The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1909-05-20

to ask them questions. think an
fonder Of taking than most people. An
thony says that makes me 30 trouble
some"
"who Is Anthony" oueried Alison. a
little curiously.
"Oh. he is our cousin he Is staying
with US row.. Eva says II Is so nice. be
cause we have no brothers. and he can
take US about. Eva and he are great
friends; she always calls him Tony. He
Is such a handsome fellow. with a big
black mustaehe like a cavalry officer. He
Is in the army. you know. l am dread
fully frightened of him. because he laughs
at me, but il is only his way he means
to be ~good-natured."
Alison prudently refrained from all
comments. but said. lightly. snow we
have talked all this time. and ! wonder
what has become Of your sister and Ma
bel? l propose that we have afternoon
tea under these trees and that you and
l. with Sarah's help. should prepare a
little surprise for them. vii not Poppie
be delightedT"
Anna might have been a child from
the way she elapped her hands; she had
never enjoyed herself 50 much In all her
life as during the next half hour. as she
and Alison dragged chairs across the
lawn. and arranged the little tea table.
with the nice basket Of hot cakes that
old Nanny had prepared. some fresh
Strawberries. and a little vase OF roses
In the center. Even Missile looked pleased
when, on returning from their hot walk.
she caught sight Of the snowy cloth under
the trees.
That is really a good idea" she OBJ
served. in a grudging tone. however; but
Eva very nearly made her cross again by
saying:
~How delicious Of your ~sisterl I really
would hug her for this. What a pity we
never thought Of this before, dear. and
then Tony might have joined us~
When Roger returned from his work.
an hour earlier Than he expected. he stood
quite transfxed on the gravel walk; for
certainly such a pleasant little picture
had never been seen before in the garden
Of The Holms-
You may have my chair by Miss
Leigh exclaimed Poppie. eagerly. -Oh.
the cakes are 50 nice. Roger, and there
are two left"
Il must make you some fresh tea, you
poor tired day laborer." observed Alison.
as Roger threw himself into the wicker
chair and removed his hat
"Oh. let me do it," exclaimed Anna.
eagerly. Il know the way to the kitchen
quite well"
"Yes. and / will go, too" added Pop
pie. There are some more strawberries.
1 know"
Bring me a big plateful." called out
Roger. as Poppie frisked away; but he
looked after them both rather euriously.
His little friend looked different, some
how, he thought. Was Il Alison, he won
dered, who had put those coquettish look
ing roses into the little gray gown7
Annals face looked dimpled and smiling.
Her blue eyes quite shone when she came
back. She and Alison and Roger a a
long talk, while Miss Leigh listened and
knitted industriously. Missile and Eva
wandered away again-most likely
TO avoid Roger. He had addressed Miss
Hardwick with studied politeness. but she
tossed her head and hardly answered
him. She would make no terms with the
enemy who had wounded her vanity 50
lE4cNOAcAJ~ 1
aWe viii take one more turn. darling.
and then we must really go" she had
aid to Missile: and in a few more minutes
hey heard her calling for Anna
Come. Anna. don't dawdle. We must
go now"
Good by. / have had such a happy
afternoon. thank you so much" whispered
with a timid kiss that Alison
warmly returned Zone day you viii
rave me again, will you notY'
~Come whenever you like. dear l am
ure we shall be good friends" returned
Alison, forgetting the necessity OF lower
ng her voice.
Miss Hardwick laughed afectedly as
he heard the speech
sYou are a lucky girl to have got q
riend so quickly. Is she not. Mr.. Roger1
Dbl / forgot; you are her friend, too"
nth a little spice Of venom in her tone.
II shall be most happy to be eonsid-
red Miss Annals friend and / am sure
.Iison win say the same" rejoined Roger,
! his downright manner. Good By.
Hiss Anna"
(To be ~eontinusd)