Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1909-04-24

No. no do ~ I tell you; ycu shAf
come In presently. There you have tram
pied on my dress and torn some Of the
trimming, you horrid little thing / will
tell papa II you are so naughty, and
then be win not let you come down to
tea" Here an expressive roar on Pop
pies part interrupted the discussion. Ali
son. who could bear no more, moved
quickly to the door and opened 1t. A
pretty looking, fair-haired girl, dressed
somewhat untdily and in bad style. with
rather a vixenish expression on her flush
ed face, was standing just outside Alisons
room, and behind her a somewhat plain
little girl between eight and nine years OF
age, rather small in stature. and with
droll, freckled face like Rudel's, only II
was just now puckered up with crying
red. infamed spot on one cheek was
evidently the result of smart blow on
her sisters part in payment for the torn
trimming
How do you do, Mabel?" she said.
with a somewhat cold salute Of Missiles
cheek. "Please do not prevent Poppie
coming to me. l could not help hearing.
you spoke so loud, and do NOT mind one
bit how she looks. Come here, poppie,
dear" but the child. evidently shy and
upset by the late fracas. held back In an
embarrassed manner, until Missile gave
her a rough push. ''Why don't you go
to Alison, you stupid little thing?" she
said GROSSLY, for she was put out at her
sisters sudden appearance on the scene.
PLEASE do not force her to come to
me; we shall be very good friends direct
ly,' returned Alison, sorry for the poor
childs awkwardness. Come with me,
Poppie dear; Roger is In my room. and |
will show you the pretty new game
have brought for you"
The child's face frightened In a mo
ment, and she moved instantly to take ALI
sons hand; again Missile interposed.
"She must change her frock. Alison !;
tee Is just ready. and hear papa's step
in the garden. He will be very angry IL
Poppie looks rough or untidy and can
not allow him to be vexed." pursuing up
her lips with a virtuous expression.
Alison controlled quick retort with
some difficulty. She had fally expected
to find Missile a most aggravating little
person, or why should Miss Leigh COM
plain of her so bitterly? But the reality
Never mind" she said, calmly: "we
must not vex papa. must we, Poppief |
will help you change your frock, and per-
haps after all we may have time to look
at the fish ponds" And without another
glance at Missile, Alison made Poppie
cheerfully lead the way, as she did not
know her room.
As Alison. after dressing Popple, came
down the staircase with the child still
clinging to her. Mr.. Merle suddenly made
his appearance from the study. He al
most started at the sight of his daughter,
and an expression of pain crossed his
handsome, careworn face. In the dim
light Alison recalled her mother too plain
ly to his eyes.
"Oh, papa" she said, hurrying to him,
and putting up her fair young face to
his. He kissed her kindly, patted it. told
her that she had grown into a womal.
since he had seen her. and questioned her
with some interest about her journey.
The dining room. large, handsomely
furnished room, looked sufficiently coy
as they entered it. Missile was in the
seat of honor; she gave little shipper
ing laugh as Alison entered with her faith
er. II suppose this will be your place
tomorrow, she said. for, as Alison re-
piled simply, II suppose SO, but | need
not disturb you tonight" vexed look
crossed Missiles face, hut as Rudel was
already grinning in hopes of = row she
prudently disappointed him.
When they rose from the table. Missiles
first words were a peremptory order for
Poppie to put away her toys and 60 TO
bed. This led to feeble protest on Miss
Leighs part.
ut Is not so very late. Mabel, and Pop
pie has not seen her sister for two years.
| think she might wait little longer"
II am not going; there now !" observed
the child, de6antly, quite oblivious of her
fathers presence.
go it. Pops. I'll back you" whispered
Rudel. rubbing his hands: "she sha'n't
touch you as long as | am here"
Mabels eyes flashed. "You horrid. rud.
boy. Papa" But here Alison gently
interfered.
"You will go to bed now, dear. will you
notT" she whispered in the childs ear.
land | will come and tuck you up, and
wish you goodnight" And Thus propi-
tiated. Poppie's sulenness vanished, and
she trotted on at once.
Ito be continued.)