The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-12-20

Gregorys brain. What a mocking ia
tally. that it should have been Grac
to send Robert on his terrible errand-
an errand which must result in ruin
Mrs. Gregory would be pitied wheI
1t became known how she had been de
. ceived: Fran would be pitied beCaus,
she was a disowned daughter; Grace
would be pitied for trusting in the in
tegrity of her employer-but Gregory
who of all men needed pity most
would be utterly despised. He did mo-
think of himself alone, but of his works
OF charity-they. too, would fall, in his
disgrace. and Walnut Street church
even religion itself-would be dis
credited because of an exposure that
could avail nothing.
Gregory had been too long proclaim
ing the living God not to feel Him as
a Presence, and in this Presence he
felt a shuddering fear that could sug-
sest no relief but Precipitation. He as
well as Abbott Ashton had kept him
self informed of Roberts movements
as far as they were known to Miss
Sapphire. hence the day of Roberts
return found his thought of atonement
at its most frenzied stage.
AS evening wore on, he made up his
mind to the fatal step.
Before Robert could oppose him.
Gregory would confess. Now that
the last hour had come. he sought his
wife, Keeling like a sick man as he
descended the hall stairs.
Mrs. Gregory was softly playing an
old hymn, when he discovered her
presence in the brilliantly lighted par
Tor. Grace was expecting a visit from
Clinton and had made the room cheer.
full for his coming. and Mrs Gregory,
looking in and finding no one present,
had sunk upon the stool before the
piano. She did not see her husband.
for her face was bent low as she feel.
ingly played. 81 Need Thee Every
Hour"
Gregory. well-nigh overwhelmed
with the realization of what he meant
to do. grasped the door for support.
Presently he spoke, brokenly, Lucy,
how true that is-we do, indeed. need
Him every hour"
She did not start at his voice, though
his presence had been unsuspected.
She raised her serious eyes. and OBJ
served his haggard face MIR. Greg.
DRY, you are ill.,"
''No-the light hurts my eyes" He
I'm off ~, 1;nb
near her. The room was partly re-
vealed by an electric arc that swung
at the street concerts mellowed
beams entered the open window |
Lucy, | have something very impor-
tant to say to you"
Her fingers continued to wander |
among the keys, making the hymn
barely audible, then letting it die |
away. only to be revived.
Lucy, | have never spoken of this
before, but it has seemed to me for
a long time that we have wandered
rather far apart-yes, very far apart.
We sit tlose together, alone. our hands
could touch. but our souls live in diff
way?"
She ceased playing abruptly, and
'erent worlds. Do you ever feel that
answered almost in a whisper, Yes"
Perhaps it is my fault" said Greg
Try. although | know that if you mad
aiken more interest in what interests
ne, If you had been true to the Faith
Is have tried to be"
II have been true to you," said Mrs
Gregory.
of course-of course-there is no
question of our being true to each
'ther. | feel that | am not wholly to
'lame. Lucy. it has been my fault
nd it has been your fault-that is
low look at it." .
There was silence, then she said. ;
There seems nothing to be done"
How do you mean? You speak as
our love were dead and buried"
She rose abruptly, saying, And its
rave unmarked" :
Sit down, Lucy haven't told YOU ,
hat | came to tell-you must listen i
nd try TO see it as | see it, Let us a
e reasonable and discuss the future
1 AIN sensible and matter-of-fact G
'ay. If you will agree" T
Il Will not agree TO it," she answered
rmly. Let me so. Mr.. Gregory. 7
here is no need ever to bring up that 8
lbject"
He had risen, and now in blank I
maZement, he stared at her. repeat-