The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1913-12-30

yes" said Stanford curtly.
Granger drew back into his car. II
sympathize deeply" he added. "Ill
see you at the club later"
When Stanford reached the Stan
leys' he saw Edward Martins car at
the curb. Martin was one of Annals
admirers who had not given up hop
ing that he might win her. even in
spite of the fact that it was practically
decided in Stanford's favor
1t was Stanford's intention to tell the
Stanleys at once about his plan for
discovering his friends. He saw in the
first glance at the servant who opened
the door that the news had already
spread through the house. and as the
door closed Mrs Stanley came into the
hall.
She started at sight of him. Then
she shook hands and began to talk
swiftly.
Happy New Year" she said You
are our second early caller. Mr. Mar
tin came little while ago. Isn't it
fine weather for holiday? We are
going motoring. | haven't even haEf
time enough to look at the papers this
morning."
Stanford was turning cold The in
sincerity of the woman was obvious.
Besides" she continued, I'VE have
been thinking of something else--a sur
prise; Anna and Ned Martin. 1t seems
they've had an understanding between
themselves for months past Anna
limited at something of the kind last
night, and this morning they came to
us together. 1t was not just what we
had planned for Anna, but what were
we to do? They adore each other. So
it's arranged"
She stopped with almost a gasp Of
relief. She had got it out before Stan
ford explained.
II see," he said calmly; you have
not looked at this mornings papersW
mo. Why do you ask?'
~ suppose you are trying to be tact
full, Mrs. Stanleyr he said.
The contempt in his eyes and voice
stung her, and she gave herself up to
anger
"Well. | was" she replied. "Since
you insist, did see the papers and saw
that you were ruined. Was to throw
my daughter into the ruin with you?
You expect great deal too much If
you expect that. have Annals future
to look out for, and know | am doing
the best thing. am trying to arrange
matters so that people will understand
that they were engaged before we
heard Of your failure. You appear to
think it contemplate, but l do not and
you will find few people who WILL"
"And Anna? Is she contented?" in
qulred Stanford.
Perfectly. Anna is very sensible"
"Then since | am ruined ! am dis
missed?' demanded the young man.
IF you choose to be unreasonable
and put it that way, yes" she said and
left him. Stanford stared around,
little dazed, for second
why, thought she liked me-she
and Mr.. Stanley-and that Anna loved
me-" he said to himself. He turned to
go, and the butler let him out. He
walked slowly back to his fiat.
When he reached his apartment he
found Watson. his lawyer, waiting for
him. He looked pale and worried
What is it?'' asked Stanford.
why, they've started already" re-
piled Watson bitterly They've been
at me like vultures for the money
quite small sums, lots of them-that
you owe them. Some of them are like
wolves. lighting over priority claims.
I've never seen such absolute greedi-
friends have shown this morning.
It's completely spoiled my New Year.
| hope they have hit you hard, hard
enough for you to be willing to stop
this folly. You're only going to get a
broken heart and Il soured outlook out
of this thing, You must stop 1t before
it goes any further"
"Tbey have hit me hard" replied
Stanford sadly. They've broken me
already"
A light of understanding rose In the
lawyers eyes.
You don't mean the Stanleys?"
Stanford nodded. "The parents GER
tainly have. Anna Is to marry Martin,
But can't believe that she loves him"
That moment the door opened. and
his servant announced, Miss Stanleyw
She ran straight TO Stanford with
her arms outstretched. He had never
seen her SO beautiful nor loved her
more.
"rhey told me thousand terrible
things" she said '"Mother sent for
Ned Martin. | tried to do what they
said, but couldntA-l couldn't. How
could II"
Stanford took her in his arms She
was crying and chung to him like "A
child.
you have done nothing wrong.
dear" he suid not even for your fa.
ther and motherT Aud he told her of
the fortune he hlld kept
Then they went together 10 tell her
parents, who utiniddle age had grown
so old that the$ Thought The millions
We're all that unttered