The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1909-02-19
CHAPTER XXI.


Miss Darlington, indeed, spent her
Christmas and the opening days of the
new year at The Holms, to the mutual
enjoyment of herself and Alison; but it
was not until the end of June that Alison
and Roger paid their promised visit to
Moss side-not until the sweet fresh days
of spring had passed into the glory OF
summer. Miss Darlington had written
again and again, pleading the compact
she had made with Mr.. Merle but neither
of the young people had found themselves
free.
when we come it must be with q
quiet conscience, and not with a burden
of untitled duties, dear Aunt Dr." wrote
Alison at last. "Missie can do without
me. but Roger can not leave at present
there is such a pressure of business at
the mill and if you do not mind, would
rather wait for him."
Miss Carrington's reply was curt, and
to the point: "Wait for Roger, by all
means. l am not young enough to fear
deferring an unexpected pleasure, or old
enough to dread that by and by may
mean never There is danger in hurrying
on things too much we need not crowd
our lives. l will have neither of you
until you can put your cares in your
pockets, and take the full meaning of
these sweet, sunshiny days"
Aunt Diana's unselfishness and patience
were rewarded when at last the desired
letter from Alison arrived. Its bright
sentences sounded to her like ripple Of
soft laughter from youthful lips We
are coming, coming, coming!" Could any
repetition be sweeter than that?
1t was one of the lovelest evenings in
June when Alison and Roger arrived at
the Riverston station, and stood for a
moment looking round them in a pleased
uncertainty whether any familiar face
would greet them. Miss Darlington had
limited that she preferred receiving her
guests in her own porch-she hated the
hustle and noise of railway station. But
still Alison's dark eyes would scan the
platform and the sunny station room, half
in delightful recognition and half in girl
ish curiosity.
Allie, who is that handsome fellow
lust getting down from the dog cart?'
asked Roger. what a neat little turn
out | like a chestnut mare. Halloo
do YOU know him." as Alison smiled and
bowed.
at is Greville Moore" she said, hur-
riedly, and bright look of pleasure cross
ed her face at the sight of her old friend,
which was certainly reflected in the young
mans countenance as he came forward
and greeted them.
"You are punctual to minute he
said. joyously, rather before your time,
for / have only just driven up. Miss
Carr;rg-on told me l might bring the
deg cart, and your luggage might go up
by the omnibus. How are you, Miss Ali
sou? You do not seem at all tagged by
your long journey. l expected to find
a pair of dusty, jaded travellers
ALLISON is as fresh as lark return
ed Roger; "she has been chirping like a
whole nestful all the way up. 1t Ia a
good many years since we met, Moore. |
should hardly have identified you the first
minute but for my sisters recognition
81 believe l should not have known
you" replied Greville, with quick, scru-
tnizing glance. "You don't look first
rate-does he, Miss Alison? He has an
OverwOrked appearance. we must give
him plenty of tennis and boating, and
make him look younger"
"All work and no play makes Jack a
dull boy" laughed Roger 1.-TWO of three
weeks of idleness and fresh air will make
a different fellow of me. l mean to for
get that there are such things as sawmilis
10 existence"
"Come, that is sensible" returned Gre
vile, heartily. Miss Alison, will you
take the front seat? Merle, the groom
is going to look after the luggage, so you
need not trouble your head about it"
And. springing lightly to his place, he
touched the mare, and in moment they
were driving rapidly down the shady
road.
ITO be continued.)