"Indeed! I don't think I can have received your letter." "But you answered it, sir." "I answered a letter from you? What then is your name?" "Ruth Patton." "Oh!" returned Ferguson, his face darkening. He no longer felt inclined to be gracious, for he had a premonition that the interview would not be agreeable to him. "My mother and I were quite overwhelmed by the news you sent us. We had no idea that my father left so little, and she wished me to come on and ask for some particulars." "I have very little to tell you beyond what I wrote," said Mr. Ferguson coldly. "My father led us to think that we should be comfortably provided for." "Many men have very vague ideas of how they stand. Your father did wrong in not insuring his life." "He did not think it would be necessary. He thought we should be sufficiently provided for without that." "He had no right to think so," said Ferguson irritably. "You see how things have turned out." "But what can have become of all the money?" "I hope, Miss Patton, you don't think I have spirited it away?" "No, sir. Don't be offended, but it seems so strange," faltered Ruth. "The money was unwisely invested. A large part of it was in wild-cat mining stocks, which were not worth the paper they were written on." "Father never spoke to us about any such investments." "I presume not. Most men keep such matters to themselves. Well, the upshot is that but seventy-five dollars are left. I presume your mother received my check for this amount." "Yes, sir." "Then that is all I can do for you. I will in time forward a bill of particulars. A present I am busy." At this moment Luella Ferguson entered the room. She recognized Ruth at once. "You here?" she said in haughty surprise. "Yes, I came on business." "We do not want any servants. Papa, this girl was very insolent to me on the train yesterday. I hope you will send her away." "I am going, Miss Ferguson," said Ruth with spirit. "Your father was the trustee of my poor father's property, and it was to ask about it that I came here. Good evening." She left the house with faltering steps, for her last hope had been destroyed, and she felt keenly the cruel slight of Luella Ferguson. As she set foot on the sidewalk her brain reeled, and she would have fallen had not a young man who was about to ascend the steps sprung forward and supported her. CHAPTER XX. A FRIEND IN NEED. Ruth Patton recovered herself by a great effort. "I won't trouble you any longer, sir," she faltered. "I think I can do without further assistance." "Excuse me for doubting it. You look very weak. Take my arm. There is a drug store not far away where I can procure you a strengthening draught." "I am sorry to trouble you so much," she murmured apologetically. "It is no trouble, I assure you. I count myself fortunate in being on hand so opportunely."