Mr. Shepard
had proved to be a defaulter and, after he had for years been
using money from the bank of which he was president, he had saved
himself, on the eve of exposure, by hastily quitting the country,
leaving his wife and children to bear the burden of his guilt as
best they could.
"Papa has taken money that didn't belong to him; is that it,
Alan?" said Katharine slowly, as if dazed by the sudden shock. "I
can't believe it. How can mamma say such a cruel thing?" she added
indignantly.
Alan made no reply, beyond drawing the girl's limp hand through
his arm. Katharine felt the unspoken sympathy of his gesture and
pressed closer to him.
"Do say you don't believe it, Alan," she urged. "You must know
that papa couldn't do such a thing."
"Oh, Kit, I wish I knew what to say!" the boy burst out. "I am so
awfully sorry for you, dear." But Katharine stopped him with a
motion of her hand.
"Don't pity me, Alan, or I shall begin to cry; and I mustn't do
that here. We must hurry home to tell auntie." And she quickened
her pace, almost to a run.
Alan kept by her side, watching the white, set face, and
marvelling that she did not give way to her sorrow. His own eyes
were full of tears, and his throat was aching with a dull, dry
pain; but his cousin, after her first exclamations, was perfectly
quiet.
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