Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1909-06-26
Aunt Diana
The Sunshine
of the Family
CHAPTER XvIII.-tContinued.)

told her that she would never have sin
ned so grievously against her father II Eva
had not undermined her principles by her
nattery and playful words Of advice to be
Independent and assert herself.
veil had fallen from her eyes; she
no loser saw Eva's conduct in the same
light, and as she grew better and Eva
sought opportunities to be with her, the
diHllusion became more complete Missile
found herself wondering over her own in
fatuation. Had Eva always been 30 loud
In her manners, so unfilial In her behavior
to her mother, so unkind to Anna? Missile
ct first grew critical and then reproachful.
Strange to say, Eva accepted her rebukes
very meekly--eyidently her affection for
Missile was sincere In Its way, for she
took some pains to please her. and even
tried to break herself of her faults. But
for her unlucky engagement with Captain
Harper there was every probability that
Missile might have influenced her for
good but her approaching marriage soon
drove all salutary reflection away.
AS Missiles violent infatuation for her
friend cooled, she turned more and more
to Alison for sympathy and here at least
she did not find herself dsappointed-Ali-
Missile was little exacting as an In
valid for she was still separated from
her father, and, alas there was still
cause to be anxious for him.
DR.. Greenwood never told Alison what
he had feared but after few days,
when he and another doctor had consult
ed together over the case, he told her
and Roger that there was certainly some
degree of mischief in connection with the
spine: it would be many months-per-
haps a year or fwo-before he could
rise from his couch.
1--WE certainly hope for his complete
recovery In the future" he continued, re-
assuringly, as Alison turned pale and
Roger looked unhappy. Another inch
and he would never have moved his limbs
again but now things are not so bad.
-, Mr.. Merle will have his books, and they
will 10 far to console him in his enforced
inaction."
DIR. Greenwood was right In his con-
lecture; Mr.. Merle took the tidings very
quietly.
II told you your broad shoulders were
made for something" he said, looking at
his son with smile. He and Alison had
come to bid MIN goodnight
The nurse had not been dismissed,
though 1t was already arranged that
Roger should take her place In his faith
sr's dressing room.
sI shall have to leave the mill in your
hands. Greenwood gives me no hope OF
being fit for business for the next year
OF two"
IT will do everything l can, father, y
returned Roger, sorrowfully; but feel
awfully cut up about 1t all
''Ihere is no need for that, my boy,
returned Mr.. Merle. 81 should not Won
der IL YOU do better Mt business than l.
Roger. Perhaps this will be less trial
TO me than you suppose. ] do not deny
of course. that 1t is a trial; but still
with my books and children / shall try
30 be content"
1--WE shall do everything In our power
to ease your mind" returned Roger
brayely. But he said no more, and short
ly afterward left the room, leaving his
father and Alison together.
.Roger feels this dreadfully," she said
anxious that her father should not mis-
understand his sons lack of words.
"Yes. my dear, l know he does, re
turned Mr.. Merle, with sigh. Il an
fortunate to have such son. To think
ha added. with emotion, that | could
aver have been so blind as to believe thai
villains innuendos against him-and now
tbs. whole business is in his hands"
ssYou can trust him fully, papa"
eyes. better than l can trust myself
Alison; that boy is true as steel, anC
will not fail me- l wish ! had founC
q ont before. l remember your aun
Diana once saying TO me that If 1 stud
IA NV children as well as l did m,
hooks I should be rewarded for my pains.
Nv the bve. Alison, what does your aun
saw to all this unlucky accidentT
awe have not heard from her" re
turned Alison, In low voice. 'hoge
wrote the very next day after the acci
dent, and wrote the next day; but WI
have had no reply.
.sThat Is very unlike DIANA observed
Mr.. Merle, in a surprised tone.
Roger says that she can not have re
ceived our letters, papa; you see she
In Switzerland, mad perhaps she hal
dsyiated from the proposed route-that
inst her way II she takes fancy to
Mace she will stay there for day o
two and then she does not get her letter
for days If we do not near from ne
.oon Roger thinks l had better write 4
Mr. Moore. 1t does seem 20 strange
her ewes filing with tears-"that Aun
Di should not know how unhappy W
have been"
81 believe you are fretting after hen
Aliron-you are quite thin and fragil
looking"
But Alison denied this with a rres
deal of unnecessary energy. She wa
only a little tired; but now Mabel wa
xcttinx better she would be able to hsv
Z walk sometimes.
"But you must not talk any NOR,
papa" she finished; you are lookin
rather exhausted Nurse Meyrick wi
BE- here directly; may read to you
little until she comesT
Mr.. Merle shook his head sadly.
my dear. should like it OF all thing
but you know DR.. Greenwood has To-
hidden any kind of study for the ne,