The Washington herald., 1913-03-09
| FRAN

| lold OF brcSory retuIh-
The lady who was not Mrs Gregory,
was so pleased to see the gentleman
who was MIR. Gregory-they had not
met since the evening meal-that. at first
she was unaware Of the black shadow /;
and Mr. Gregory. in spite of his per-
plcxity. forgot the shadow also, so
cheered was he by the glimpse of his
SECRETARY as she stood in the brightly
lighted hall Such moments of de-
lighted recognition are infnitesimal
when third person, however shadowy.
is present; yet had the world been
there, this exchange of glanees must
have taken place.
Fran did not understand-her very
wisdom blinded her as with too great
light She had seen SO much of the
| world that, on finding a tree bearing
7 apples, she at once classified it as an
apple tree. To Gregory, Grace Noir
was but a charming and conscientious
Sympathizcr in his life-work, the at
mosphere in which he breathed freest.
He had not breathed freely for half
a dozen hours-no wonder he was glad
to see her. To Grace Noir, Hamilton
Gregory was but benefactor to man
kind. man of lofty ideals whom it
! was a privilege to aid, and since she
knew that her very eyes gave HIM
strength. no wonder she was glad to
see him.
Could Fran have read their thoughts
sh, ~>uld not have found the slight
est consciousness OF any shade OF evil
in their sympathetic friendship. AS
she could read only their faces, she
disliked more than ever the tall. young
and splendidly formed secretary.
oh" said Grace with restraint, dis
covering Fran.
Yes" Fran said with her elhsh
smile, back again
Just without the portal. Hamilton
Gregory paused irresolutely. He did
not know what course to pursue. so
he repeated vacantly, Il am willing TO
pay
Fran interrupted fippantly: Il have
| all the money | want" Then she
passed swiftly into the hall, rudely
brushing past the secretary.
Gregory could only follow. He spoke
to Grace in a low voice. telling all he
knew OF the night wanderer. Her at
titudc called for explanations, but he
would have given them anyway, in that
| low confidential murmur. He did not
/ know why il waS--or seek to know
but whenever he spoke to Grace, it
was natural to Use d low tone, as 1t
modulating his touch TO sensitive
strings-as if the harmony resulting
from the interplay OF their souls called
for the soft pedal.
, What is to be done" Grace in
! quired. Her attitude OF reserve toward
! Gregory which Fran's presence had in
| spired, melted to potential helpfulness :;
! at the same time. her dislike for the
/ girl solidihed That Fran should have
! laughed aloud in the tent. removed her
! from the scCretary'S understanding. But
: the worst indictment had been pro
nounced against her by her own
! shameless tongue. That one so young,
| without a home. without fear OF tho
dark streets. should have all the money
| she wants.
| What do YOU advise Gregory
asked his secretary gently.
Grace cast disdainful look at
| Fran. Then she turned to her en-
ploycr and her deliciously curved face
| changed most charmingly. Il think.
she responded with faint shake OF
rcbuke for his leniency, that you
should not need my advice in this mat
ter" She had occasionally feared that
! his irresolution at moments calling for
important decisions limited at weak
ness. Why should he stand apparently
helpless before this small bundle OF
arrogant impudence:
Gregory turned upon Fran with at
fccted harshness you must so: lie
was ANNOYED that Grace should, i'm
aginc him weak.
Fran's face hardened. 1t became an
az of stone, sharpened at each end
with eyes, nose, and mouth in a mar
row line of cold defiance. To Grace
the acute wedge OF white forehead
cleaning its way to the roots OF the
black hair. and the sharp chin cutting
its way down from the tightly drawn
mouth, spoke only of cunning. She
regarded Fran as fox, brought to
bay.
Fran spoke with calm deliberation
Il am not going away
Il would advise YOU said Grace
looking down at her from under droop-
ing lids, Ito go at once for storm
is rising. Do you want to be caugh,
. in the rain:'
Fran looked up at Grace. undaunted
Il want to speak to Mr.. Gregory. II
i YOU are the manager of this house
he and ! can 60 outdoors. don't
mind getting wet. Eve been IN al
kinds OF weather"
Grace looked at Gregory Her ST.
lences were effective weapons.
Il have no secrets from this lady,
he said, looking into Grace's eyes, an
swering her silence. WHAT do yor
\ @t,t
Fran shrugged her shoulders, alway:
looking at Grace, while neither OF tht
others looked at her. Very well, then
of course it doesn't matter to me, bu
. | thought it might to Mr.. Gregory
Since he hasn't any secrets from you
of course he has told you that one OF
nearly twenty years ago
1t was not the rumble OF distant
/ thunder, but strange exclamation
from the man that interrupted her; Il
was some such cry as human creature:
may have uttered before the crystalliz
ing of recurring experiences into ti1'
terms of speech.
( Fran gave quick. relentless blows
"Of course. he has told you all about
his Springfield life"
"Silencer shouted Gregory, quivcr
ing from head to foot. The word Wa.
like an imprecation. and for a tinr
[ it kept kissing between his locked
teeth.
And of course" Fran continued
fitting mp her chin as if to drive ir
| the words since you know all of hi.