Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-11-20
CHAPTER 4

That afternoon Miss Hastings had
caller. Il was Mr. Richard Hastings. Q
New York banker.
II am 80 glad to see your she ex-
claimed impulsively AZ she came into
the library and kissed him affectionate-
ly.
IT thought you would be-" said the
banker. taking seat II read the news
ut lunch, and my wife and | both
thought 1t was my duty to hasten out
1t once presume 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 don't see how / could
leave Just now under the circum-
stances. she said. lyon Know Alice
and are great friends, and it would be
cruel to desert her at such q time when
even her aunt is away"
NJ Hastings gave her cold glance
OF disagreement.
But" he said. suspicion has fall
EN- ON the family. The papers are full
Of speculation and dark hints / am
sure your father would insist on my
taking you home II he knew the situa-
ton. 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
''It is very vague Mt present." an
swered the banker. but it looks very
squally for the son-what's his namel-
Ralph. You see, his father was heavily
insured-more than $3.50, 900, it Is said
and the young man is his heir and
badly In need Of ready money. They
Day he is pretty wild and sort Of come
easy. 90 easy chap. with good many
debts hanging over him"
II don't believe q 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 soSl Of honor You
don't know him. The public does not
know him, else IL would never dream
OF accusing him. The ideal It's alb
surd."
THAT may all be as you say" re-
piled the banker. somewhat nettled.
"but suspicion has fallen on him, and
until he has got from under 10 do
not intend TO have a Hastings mixed
up in it. Why. have already been
asked three times today II you are
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 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."
"It is certainly no place for you.
said Mr. Hastings sternly, "and i
have come to take you to your aunt's
The morning papers shall at least say
that you have gone. ! will not have 1t
any other way.
"You are not my guardian, II you
are my uncle, f" replied Miss Hastings
with spirit II shall not desert my best
friends at such time just to crafty a
whim of yours .
The banker grew red with anger.
"You are in love with the young
scampl" he cried furiously. "You need
not deny it, .
II am engaged TO Mr.. Ralph Ben
ton, was the cold reply, land the en-
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 this2" he
asked
"No. Ralph wanted to write to him
Q week ago. but as he intended to 90 to
Boston on business in few days per-
suaded him to wait and see papa per
sonally."
"Well, You have got yourself into .
pretty pickle is all ! have to say. re-
turned the banker. rising to his feet