The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1898-04-14
CHAPTER K.

CHAPTER K.
That afternoon Miss Hastings had 8
,aller. 1t was Mr.. Richard Hastings, 8
New York banker.
81 am so glad to see your she ex
claimed impulsively as she came into
the library and kissed him affectionate.
ly.
ST thought you would be,'' said the
banker, taking seat. 81 read the news
nt aunch. and my wife and I both
thought it was my duty to hasten out
at once. I presume you would like to
come over to us. Your room is always
ready, you know"
Miss Hastings moved uneasily in her
chair.
''Uncle, I dent see how I could
1eave just now under the circum-
stances, she said. "You know Alice
and are great friends, and it would ba
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- OIL the family. The papers are full
of speculation and dark hints. / am
sure your father would insist on my
taking you home if he knew the situa-
lion. I want to do, you see, as should
like him to act for me under similar
circumstances
suspicion has fallen on some one
here?" gasped Miss Hastings. "Surely
you are mistaken. Why, who''-
cit is very vague at present." an
swered the banker, "but it looks very
squally for the son-what's his manner
Ralph. You see, his father was heavily
trsured-more than $3.50, 900, it is said
and the young man is his heir and
badly in need Of ready money. They
ny he is pretty wild and sort of come
easy, 60 easy chap, with 2 good many
debts hanging over him."
Il don't believe word of it. /" The
young lady clinched her 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 ideal It's alb
aurd.n
''Tbat may all be as You say" re-
piled the banker, somewhat nettled,
shut suspicion has fallen on him, and
until he has got from under it do
not intend to have Hastings mixed
up in it. Why, 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 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 a 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"
cit is certainly no place for you, :"
said Mr. Hastings sternly, "and
have come to take you to your aunt's.
The morning papers shall at least say
that you have gone. ] will not have it
any other way"
"You are not my guardian, if you
are my uncle" replied Miss Hastings
with spirit st shall not desert my best
friends at such time just to crafty a
within of yours.
The banker grew red with anger.
"You are in love with the young
scampi' he cried furiously. You need
not deny it.
81 am engaged to Mr.. Ralph Ben
ton. was the cold reply, land the en-
gagement is as sacred to me as mar
xiage You will not now expect me tc
prove false at such time.
Mr.. Hastings took deep breath.
'tDoes your father know OF this?" he
asked.
"No. Ralph wanted to write to him
. week ago. but as he intended to 60 &c
Boston on business in few days l per-
shaded him to wait and see papa per-
s0nally."
''Well, you have got yourself into
pretty pickle is all have to say, re-
fnrned the banker, rising to his feet.
'tYou have too much of your fathers
stubbornness to be moved by any argu-
ment, SO shall not make myself ridic.
uious by persisting in trying to bring
you to your senses. No young man OF
any true feeling would allow young
lady to remain here under such circum-
stances -
s.He limited to me only half an hour
ago that it might be we'll for me to &c
to you, answered Miss Hastings, but
told him it was my desire to remain
with his sister. at least till some one
could take my place as her companion
Il shall write your father at once,
said Mr.. Hastings If he should come
over, presume !.
II should not leave here now i al