The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1914-01-02

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 1t out before Stan
ford explained.
IL see." he said calmly; you have
not looked at this mornings papers?"
mo. Why do you ask?"
II suppose you are trying to be tact
full, Mrs. Stanley" 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 I to throw
my daughter into the ruin with you?
You expect great deal too much II
you expect that. have Annals future
to look out for. and I 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 1t contemplate. but do not, and
you will find few people who will"
"And Anna? Is she contented?" in
quired Stanford.
Perfectly. Anna is very sensible"
"Then since l am ruined i am dis
missedY demanded the young man.
IF you choose to be unreasonable
and put it that way. yes" she said and
left him. Stanford stared around, q
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 fat.
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. fighting over priority claims.
I've never seen such absolute greedi-
ness in my life as some Of your
friends have shown this morning.
It's completely spoiled my New Year.
l hope they have hit you hard. hard
enough for you to be willing to stop
this folly. You're only going to get
broken heart and soured outlook out
of this thing. You must stop it before
1t goes any further"
"They 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 Stanley!
She ran straight to Stanford with
her arms outstretched He had never
seen her SO beautiful nor loved her
more.
They told me thousand terrible
things" she said Mother sent for
Ned Martin tried to do what they
said. but | cuuldn't--l couldn't How
..ould II"
Stanford took her in his arms SHE
WAS crying and chung 10 him like
child
"You have done nothing wrong
dear" he said. mot even for your ia
Their and mother" And he told her of
the fortune he had kept.
Then they went together to tell her
parents. who at middle age had grown
so old that they thought the millions
were all that mattered.