The Sauk Centre herald., 1909-04-29

I
A strange calm settled over every
one. This was altogether a new kind
of grandpa. There was nothing timid
or hesitant here, nothing meek and
J humble; neither was there that insult
! ferable self-assurance and arrogance
! Of a disagreeable man. Grandpa's at
titude was simply that of an equal, of
a man of the world, of one who is con-
! fident of the power he holds in re-
serve; that was all. But for all that,
! he was sensation of some magni-
: tude. Darlington was seized with a
wild desire to laugh. The truth came
| to him like an illumination; but he
wisely held his peace.
| There is something in the air to-
day that renews youth in old age; eh,
my SON." with sly wink at Cave
! naugh.
Cavenaugh's expression of wonder
| began to freeze and remained frozen
to the end of the meal. So all the
honors of conversation fell to grand
pa, who seemed to relish this new
| privilege.
Father" said Cavenaugh, holding
back his accumulated wrath, II want
to see you in my study"
Immediately, my son. l was just
about to make that same request" :"
Grandpa looked at Kate, then at Car
rington. Il suppose you young per-
sons will invite poor old grandpa to
the wedding?"
Father" This was altogether too
much for patrician blood. Cavenaugh's
face Redeemed and his fists closed
ominously. you will do me the hon.
or, father, not to meddle with nv
private affairs. Kate is my daughter,
and she shall marry the man it
pleases me to accept"
Darlington felt this cut dart over
grandpa's shoulder. He stirred un-
easily.
"Oh, if that's the way you look at
IT," with comical deprecatory shrug.
Grandpa touched Darlington on the
arm. Young man, do you love this
girl? No false modesty, now; the
truth, and nothing but the truth. Do
you love herr"
With all my heart" Darlington
felt the impulse occult. Something
whispered that his whole future de-
pended upon his answer.
"And you, Kate?"
II love him, grandpa" bravely.
That's all l want to know" said
grandpa.
Cavenaugh released one of his fists;
1t fell upon the table and ratified
things generally.
Am 1 in my own house" he
bawled,
That depends" answered grandpa,
suavely. you've got to behave your
self. Now, then, let us repair, to the
secret chamber of finance 1t is the
day of settlement" grimly
Mrs. Cavenaugh was gently weep
ing. The dread moment had come,
come when she had been lulled into
the belief that 1t would never come.
Kate understood, and longed to go to
her and comfort her; and she tren-
bled for her father, who knew moth
ing Of the pit that lay at his feet. Car
rington dallied with his fork; he
wished he were anywhere in the world
but at the Cavenaugh table. The de-
sire to laugh recurred to him, but he
realized that the inclination was only
hystertcal.
Cavenaugh was already heading for
the study. He was in a fine rage.
Grandpa was close on his heels. At
the threshold he turned once more to
Carrington
You know your Tempest young
man, I'm sure" he said. We'll, this
is the revolt of Caliban-Caliban up
lifted, as it were"
The door closed behind them, and
father and son faced each other.
"I'll trouble you for those papers
you took from the safe last night"
said the son, heavily.
"Ah, indeed" said grandpa.
AT once; I have reached the limit
Of my patience"
$50 have l." returned grandpa. Per-
haps you know what these papers are
about?"
Il know nothing whatever, save that
they belong to Mr.. Darlington. Hand
them over"
Grandpa helped himself to a cigar
and sat down. He puffed two or three
times, eyed the lighted end and sighed
with satisfaction.
IF you but knew what they were
about, these papers, you would pay a
cool million for their possession. My
word, it is droll situation reads like
the fourth act in play. If you have
duke picked out for Kate, forget
him."
"She will never marry Carrington!"
Cavenaugh's voice rose in spite of his
effort to control 1t.
my son, they will hear you," the
pariah warned. He blew a cloud of
smoke into the air and shifted it. You
never offered me this particular
brand" reproachfully.
Enjoy it," snapped the other, "for
it is the last you will ever smoke in
any house of mine"
You don't tell me-"
Those papers, instantly"
"'Be it known by these presents,
ct cetera, ct cetera,'" said the old