DO
sition.
"Oh, Is that you, Roger2 You don't
often honor US with your company Of an
evening" observed Missile, with toss Of
her pretty head. '"This Is a compliment
to you, Alison, I suppose?'
we ought to put our books away to-
night" said Mr.. Merle, rousing himself
reluctantly, and making Alison feel as II
No were treating her like visitor.
Mabel. my dear, suppose you give rs one
ct your little songs?"
mo, indeed, papa" returned Alison,
eagerly. II hope you will go on just the
same a. though were not here. OF
course should like to hear Mabel sing,
but not II 1t disturbs you"
-Oh. always sing to papa of an even
hg,' replied Missile, walking to the piano
with much dignity. Roger, think you
might offer to light those candles for me.
but you boys have no idea Of waiting
upon ladies. You win find them dread
fully rough, Alison"
"On the contrary, am rather fond Of
waiting upon ladies'" was Rogers non
chalant answer, laying a peculiar stress
On the last word that brought an angry
6ush to Missiles face. II always wait
on you, do I not, Miss Leigh?"
"Yes, indeed. Mr.. Roger, I always say
you are 80 kind and thoughtful"
Missile struck a chord sharply. "If you
Will be good enough to leave off talking
] will commence my song" she said, cross
~, and as Roger made a low bow and
retired she began the prelude Of q Ger
man song.
Alison listened with much pleasure
Among her other natural gifts, Missile
certainly possessed very good voice, and
Il had been evidently well trained. Her
notes were clear and sweet, and II she
could only have got rid Of certain af-
lectation in her style, Alison could have
praised her still more warmly.
Al Il was, her admiration was 20 sin
eere that Missile began = thaw for the
arst TINA II suppose ysu sing" she
said, . little bluntly.
Mot much. I certainly can not com
pare my voice TO yours" was the modest
rely. but am fond Of instrumental
nasie, and play . good DEAL
'.rhen yos will be able 70 play ny &C.
compartments" returned Mabel, bright
snias still moro. "will you take my
place, Alison? Papa will like to hear
you. am sure"
mot tonight returned Alison, feeling
o. though she were not capable Of any
further effort. II am rat. r. tired, and
II papa would excuse me think I should
like to 80 to bed"
by al means, my love-" observed Mr..
Merle, looking up from his book. "Pus-
Gle. dear. hope everything Is comfort
able for your sister. Never mind singing
b me tonight, II there il anything you
can do to help Alison"
II will come with you and see," return
"a Missile. q little ungraciously, and
though Alison would rather have dispens.
Cd with her company, she thought 1t bet.
ter policy 10 accept this faint offer OF
help. On the landing Missile stopped, and
said, rather awkkardly, II hope you don't
mind about the change Of rooms, Alison
bat - you do not live at home. I though,
could please myself"
II suppose I have come home to live
now" returned her sister. YEARLY; "but
II you do not want to give 1t up, Mabel
I will try to be content with my present
one; only want things to be comforta
bic, and to do my best for you ALL"
''Oh, as to that. we have got alons
very WE'LL" returned Mabel, hastily; "you
need not put yourself out ON our account
A papa says. l am grown up now-near
b seventeen-and able to take care Of my
self and other people, too. hope yor
ere not going In to see Poppie: think Il
h . pity waking up the child. and she 4
% excitable."
IL shall not wake her. but I promised
10 20 and see her." returned Alison, witt
gentle 6rmness, as she babe Missile good
night. Missile need not have troubled her
self about her little sisters wakefulness
Poppie was sitting bolt upright In tn
darkness. waiting for Alison.
''Now for 4 good cuddle and a talk,
she said. stretching out her arms to All
son; you are . nice old thing to kee
your promise" And a. Alison sat dow,
on the little bed she forgot her wearines.
- Poppds laid her warm cheek agains
hers, and called her dear, nice Allie.