The Detroit times., 1912-12-23
CHAPTER TX.
(Contin uedD

Mrs. Gregory was pale. for she, too,
had felt the blow. Fran" she ex-
claimed reproachfully.
Old Mrs. Jefferson stared from the
girl seated at the table TO the erect
secretary, and her eyes kindled with
admiration. Had Fran commanded
the dragon" TO "stand?"
Simon Jefferson held his head close
to his plate, as II hoping the storm
might pass over his head.
Don't 20 away" Fran cried, over
come at sight OF Mrs Gregory's dis
tress "Sit down, Miss Noir Let me
be the one to leave the room, since 1t
isn't big enough for both OF us" She
darted up, and ran to the head OF
the table.
Mrs Gregory buried her face in her
hands.
. Don't you bother about me-" Fran
coaxed; ito think OF giving you pain.
dear lady wouldn't hurt you for
anything In the world, and the person
who would isn't worthy OF being
touched by my foot" and Fran
stamped her foot. IF it'll make you
q mite happier. I'll go to church, and
Sunday-school. and prayer meeting.
and the young peoples society, and
the Ladies' Aid and the missionary
society. and the choir practice, and
the night service and-and-"
Hamilton Gregory felt that he
should take some part In this small
drama, but he did not know exactly
what part: 1T would make us all
happier for you to go. And what is
far more important, child, it would
make you happier; you'd be learning
how TO do right. and be good
"oh, and would it?" she flashed
at him, somewhat incoherently Yes,
know some folks think II makes EN-,
good Just to sit in meeting-houses,
while somebody's talking about re-
ligion. But look at me. Why the
people who ought TO have loved me,
and cared for my mother-the people
that didn't know but what we were
starving--they~weu have missed a
service any sooner than you would
no, sir. L. want To tell YOU" Fran
cried, her face. flaming, her voice vi
brating with emotion long pent-up.
"just the reason that. religion 3 moth
ing to me- -ft's-becnuse the only kind
I've known. Is going to the church.
dressed up land sitting In the church
feeling picus aafdF then, on the out
side, and between times, being just as
grasping, and as anxious TO overreach
everybody elise and trying just as
hard to get even with their enemies
as II theree wasn't a church on the
.This is saeriIseel' gasped Hamil,
ton Gregory.
'You show me a little religion
Fran cried, carried beyond herself,
that means doing something besides
ringing bells and hiring preachers.
you show me a little religion that
means making people happy-not
people clear out OF sight, but those
living in your own house--and maybe
I'll like 1t and want some of 1t. Got
any of that kind? But IL | stay here,
I'll say too much-I'll go, SO you can
all be good together" She darted
from the room.
Grace looked at Gregory, seeming TO
ask him II, after this outrageous be-
havior, he would suffer Fran TO dwell
under his roof or course, Mrs.
Gregory did not count; Grace made
no attempt TO understand this woman
who, while seemingly OF yielding ma
ture, could show such hardness, such
fixed purpose in separating herself
from her husbands spiritual adven-
lures. II made Grace feel so sorry for
the husband that she quietly resumed
her place at the table.
Grace was now more than ever re-
solved that she would drive Fran
await had become religious duty.
How could II be accomplished? The
way was already prepared; the sec
rotary was convinced that Fran was
an simpostor. II was merely needfhl
TO prove that the girl was not the
daughter of Gregory's dead friend
Grace would have to delve into the
past, possibly visit the scenes of
Gregory's youth-but it would pay
She looked at her employer with an
air suggesting protection.
Gregory's face relaxed on finding
himself once more near her. For
tunately for his peace OF mind, he