The Detroit times., 1913-01-03
By
John
Breckenridge
Ellis.

matter-offact way, and couldn't
think OF the future as having any
other natter-cf-fact solution.
Gregory was botly indignant. Lucy,
II that Is meant as an nslnuation
against"
Mrs. Gregory raised her hand COM
pelling.y. DO not speak any name, "
she said, looking at him steadily. Il
can endure much" she went on, In a
milder tone, finding him silent: II
OTTER wonder II many women could
endure as sileAtly-but there must
never be a name mentioned between
u.s."
Her manner was so unwontedly
final, that he stood looking at her. not
knowing how &c resume the pressing
subject OF his past. They we're in
that same silent attitude when Grace
Noir came In from the hall
Craze turned up the lights. and
then-"Oh." II was impossible TO
prevent an unpleasant compression of
the Mouth at discovering Gregory so
| near his wife Am in the way?
am oklng for company, and heard
the door ell--please excuse me-" she
added, biting of the words.
"Of course you are not in the way"
Gregory returned desperately. Com.
pany, YOU say? And you heard the
door-boll-is Bob Clinton He grew
white. my eyes are bad, for some
reason" he muttered. and switched
off the lights again.
"Hpu var.. dark vnM haua ~
here!" said Grace reprovingly. "Of
course Mr. Clinton has been showr
In the back-parlor, where 1t is light
two" she paused irresolutely, but
neither spoke
Grace had no sooner gone than
Gregory with an effort found his voice.
Lucy, my conscience has tormented
me until 1t will not let me rest-aLout
you. It's your right to know some
thing more about my lse than | have
ever told"
Right in there" said the maids
voice, from the nall and Abbott Ash
ton ana Robert Clinton entered the
halfliGht
While Robert was greeting Mrs,
Gregory with exaggerated pleasure,
in order to escape facing her husband,
Abbott spoke to the other with on odd
sense OF meanuess, as II he partook.
by mere nearness. Of the others cow
ardice II wish to speak to you for
few min(tes, Mr.. Gregory"
Gregory, like an animal brought to
bay, said. IL suppose you've some ex-
cuse about playing cards with Fran"
More important than playing
cards" Abbott returned. He could
not meet the eyes OF this man he had
once highly venerated-it was like be-
holding an ideal Invested of ir'oGined
beauty. shivering in the shame OF its
nakedness.
Gregory fought off the inevitable:
III you refer 10 losing your position
at the public school"
NO. Clinton has come homo from
Springfield, and we have mater"
Its pressing business" spoke up
Robert, who ell this time had been
asking Mrs. Gregory II her mother
vas well, II Simon Jefferson was no
worse, II Fran was hearty. II Grace
Noir was at homeland private bust
ness"
Abbott looked warningly at his
friend TO remind him OF his promise
not to utter d word. Robert, remem-
beripg. tightly compressed his lips,
and marched over to the piano. He
leaned upon ii heavily.
Il have no business" Mr. Gregory
exclaimed, in fear, that my wife
need not know
This is" cried Robert. Taen re-
membering, he struck the keys re-
sounding chord.
Mrs. Gregory was about to leave
the room.
mo, no." exclaimed Mr.. Gsegorv
starting to the door to intercept her
Il vans you e. stay. ii have no Sc.
crets from you Lucy. ! want you 10
hear what these gentlemen have TO
say. He glarCd at Abbott Is II dar-
ing him to speak the words that must
DESTROY his wlfe's last feeble hold on
her position.
Il hope hrs. Gregory will excuse
u.s." said Abbott, smiling at her as
clieerf,lly as ae could, but she knows
that there are matters or business
that women don't understand, or care
to Learn. This is something that re-
lates merely &c you, Mr.. Gregory. ana
ourselves"
"Of course J understand you, Alb
bott,' said Mrs. Gregory gently ana
Mr.. Gregory is wrong to insist on my
n,errupting-women are always III
the way" She smiled. and, slipping
around Gregory, had reached the door,
wncn she came face TO face with
Grace Noir, entering At sight Of her
Tor Grace did not pause, but went
over t. the piano-Mrs. Gregory ap-
oarenfly reconsidered, and stepped TO
her husbands aide.
(Contlnued.)
"