The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1916-05-20

trying to conceal from me. ] knew
my father to be multi mi llionaire
You come and tell me he was paup-
sr instead, bankrupt. and I am not
20 ask how this state of affairs came
= ,bout? You have known me since
vas a little girl-surely you under
tand me we'll enough to realize that
shall not rest under such a condi-
ion until the whole truth IL revealed
mel"
81 am your friend" The resonance
II the minister's voice deepened.
You will believe me when tell you
nat 1t would best for your future, for
he honor Of your fathers memory, to
lace yourself without question In the
lands Of your true friends, and TO ask
20 details which are not voluntarily
iven you"
Best for my future!'" she repeat
ID, aghast- "'F'or the honor of my IA
hers memory What do you mean,
Or. Franklin? You have gone too far
lot to speak plainly. Do you dare
re you insinuating. that there is
nomething disgraceful, dishonorable
about my fathers insolvency? You
lave been my spiritual advisor nearly
I'll my life, and when you tell me that
my father was bankrupt, that the
knowledge comes to you from his best
friends and will corroborated by his
attorneys, am forced to believe you.
But IL you attempt to convince me that
my fathers honor-his good name
is involved, then tell you that 1t is
not true! Either terrible mistake
has been made or a deliberate conspir-
acy Is on foot-the blacklist sort of
conspiracy, to defame the dead"
my Dear!" The minister raised his
dands In shocked amazement You
are beside yourself, you don't know
what you are saying! / have repeat
ed to you only that which was told to
me, and In practically the same words
As to the possibility Of a conspiracy,
you will realize the absurdity of such
and idea when I deliver to. you the
message with which was charged.
Your fathers partner in many enter
prises, the Honorable BERTHE Rookie
more, together with President NAL
lowe, of the Street Railways, and Mr..
Curtis, the great politician, promised
some little time ago that they would
stand In loco PARENTS toward you
should your natural protector be re-
moved. They desire me to tell you
that need have no anxiety for the i'm
mediate future. You will be cared for
and provided with all hat you have
been accustomed to, just as if your ia
Their were alive
Indeed? They are most kind" Ami
ia spoke quietly enough, but with a
curiously dry, controlled note in her
voice which reminded the minister OF
her fathers tones, and for some mex
,plicable reason he felt vaguely un-
comfortable. Please say to them that
/ do sincerely appreciate their mag
nanimity, their charity. toward one
who has, no right, legal or moral, to
claim protection or care from them.
But now, DR.. Franklin. may beg that.
you will forgive me If l retire? The
news you have brought me of course
has been a terrible shock. l must
have time to collect my thoughts, to
realize the sudden, terrible change
this revelation has made in my whole
life. / am deeply grateful to you, to
my fathers three associates, but l
can say no more now"
"Of course, dear child" Dr. Frank
lin patted her hand perfunctorily and
arose with ill-concealed relief that. the
interview was at an end. He could
not understand her attitude of the
last few moments and 1t troubled him
vaguely She had received the news
of her fathers bankruptcy with a girl
ish horror and fncreduousness-whi
had been only natural under the cir
cumtances; but when it was. borne in
upon her. in as delicate way as he
could convey it. that dishonor was in
volved in the matter, she had, after
the first outburst. maintained a ston-
ey, ashen self-poise and control that
were far from what he expected. 1t
was the most disagreeable task he had
performed in many day and he was
heartily glad 1t was over Only his
very great desire to ingratiate him.
self with these kings of finance, who
had commissioned him do their bid
ding, as well as the inclination to be
of real service to his young anG or
phaned parishioner, had induced him
to undertake this mission.
You must rest and have an oppor-
tunity to adjust yourself to this new,
unfortunate state of affairs" he con-
tinued. Il will call again tomorrow.
If 1 can be of the slightest service to
you. do not hesitate to let me know.
1t Is sad trial. but our heavenly Fa-
Their has tempered the wind to the
shorn lamb; He has provided you
with a protector In young Mr. HamiI-
ton, and with kind, true friends who
will Sc that no harm or deprivation
comes to you. Try to feel that this
added grief and trouble will, in the
end. be for the best"
/ The alacrity with which he took his
departure was painfully obvious, but
Anita scarcely noticed 1t. Her mind
was busy with the new, hideous
thought which had assailed her at that
first hint of dishonesty on the part
Of her father-the thought that she
was being made the victim of gigan.
tic conspiracy.
AS soon as she found herself alone,
she flew to the telephone. Main,
27s5,' she demanded. Mr.. Hamil-
ton, please. Is that you, Ramon. !.
. Can you come to me at once? r
heed your advice and help. Something
has happened-something terrible!
No, I cannot tell you over the phone.
You will come at once? Yes, goodbye.
Ramon