The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-12-28
here can be no harm In reverencIng

there can be no harm In reverencing
symbols.
Fran's eyes drew him abruptly from
the bottom OF the sea. He emerged,
chilled and trembling. ~
Fran" he said, an II she had ap-
peared In answer to n summons. Il
am unhappy about you. Your deter
mination TO have nothing to do with
the church not only distresses but en-
harnesses me. You have insisted on
coming into my life. Then why do
You disgrace IL? You pretend that you
want TO be liked by US, yet TO play
cards with strangers at night-it's out
rageous. You even threw a card in
my yard where card was never seen
before"
do you think cards so very wick
ed?" asked Fran, looking at him curl
ously.
You know what-I think. I look on
gambling as immoral. But II ought
TO be enough for me simply To forbid
II. Cards, and dancing, and the the
ater-these things are what destroy
the influence OF the church."
And not going 10 the meeting
house." remarked Fran, with quiet
irony,-that's perfectly dreadful"
She closed the door, and placed her
back against 1t. A shake OF her head
seemed to throw aside what they had
been saying as OF no more Importance
than the waving tresses OF black hair.
She looked him in the eyes and said
abruptly
IL want to be your secretary"
Hamilton gripped his chair. He
submarine naction--doubtles he had
stayed under too long. IL have q sec
rotary" he retorted. looking at her
resentfully. He checked words he
would have liked to utter, ON reflect
ing that his secret was In Fran's
keeping. She need but declare It, and
his picture would blossom forth ia
all the papers OF the big cities. How
Grace would shrink from him, she
knew the truth--how that magnificent
figure would turn It's back upon him
and those scornful, imperious, never
faltering eyes.
Fran drew nearer. She seated her
self upon the arm OF chair, one foot
on the floor, and spoke with restrained
intensity: I'm well enough educat-
cd. 1 can take dictation and make
good copy
He allowed his tone to sound de-
fiance-"I already have a secretary"
Fran continued with an effort.
Mother didn't like studying, very
we'll, but she was determined TO get
me out OF the condition | was born
in: she taught me all she knew. When
caught up, she'd go digging ahead on
her own account to pull me little
higher. Wasn't she splendid? So
patient" Fran paused. and stared
straight before her, straight into the
memory OF her mothers eyes.
Gregory refiected-"If this child had
not come, had not intruded herself
upon my life! Haven't suffered
enough for my follies?"
when mother died." Fran resumed,
she thought maybe Uncle Ephrfam
had mellowed, so | went to him, be-
cause | thought couldn't get along
without love-" She shook her head,
with pathetic little smile. but
could, Uncle Ephraim didn't mellow,
he dried up He blamed me for being
born-I think, myself, it was mistake.
He turned me out, but | was so tough
Just couldn't be winter-killed After
that l went back TO the show and
stocked up in experience. | mention
1t to point out that a mild little jos
like being your private secretary
wouldn't strain muscle. / expect
could even be foreign secretary. IT'S
as easy to walk rope that's rugged
high, as one near the ground. Al
the trouble-is In the imagination"
Gregorys voice cut across hers
showing no comprehension. OF her last
words: my secretary must be In
sympathy with my work. To exercise
such talents as I have, Is my religion,
and need q helper whose eyes are
fixed upon the higher life. This is
final, and the subject must never be
reopened. find 1t very painful"
Fran's discovery that he had not
heard her plea, crimsoned her face.
She jumped from the armchair.
breathing rapidly. Then" she cried,
"if you won't have me, get another.
The one you have must CO."
"She shall do nothing OF the sort, "
he coldly responded.
Yes" Fran retorted violently, -
tell you she must go!"
He struck the table with his palm.
Never"
Shall | use my last resource"
Frans eyes cleaned ominously.
The hand upon the table became
fist. That was his only reply.
81 would entreat YOU" said Fran.
faltering, "and with tears-but what
good would 1t do? None. There's no
use for one woman TO weep IL another
woman ls smiling. Dismiss your sec
rotary"
He leaned toward her from over the
table. and spoke In a low level tone:
81 am going to appeal TO your better
nature. Think OF the girls of the street
who need rescue, and the women OF
the cities who are dying from neglect
and vice. IL you hinder my work, let
the souls OF these outcasts be upon
your soul! You can ruin me, but not
without running my good works.
don't ask you to keep silent on my
account--what am ! but an instrument
in the hands OF Providence?-but fol-
the sake OF the homeless thousands
have atoned for my past, but the
world, always ready to cruelty the
divine, would rejoice to point the I'm
ger OF scorn at me, as II / were still
the fool OF twenty years ago"
but your secretary"
she is a vital factor I'm my work
Remove her, and the work ceases"
How important" cried Fran
throwing back her head. What will
God do when she dieR?'