Smyrna times., 1904-05-25
Gregory OF
Hampton
BY ANNA S. RICHARDSON
Copyright. 1908, by t. c. Mcclure

''Madge. didn't you spend half an
hour in Mrs. Giffords conservatory
last EVENING""
"Yes-her orchids are marvels." re-
piled the girl quietly. She returned
her fathers keen scrutiny without
finching. Miss Marsden was a worthy
daughter Of the great political leader.
"Mr. Gregory was with you-and |
happen to know that he is not inter-
ested in orchids"
Gregory of Hampton
The words had become the scorn Of
the political headquarters over which
Mr.. Marsden presided. In truth. Greg
CORY of Hampton was thorn in the
wire puller's flesh. He was unap-
proachable, unbribable and, from Mr..
Marsden's point of view hopeIessly un-
reasonable.
The apportionment bill was strictly
framed by Marsden to give his party
better control of the state legislative
branches. 1t was not vicious measure
but knowing that his heart was set
upon it the younger element, who had
begun to murmur against the iron rule
of ''the boss" had vigorously opposed
the bill.
Its defeat meant the dethronement
of Marsden and the assumption of par
ty leadership by one of the younger
men. Gregory had entered the fight
under instructions from his district
leaders-staid, back country farmers to
whom newfangled politics did not ap-
Golf rnIf
faculty of dominating others, he had
unconsciously assumed the leadership
Of the opposition and was already
spoken of as Marsden's probable sue
cessOr.
All this was passing through Mars
denis mind as he watched his daugh-
ter run through her mornings mail
and wished she would speak. But
clearly she was not in communicative
mood
Il suppose you help receive at the
governors reception this afternoon.
Well, go where you like, though l don't
care for that daughter of his Only
remember one thing there is to be no
nonsense between you and this young
Gregory. The apportionment bill gives
us almost complete control and it's
got to go through. Gregory by his OBJ
stinacy encourages the opposition. I've
started to put it through, and I'll do it
If 1t takes my last dollar"
Il hardly think it is worth while for
you to waste money on Mr. Gregory.
He's not that sort"
Margaret had risen and now stood.
pale and tense. before her father.
whose face had turned livid.
Don't tell me it has gone as far as
that! Would you stand by this man
in preference to your father? Think,
child, think. You're all l have in the
world since-since your mothers
gone"
The lips of the political leader twitch-
ed. The girl, who was the living.
breathing image of her mother. occu-
pied the one soft spot in his callous.
scheming heart
At mention of her mothers name
Margaret turned swiftly and twined
her arms around her fathers neck.
Father, dear, you make it so hard
You don't know how love him. Can't
you two agree and make me happy?"
Her father did not reply, and with a
soft rustling of silken skirts she Slip
ped from the room, closing the door
gently behind her.
From her bedroom window she
watched her father climb into the wait
ing brougham. She noted the increas-
ing stoop OF his shoulders, the languor
Of his step. When the carriage turn
ed the corner, she sat down at her
desk and wrote:
My Dear Mr.. Gregory-I have thought
and thought all night long. and still /
cannot give you the answer you want
1t is useless for me to make false pre-
lenses, useless for me to deny my love
for you. And yeti am my fathers ALL
and, no matter how happy we might be-
I should always feel that l had robbed
of me- Can't you understand? He has
been so good to me always-and / owe
him everything. You must make my
answer for me. This afternoon. ! under
stand. they take another vote on the bill
which stands between me and happiness.
Your vote will be my answer. II it Is
NO" do not see me again. 1t will be
easier for US both, and surely you owe
my love that much consideration. Faith
fully yours. MARGARET MARSDEN.
The ladies' gallery Of the assembly
chamber was thronged with brilliantly
gowned women. The fourth day of
the deadlock, and rumor had gone
forth that there were prospects OF a
break. Members on the floor bowed
to acquaintances in the gay array Of
butterflies. Gregory Of Hampton sent
but one long, searching glance in their
direction, but in that look he caught
vision in the background. a slender.
gray crowned figure A chiffon veil
hid her features, but under the droop-
ing brim of her hat he caught the
CLINT Of bronze gold hair. For an in
stant the hard, set look died from his
eyes, and tender smile rested on his
lips. Then he glanced toward Mars
den's desk. group of men fawned
-