The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-12-17
CHAPTER VI.
Mrs. GREGORY.

ready fallen. Approximations OF a
storm caused hurried movements
through the house. Binding flashes
OF lightning suggested a gathering Of
the family In tie re- 'epti )n-hall, where
according TO tridlti IN there was less
danger and as the unknown LADY
opened the door OF the front room,
Fran heard footsteps upon the stars,
and caught a glimpse Of Grace Noir
descending.
The lady clos ed the door behind her
before she perceived Fran, so intent
was she upon securing from threaten
ing rain some u finished silk-work
lying on the window.sill She paused
abruptly, her honest brown eyes open
ed wide.
Fran regarded her with that elhSh
smile which, To II secretary, had sug-
gested a fox 1t was the coolest little
smile. slyly playing upon her twisted
mouth.
The perspiration shone on Hamilton
Gregory's forehead. Just a moment"
he uttered ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
be back when | make sure my library
windows closed >" lie left
the room, his brain in an agony of in
decision. How much must be told?
And how would they regard him after
the telling?
who are your" asked the lady OF
thirty-five, mildly, but with gathering
wonder.
The answer came, with broken
laugh, Il am Fran" 1t was spoken a
little defiantly, a little menacingly. as
IL the tired spirit was bracing itself
for battle.
The lady wore her wavy hair parted
in the middle after that fashion which
perhaps was never new, and no Inn
pudent ribbon or arrogant founce stole
ones attention from the mouth that
was just sincere and sweet. IL was
q face one wanted to Iook at because
well. Fran, didn't know why. Shes
10 prettier than was Fran de-
cision, measuring from the natural
standard every woman
hides in her own breast The nose
was too slight, but it seemed cut TO
Fran's liking.
Fran smiled in a different way--a
smile that did not instantaneoGsly
flash. but dafted out OF the corner or
her eye, and slipped along The slightly
parted lips, as ii afraid or being
and vanished, leaving visit
lul face.
And who is Franz" asked the mild
voice. The lady smiled SO tenderiy,
il was like a mellow light stealing
from fair rose-garden OF thornless
souls
Fran caught her breath while her
face showed hardness--but rot
against the other. She felt something
ike holy wrath as her presentment
forth protestingly But who
are your"
81 am Mrs. Gregory"
"Oh. no." cried Fran, with violence,
mo-" She added rather wildly, 1T
can't bel mean-but say you are not
Mrs. Gregory"
Il am Mrs Gregory the other re
reated, mystihed.
Fran tried TO hide her emotion with
a smile, but it would have been ea9icr
for her 10 cry. Just because she OF
the patient brown eyes was Mrs.
Gregory.
At that moment Hamilton Gregory
re-entered the room, brought back by
the fear that Fran might tell all dur
ing his absence How different lie
would have been It he could have
found her own'--but he read in her
face no promise OF departure.
His wife was not surprised at his
haggard face. for he was always work
ing too hard, worrying over his CN-
tensive charities, planning editorials
for his philanthropic journal, devislng
means 10 better the condition of tle
local church But the presence OF this
stranCer-doubtles one Of his count.
less objects Of charity--demanded cx-
plantation
He loathed the necessity that con
fronted him. above all the uncertainty
Of his situation. Hitherto the mis-
takes Of his life had passed over his
head without dangerous explosions;
he had gone away from them, and
they had seemed. somehow, TO right
themselves.
Come" he said bruskly, addressing
neither directly, we needn't stop
here. | have some explanations TO
make. and they might as well be made
before every body. once and for ALL
- He paused Wretchedly.
seeing no outlook, no possible escale
must be told--not a lie. out
possibly not all the truth; that would
rcst with Fran He was as much in
her power as il she, herself. had been
the effect OF his sin.
lie opened the door, and walked
with heavy step into the hall Mrs
Gregory followed. wondering looking
rather at Fran than at her husband
Fran's keen eyes searched the apart
ment for the actual source OF Han n
ton Gregorys acutest regrets.
Yes. there stood the secretary
CHAPTER VII.
A Family Conference.