The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-12-08
CHAPTER x.


That afternoon Miss Hastings had
caller 1t was Mr.. Richard Hastings, q
New York banker.
~ am 80 glad to see you'll" she ex.
claimed impulsively as she came into
the library and kissed him affectionate-
ly.
II thought you would be-" said the
banker, taking seat. II read the news
ut lunch, and my wife and both
thought it was my duty to hasten out
at once. Ipresume you would like to
come over to u.s. Your room is always
ready, you know"
Miss Hastings moved uneasily in her
chair.
"Uncle, I dent see how I could
leave just now under tho circum-
stances, she said. "You know Alice
aud I are great friends, and it would be
cruel to desert her at such time when
even her aunt is away"
Mr.. Hastings gave her cold glance
Of disagreement.
But" he said, suspicion has fall
en- on the family. The papers are fall
of speculation and dark hints. l am
sure your father would insist on my
taking you home il he knew the situa-
ton. want to do, you sec, as ! should
like him to act for me under similar
circumstances"
Suspicion has fallen on some one
here?" gaspsd Miss Hastings. Surely
you are mistaken. Why, who'-
1T is very vague at present." an
swered the banker, "but it looks very
squally for the son-what's his name?-
Ralph. You see, his father was heavily
ipsured-more than $3.50, 900, it is said
and the young man is his heir and
badly in need of ready money. They
say he is pretty wild and sort of come
easy, go easy chap, with a good many
debts hanging over him."
II don't believe word of it." The
young lady clinched hor hand and to
give emphasis to her words almost
stood up. ''He may be-Mr. Benton
may be in debt--most young men are
but he is the very soul of honor. You
don't know him. The public does not
know him, else it would never dream
of accusing him. The idea! It's alb
surd."
"That may all be as you say" re-
piled the banker, somewhat nettled,
"but suspicion has fallen Oh him, and
until he has got from under it do
not intend to have Hastings mixed
up in it. Why, l have already been
asked three times today if you are a
relative Of mine, and it has been en-
barrasSing to admit that my own niece
is visiting a family about which there
is so much unpleasant gossip. 1t is said
that old Benton and his children never
could agree and that they lived like
cats and dogs -
$50 they have even got that into the
papers" said Miss Hastings. Nothing
is sacred nowadays. know this, uncle
Ralph-Mr. Benton-has had world
of trouble with his father, who was
really losing his mind, and the trouble
Alice has had with her aunt and her
father has almost killed her."
ut is certainly no place for you,
said Mr.. Hastings sternly, land I
have come to take you to your aunt's.
The morning papers shall at least say
that you have gone. Twill not have it
any other way"
"You are not my guardian, if you
are my uncle" replied Miss Hastings
with spirit. II shall not desert my best
friends at such a timo just to crafty u
whim of yours. y
The banker grew red with anger.
you are in love with tho young
scampl' ho cried furiously. "You need
not deny it."
II am engaged to Mr.. Ralph Ben
ton" was the cold reply, land the ell
gagement is as sacred to me as mar
riage. You will not now expect me to
prove false at such time"
Mr.. Hastings took deep breath.
docs your father know Of this?" he
asked.
"No. Ralph wanted to write to him
week ago. but as he intended to go to
Boston OH business in few days per-
suaded him to wait and see papa per-
sonully."
"Well, you have got yourself into a
pretty pickle is all have to say" re-
turned tho banker, rising to his feet.
"You have too much of your fathers
stubbornness to be moved by any argu-
ment, so l shall not make myself ridic-
ulous by persisting in trying to bring
you to your senses. No young man Of
any true feeling would allow a young
lady to remain here under such circum
stances.
HE limited to me only half an hour
ago that it might be well for me to go
to yos," answered Mrs. EastiIss, hut
l told hin it was my desire TO rema:a
with his ctsssY, at least till some one
could take my place as hsz cszeaoiaA p"
II shall write your father at cnee,"
said Mr.. Hastings IF DO should come
over, presume
II should not leave here now if all
the relatives have Oh earth should i'm
plore me on their Bonded knees, was
Miss Hastings ultimatum. and, white
and red by turns from suppressed an
ger, Mr. Hastings left the house and
stepped into cab at the door.
Miss Hastings sank into a chair,
overcome with weakness from her en-
counter with her uncle and the excite
ment Of the past 10 hours. She won
dered what was to become Of her. OF
one thing che was sure, aud that was
th,t ob. xyould otond hv n a ph ReDtOn