The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-07-17

bling candy, with the air of soldiers on
duty-for the choir was in the throes
of a solo.
Abbott, as if hypnotized by what he
had seen. slowly entered the auditori-
UNI. Fran's keen eyes discovered him,
and her face showed elfish mischief.
Grace. following Frans eyes, found
the cause of the odd smile, and beck
oned to Abbott. Hamilton Gregory.
following Graces glance-for he saw
no one but her at the practices, since
she inspired him with deepest fervor-
felt suddenly as if he had lost some
thing; he had often experienced the
same sensation on seeing Grace APP
preached by some unattached gentle
man.
Grace motioned to Abbott to sit be
side her, with concentration of at
tention that showed her purpose of
reaching a definite goal unsupported
by the other.
I'm so glad Fran has taken place
in the choir" Abbott whispered to
Grace. And look at Simon Jefferson
who'd have thought it,"
Grace looked at Simon jefferson !;
she also looked at Fran. but her com
pressed lips and reproving eye ex,
pressed none OF Abbott's gladness.
However, she responded With am
so glad you are here, Professor Ash.
ton, for I'm in trouble, and | can't de-
eide which way It is my duty to turn.
Will you help me? | am going to
trust you-it is matter relating to Mr..
Gregory
Abbott was pleased that she should
think him competent to advise her re-
i specting her duty; at the same time
he regretted that her confidence re-
lated to Mr. Gregory.
Professor Ashton" she said softly
does my position as hired secretary
to Mr.. Gregory carry with it the obi.
cation to warn him of any misconduct
in his household"
The solo was dying away, and, sweet
and low, it fell from heaven like man.
ma upon his soul, blending divinely
with the secretary's voice. Her eX
preston hired" sounded like a tragic
note-to think Of one so beautiful, SO
meek, so surrounded by mellow hymn,
notes, being hired!
You hesitate to advise me, before
you know all" she said, and you are
right. In a moment the choir will be
singing louder, and we can all talk to-
gether. Mrs Gregory should be con.
suited too"
Grace, conscious of doing all that
one could in consulting Mrs Gregory
too" looked toward the choir loft
and smiled into Hamilton Gregory S
eyes. How his baton inspired by that
smile, cut magic runes in the air.
Mrs Gregory" Grace said in low
voice, Il suppose Professor Ashton is
so surprised at seeing you in church
it has been more than five months
hasn't it? that I'm afraid he
isn't thinking about what I'm saying
Mrs. Gregory could not help feeling
in the way. because her husband
seemed to share Grace's feeling, In
stinctively she turned to her mother
and laid her hand on the invalid
arm.
They amt bothering me, Lucy
said the old lady, alertly. Il can't
hear their noise, and when | shut my
eyes | can't see their motions"
Il have something to tell you both, "
Grace said solemnly. Last night,
couldn't sleep, and that made me sen.
sitive to noises. | thought | heard
some one slipping from the house Just
as the clock struck half-past eleven. 1t
seemed incredible, for | knew if it
were anyone, it was that Fran, and |
didn't think even she would do that"
It. was as if Abbott had suddenly
raised a window in a raw wind. His
temperature descended The others
manner OF saying That Fran" OBJ
scured his glass of the future.
Mrs Gregory said quickly, Fran
leave the house at haif-past eleven
| Impossible"
How do you know" Abbott asked
that Fran left the house at such a
time of the night?" The question was
unfair since it suggested denial. but
his feeling for Fran seemed to call for
unfairness to Grace.
Il will tell YOU" Grace responded,
with the d'stinctness of one in power.
AT the time, | told myself that even
Fran would not do that But. a long
time afterward, | heard another sound,