The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1913-11-20

'Ai'R' bi'At We NtAiIllpl ~ Ou Win gu
work, without her"
Not for worlds would Mrs. Gregor,
have betrayed her eagerness for Grac,
to 20, but for no consideration woult
she have asked her to stay. "Mr
Gregory" she responded, 81 canno
conceive OF your being in the power o
business interests to such an extern
as to drive you to anything that seems
like taking your hearts blood"
Il refuse!" cried Gregory, again
"Of course | refuse"
Very we'll" said Abbott, turning.
but what are you going to do?'
Gregory asked shrinkingly.
! shall 70 now; my endeavor tc
straightcn out things or rather tc
Keep everything peaceful and forgot
ioh-comes to nothing 1t seems. Good
evening, Mrs. Gregory"
but wait. Wait! Let us discuss
this alone"
1T is useless now. for the time has
expired"
That's right" Clinton confirmed
Clicking to his watch
And all Of it is going to be told
EyerythnE?"
"Unlcss you will dismiss your sec.
Rotary"
but you insult Miss Grace to speak
IN that way. Good heavens, Abbott,
what are you doing? How can you
insult that-tho best woman in the
world"
There was moments silence. Then
Mrs. Gregory turned to her husband
and said quietly, IF Miss Nolr is the
best woman in the world, you should
be the last man In the world to say
so"
He covered his face with his hands.
Everybody has turned against me-"
ne complained. Il am the most miser.
able man on earth because for nero
caprice, for mere spite, for no earthly
good, 1t Is the determination OF people
who have lost positions and the like,
to drive mo wild"
Robert Clinton thumped the keys of
the piano with one hand.
why, hello. Mr.. Bob!" cried Fran,
dancing into the room. so you're
back, are your" She shook hands
breezily.
Come back. Abbott. come back!"
called Gregory. discovering that the
Young man was indeed going you
know what | must do, If you drive
nc to the wall. | am obliged to do
what YOU say. State the condition
again If you have the courage to say
I aloud"
THE past will be forgotten" said
Abbott solemnly, III you give your
word that your secretary shall 60 in
he morning"
And you'll take me in her place"
poke up Fran decidedly.
The time is up" said Clinton harsh.
y. IT'S too late now. for shall
ell"
II promise. I promised" Gregory
'ried out, in an agony OF fear. 81
'romise. Yes, I'll dismiss her Yes,
he shall go Yes. lot Fran have the
lace"
DO understand you to dismiss
ne. Mr. Gregory" asked Grace, in
ow concentrated tone. leaning slight
y forward.
Fran turned on the lights to their
ullest extent. and looked about with
n elfsh smile.
Hamilton Gregory was mute.
81 have your promise" said Abbott, |
owing grnvely. That's enough"
yes" groaned Gregory. but It is
lfamous."
Fran looked ut Abbott inscrutably. |
Third tines the charm" she said In |
whisper. I'm proud of you this
me, Abbott"
Grace turned with cold dignity. and |
loved slowly toward the hall door.
Fran slipped between Clinton and
lie piano. and began to play softly,
lrelessiy with one hand, while she
atched the retreating figure.
In very short time. Gregory found
lmself alone in the parlor Abbott
nd Clinton had withdrawn rather
wkwardly, Mrs. Gregory had melted
way unobtrusively. and Fran, last of
II, had given the piano a final bang,
nd darted out OF the house.
Gregory stood pale and miserable.
seemed as IL all the world had de-
1rted him. The feature without
race would be as dreary us now
'emed his past with Fran's mother.
o suffered horribly. Was suffering
! that life had left for him? Per-
APPS he was reaping-but Is there no
Id to the harvest? One sows In SO
lief time; is the garnerlng eternal7
A bell rang. but he was not curious.
oices sounded at the front door, foot.
cps passed. then silence once more
lence and despair. Gregory went to
o open window, and leaned heavily
the sill. taking great breaths. star
& duly.
Footsteps were heard again. They
ere near by. They stopped at the
'or-they were hers. Gregory start
up with low cry OF terminated