The Sauk Centre herald., 1908-03-19

draft for $1,000 (Which in ract repre-
sented at least fourth Of his posses
sions) and pass it over to the bewilder
ed Eunice.
"Now, Mr. Morningstar," he began
! when this transaction had been com
pleted. leaving the farmer utterly
shaken out of his orbit, 81 have q
piece of news for you and your wife
and for Eunice."
Eunices face was pale, and her
eyes, intent upon his face. were burn
ing bright He wished that he had the
power to read all her thoughts. unique
young creature that she was. 1t was
distasteful. even painful, to have to
break his news to her in the presence
of these people. who. indeed. seemed
her natural enemies, but 1t was appar.
emily unavoidable.
"What,s your news?" Mrs. Morning.
star curtly demanded, her curiosity
getting the better Of her rage against
him, and her husband. too, bitter as
was his chagrin. looked up keenly.
suspicious Of further calamity.
when spent the night in the
haunted room I made some discover
les. found out. as you know. about
the $4,000 belonging to Eunice.
found out also some other things"
He paused an instant. They all wait
cd breathlessly.
1.-THE man and woman who left Eu-
nice here were not her parents"
"Now," exclaimed Mrs. Morningstar.
you amt tellin' US that!'
"Orh, my souls!' breathed Ollie.
"FOrevermOre"
"Kin you prove it"' demanded Mr..
Morningstar sullenly.
"What did they do with havin' her.
then, along with 'em?" cried Mrs.
Morningstar.
"They had stolen her from her
home"
"Well, never" exclaimed Mrs.
Morningstar, her eyes bulging.
IT had wished to talk to Eunice of
this and other details alone, but as
you made that impossible I'll give you
the bare facts now, after which," he
added in a tone of authority. "Eunice
will come with me to hear in private
what concerns no one but herself"
The Morningstars stared resentfully
but no one answered.
"Her father" Kinross went on, "was
w. w. Wolcott of New York. He was
q man of large means. Eunice was
his only child. Her aunt, Miss VOL
colt Of Washington, who believed her
to be dead, has meantime had posses
sion of the fortune rlghtfully belonging
to Eunice. She is ready now to make
restitution"
"Kin you prove it" Abe here re,
peated his fathers demand.
"How did you find it out2" asked
Morningstar.
"Haunted rooms reveal secrets" Kin
ross answered, with q sOlemnity that
made the family shudder to a man.
"How much is comm to her.? inquir-
ed Abe covetously.
"A very great fortune"
While the family gaped, speeches.,
he rose from the table and moved
around to Eunice's side.
Miss Wolcott," he said, holding out
his hand, 81 congratulate you"
It took~t the MOrningstars long time
to grasp it, and Eunice herself seem
ed dazed by it. She had not the least
conception of what q great fortune
meant. Kinross found her childlike
acceptance of the stupendous fact both
refreshing and amusing.
It required a vast deal Of explaining
before he could make them all even be-
gin to understand the discovery he had
made Mr. and Mrs. Morningstar were
loud in their comments and questions.
Even Ollie overcame her habitual shy.
ness before him and became articulate.
Only Eunice had nothing to say as she
sat motionless. with her eyes fixed up
on his face, when again he took his
chair opposite her.
"Now, just to Think heavily breath.
ed Mrs. Morningstar. "Who'd a
thunk itY''
"Och, it minds me Of that there story
of Cinderella, ain't?" Ollie appealed to
Kinross, taking courage under the eX-
citement Of the occasion to display her
knowledge of literature.
"Now, see what you done me, mom,' -
exclaimed Abe bitterly with your al
ways jawin' Eunice fur maxim up tO
me! See what you cheated me out Of!
If you'd of left us be, look at what I'd
be comm intov'
"Yes anyhow" Mr.. MOrningstar also
bitterly reproached his wife.
But Mrs. Morningstar turned on the
, latter resentfully. "Just as if you
wasn't always agin it as much as mev'
II only thought they oughtn't to en-
gage to marry till they was sure
oncet," he declared.
"Well, If you ain't"- But she checked
herself judiciously. That's all meant,
too!' she also declared, turning ap-
pealingly to Eunice.
But the girl did not reply. Mrs.
Morningstar sighed heavily
"But look a-here!" suddenly cried
Mr.. Morningstar. It'll spite that there
aunt somepin turrible to have to give
up the money after her havin' it all
this time and thinkin' it's hern"
II guess, too!" agreed his wife.
Eunice glanced an inquiry at Kin
ross. "Will it leave my aunt poor"
Comparatively. Not what you have
been accustomed to call poor"
The girl looked thoughtful. but said