The state herald., 1913-09-26

like her. ! hoped you'd be on my
side"
He came down the steps gravely
"She is my friend"
I'm a good deal like you." Fran
declared, following. 81 can like most
anything and anybody: but can't go
that far. Well, don't like Miss Noir
and she doesn't like me-isn't that
fair?"
Examine yourself" he advised.
and find out what 1t Is in you that she
doesn't like; then get rid of what you
find."
HUH" Fran exclaimed. 'Tm going
to get rid OF her. all right"
He saw the old elfish smile now
when he least wanted to see 1t. for 1t
threatened the secretary, Knocked the
grave superintendent, and asserted the
girls right To like whom she pleased.
Fran escaped. recognizing defeat;
but on her homeward way, she was
already preparing herself for the next
move. So intent was she In estimat-
ing the forces of both sides. tina. she
at cottage windows, she did not recog-
nize the infrequent passers-by, nor OBJ
serve the occasional buggies that
creaked along the rutted road. With
Grace stood. of course, Hamilton Greg
ory; and. Judging from Bob Clinton's
regular visits, and his particular atten-
tions to Grace. Fran classed him also
as victim of the enemy. 1t now
seemed that Abbott AshtonSfollowed
the flag Noir; and behind these three
leaders. massed the congregation OF
Walnut Street church. and presumably
the town OF Littleburg.
Fran could count for her support an
old bachelor with weak heart, and an
old lady with an ear-trumpet. The odds
were terribly against her.
The first light skirmish between
Fran and Grace took place on Sunday.
All the Gregory household were at
late breakfast Sunday-school bells
were ringing their first call. and there
was not cloud in the heavens as big
az mans hand. to furnish excuse for
non-attendance.
The secretary fired the first shot.
Apropos OF nothing that had gone be-
fore. but as II It were an integral part
OF the conversation. she offered-"And.
Mrs. Gregory. It Is 80 nice that you
can go to church now. since. II Fran
doesn't want to go. herself"
which she doesn't. herself" Fran
interjected.
so presumed" Grace remarked
significantly Mrs. Gregory. Fran
can stay with your mother-since she
doesn't care for church-and you can
attend services as you did when nrst
came to Littleburg."
II am sure" Mrs. Gregory said qui.
etly, that II would be much better
for Fran 10 go to church. She ought
to go-I don't like TO think Of her stay.
ing away from the services-snd my
duty is with mother"
Grace said nothing. but the express.
sion OF her mouth seemed to cry aloud
Duty, indeed What did Mrs. Gregory
know about duty. neglecting the God
who had made her. to stay with nm old
lady who ought to be wheeled to
churchl Mrs. Gregory was willing for
her husband to fight his Christian
warfare alone. But alone? mol not
while Grace could 10 with him.
Gregory coldly addressed Fran:
Then. will you go to church," II
was as II he complained. "Since my
wife won't"
Il might laugh" said Fran. Il don't
understand religion"
Grace felt her purcst ideals inrultcd.
She rose. a little pale. but without
rudeness. "will you please excus.
mc1" she nsked with admirable re-
straint.
Miss Gracci" Hamilton Gregory es.
claimed, disturbed. That she should
be driven from his table by nm insult
to their religion wns intolerabic. Miss
Gracc-forgivc her"
Mrs. Gregory was pale. for she, too.
had felt the blow. "Frnnl" she eS'
claimed rcproakhfully.
Old Mrs. Jefferson stared from the
xiri seated nj tho table to the erect
secretary. aud hcr eyes hndled with
admiration. Had Fran commanded the
dragon" TO ''stnndT
Simon Jefferson held his head close
to his plate. ms II hoping the storm
might pass over his head.
Don't 40 awayi" Fran cried. ever
come at sight OF Mrs. Grcgory's dis
trcun "sit down, Miss Noir. Lot mo
bc the ono to leave the room. since II
Isn't big enough for both OF u.s." She
dartcd up. and ran to the head OF the
table.
MN. Gregory buried her face In her
hands.
Don't you bother about mo-" Fran
eoaxed. "to think OF giving you pain.
dear iadyi I wouldn't hurt you for
anything In the world. and the per
son who would isn't worthy OF being
...A.A hv my foot" and Fran