The Detroit times., 1913-07-08
CHAPTER FORTY-NlNE.
(Continued)

ties and he had even thought of ask
lug her TO do this very thing, though
now that she suggested IL of her own
free will he was rather appalled, BY
the PROPOSAL, since the burden OF II
would rest on him. He pictured Wade's
rage and chagrin; and how would
Elnor and the Nortons feel about II,
The difficulties OF his position became
more and more apparent No, the
thing must go on. no sacrifice OF his
aunts interests would right matters;
only the law offered n solution of the
problem and even the solution might
be an imperfect one. for who could
fuie see the end.
The things started. and it will
have 10 go on he said with logged
insistence.
But do you need TO be involved"
she questioned.
Il don't know. Just at present |
seem TO be a friend with all factions.
bit how long this can continue is more
than | can say. No. | am not fit TO
au7ise you: IL will have to be Wade
or Mr.. Norton and they have already
fideclared themselves"
But afterward he was moody and
preoccupied; and when he walked
home with Elinor that night, he left
Eer at the door and would not go in
He reached home. and lei himself
In with his night-key. Benson called
TO him from the library. and stephen
turned with a sinking heart. Benson's
hlhi;s were regular and old-fashioned;
ha retired early, and rose early: what
vas he doing up at that hour?
Come in here Stephen" called the
lawyer
stephen entered the room
With great dellberation Benson put
aside the book he had been reading
Sit down. stephen he said, indi-
eating a chair. There was a firm set
to his lips. and Stephen felt that he
had waited up for him. impelled by
purpose that might not be entirely
pleasant Stephen. when did you see
your aunt LAST" said the old lawyer
sharply.
Today-tonight took supper
there. | went there from the Nor
tons
Benson smoothed the thin white
hal hat lay on his temples, with thin
web .haped hand
4 suppose. he began thoughtfully
that your aunt has few. II any, Sc
crets that exclude them
~ she has, ! don't know what they
are,f said Stephen
And her opinions are their opin-
ions Was my name mentioned"
Ies--they--"
Never mind the connection.
stephen he interjected austerely. He
was silent for moment, but the
movement of his hand continued Nat.
lrally you can't quite agree with
them" He favored stephen with
shrewd scrutiny.
Il do not" and Stephen met his
glance frankly.
Thank YOU" There was droop
70 his eyelids and his glance sought
the floor at his feet THAT being the
case" he began slowly. you will
agree with me, think, when you have
time to consider the point, that in
future It will be more agreeable to
yor not TO see your aunt or the Nor
tons. Feelings as you tell me you do
the acquaintance cannot be entirely
pleasant
1t Is more than an acquaintance :"
said Stephen. He felt rebellious OF
the condition Benson was seeking TO
impose.
You must hear many pleasant
things or me, said the lawyer, with
cynical humor. 1T must be plea SAINT
for YOU to sit and listen TO them de-
nou1ce mech? Or are they more
tactful in your presence"
But stephen was silent. There was
no answer he could make TO this. but
he felt his cheeks redden.
Hnmph." said Benson. You don't
answer me. he added in the same
breath; but you don't need to- sup.
pc3e you see that scoundrel Wade?"
NO haven't seen him in days"
Don't you think you would enjoy
rrovel7 asked Benson. Stephen
stared at him blankly. why not go
Abroad"
NO. can't go abroad don't wish
to, snd-no. don't wish to
II merely suggested II as an easy
way of breaking with these people.
You might be gon, year, two years.
| might even arrange my affairs. and
join YOU later"
You don't understand. Uncle Jake.
| nave no desire TO break with my
aunt; as for the Nortons--" Benson 8
glance became hostile. menacing. and
stephen felt quick sense Of resent
ment This was man he had never
known before, a side Of Bensons char.
acter with which he had never come
Ia contact
Il don't quite see how you can re-
main member OF my household and
also remain friendly with your aunt
foi instance. The time has come
when you will have TO choose finally
between us. | had hoped YOU would
500 this, that you would be sufficiently
/. allie TO your own best interests, and
I thai is would not be necessary for me
TO recall them to your mind
MY own best interests have moth.
Ing 10 do with the situation but just
as owe much TO Won. owe something
to my aunt, one obligation is as urgent
as the other
The ways separate here and now"
saii Benson coldly. III you remain
under my roof I must ask certain
thlnSs OF YOU IL is not much to re-
quire under the circumstances"
1T Is great deal for me to agree
TO. find" said stephen.
Benson glanced at him frownlngly.
Il am rather surprised to hear you,
stephen. ! am sorry to say IL. /
was hurt when learned that YOU had
spent the afternoon at the Nortons
and was still more hurt when you
told me you had spent the evening at
your aunt's. | had hoped that YOU
M ,Lot