“What, you come here again, Kate Carlton!”
Uncle Morris kissed her, and spoke very kindly to her. Somehow, his instincts told him that her sudden coming to Glen Morris, was caused by some unexpected evil.
Kate returned these greetings very stiffly. She had a cold nature, which did not readily respond to the emotions of others. She was tired, she said, and would like to be shown to her room as soon as possible. Jessie accordingly conducted her to Mrs. Carlton’s room, who was as much surprised to see her, as the others had been.
As soon as she left the parlor, Mr. Carlton, who had been reading the letter which came with her, placed his hand upon his forehead, looked very gravely at Mr. Morris, and said:
“Bad news! Bad news! My brother is a defaulter in the —— Bank, of which he was president. He left the city last night, for parts unknown. His wife is half distracted, and has gone home to her father. She has sent Kate here.”
“A sad case!” remarked Mr. Morris, soothingly. “But are you sure it is true?”
“Too true, I doubt not. This letter is from my friend, Mr. Estal, a leading director in the bank. There can be no mistake. It is terrible. Had my brother lost all his property by honorable misfortune, or had he died as a good man dies, it would have been nothing to this. Now he is ruined and disgraced. Terrible! Terrible!”
Mr. Carlton groaned as he uttered these words. His anguish was painful to witness. His brother’s crime pierced his heart. Happily he was able to weep, and thus relieve the violence of his feelings.
“It is terrible indeed,” replied Uncle Morris. “But while we deplore his fall, let us be thankful that our honor is unstained by his crime. Let us also strive not to give way to useless grief, but let us spend our energies in efforts to break the fall of his unfortunate wife and child, whom he has dragged down with himself to poverty, if not to shame. If you will give Kate a home, I will see to her education, and will provide her with clothing.”
“Spoken like your noble self!” rejoined Mr. Carlton. “Of course, she shall have a home, so long as I have one.”