The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-11-15

thrilled his soul, while through the re
fined ether of this pious Joy appcare,
the loneliness of Grace Noir, leHdinl
something like spiritual sensuousnes.
TO his vision OF duty.
lie dld not want the applause o
the general public any more than ht
wanted his past unearthed 1t wa:
enough if his philanthropy was known
10 God and Grace Noir. She stood. tc
MS mind, as a symbol Of religion
there can be no harm in reverencing
symbols.
Fran's eyes drew him abruptly from
his reverie.
Fran" he said, as if she had ap.
peared in answer to a summons, 81
am unhappy about you. Your deter
mlnation to have nothing to dc with
the church not only distresses but en-
| barrasses me. You have insisted on
coming into my life Then why do
you disgrace it? You pretend that you
want to be liked by us, yet you play
| cards with strangers at night-it's out
rageous. You even threw card in
my yard where a card was never seen
before"
DO you think cards are so very
wicked?" asked Fran. looking at him
curiously.
You know what | think. | LOOK on
gambling as immoral. But il ought TO
be enough for me simply to forbid it,"
She closed the door. and placed
her back against it. She looked him
In the eyes. and said abruptly
i want to be your secretary"
Hamilton gripped his chair 81 have
secretary" he retorted, looking at
her resentfully. He checked words he
would have liked to utter. on rejecting
that his secret was in Fran's keeping.
How Grace would shrink from hum, If
she knew the truUh-how that mag
nificent figure would turn it's back
upon him-and those scornful, inperi-
Gus, overwhelming 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 educated.
can take dictation and make good
copy"
He allowed his tone to sound def
ance-'I already have a secretary"
Fran continued with an effort.
Mother didn't like studying, very well,
but she was determined to get me out |
of the condition ! was born in; she |
taught me all she knew. Wasn't she |
splendid! So patient" Fran paused. |
and stared straight before her. straight
into the memory of her mothers eyes.
Gregory reflected-'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 Ephraim
had mellowed, so | went to him, be-
cause | thought | couldn't get along
love" She shook her head.
with a pathetic little smile. Put |
could! Uncle Ephraim didn't mellow.
he dried up. He blamed me for being
born-I think, myself, it was a mis-
take. He turned me out, but | was
so tough | just couldn't be winter
killed. After that | went back TO the
show and stocked up in experience
mention 1t to point out that a mild
job like being your private secretary
strain a muscle"
Gregory's voice cut across hers. my
secretary must be in sympathy with
NY work. To exercise such talents as
have, is my religion, and | need
helper whose eyes are fixed upon the
higher life. This is final. and the sub
ect must never be reopened. | find
t very painful"
Fran's discovery that he had not
,eard her plea, crimsoned her face.
She jumped from the armchair.
rapidly. Then" she cried,
if you won't have me, get another.
rhe one you have must 60"
She shall do nothing of the sort"
lie coldly responded
YES" Fran retorted violently, 81
ell you she must co."
He struck the table with his palm.
Never!"
Shall l use my last resource?"
rams eyes cleaned ominously.
The hand upon the table became a
st. That was his only reply.
Il would entreat you" said Fran,
land with tears-but what
God would 1t do? None. There's no
Sc for one woman to weep if another /