Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1913-12-05

thrilled his soul, while through the re-
fined ether of this pious Joy appeared
the loveliness of Grace Noir, lending
something like spiritual sensuousness
to his, vision of duty.
He did not want the applause Of
the general public any more than he
wanted his past unearthed. It was
enough II his philanthropy was known
to God and Grace Noir. She stood. to
his mind, as a symbol Of religion
there can be no harm in reverencing
symbols.
Fran's eyes drew him abruptly from
his reverie.
Fran" he said, as II she had ap-
peared in answer to q summons. II
am unhappy about you. Your deter
mination to have nothing to do with
the church not only distresses but en-
harnesses me. You have insisted on
coming into my life. Then why do
you disgrace It? You pretend that you
want to be liked by US. yet you play
cards with strangers at night-it's out
rageous. You even threw q card In
my yard where card was never seen
before"
DO you think cards are 30 very
wtcked!' asked Fran, looking at him
.curiously.
you know what think. I look on
gambling as immoral But ID ought to
be enough. for me simply to forbid It."
She closed the door, and placed
her back against 1t. She looked him
in the eyes. and said abruptly
Il want to be your secretary"
Hamilton gripped his chair. Il have
secretary" he retorted, looking at
her resentfully. He checked words he
would have liked to utter. on rejecting
that his secret was In Fran's keeping.
How Grace would shrink from him. IL
she knew the truth-how that mag
nificent figure would turn it's back
upon lhim-and those scornful, imperi-
Gus. neverfaltering eyes.
Fran drew nearer. She seated her
self upon the arm Of chair, one foot
on the floor. and spoke with restrained
intensity: I'm well enough educated.
can take dictation and make good
copy" s,,g
He allowed his tone to sound def
ance-'I already have a secretary"
Fran continued with an effort,
Mother didn't like studying. very well.
but she was determined to get me out
Of the condition was born in; she
taught me all she knew. Wasn't she
splendid! So patient" Fran paused,
and stared straight before her. straight
into the memory of her mothers eyes.
Gregory refiected-'If this child had
not come. had not intruded herself
upon my life! Haven't / suffered
enough for my folliesf"
When mother died." Fran resumed,
she thought maybe Uncle EphrAim
had mellowed, so ] went to him. be-
cause / thought l couldn't get along
without love-" She shook her head,
with q pathetic little smile. But /
could! Uncle Ephraim didn't mellow,
he dried up. He blamed me for being
born@I think, myself, II was a mis-
take. He turned me out. but l was
so tough Just couldn't be winter
killed. After that l went back to the
show and stocked up in experience
mention 1t to point out that mild
Job like being your private secretary
wouldn't strain a muscle"
Gregory's voice cut across hers. MY
secretary must be in sympathy with
my work To exercise such talents as
Il have. is my religion. and ! need a
helper whose eyes are fixed upon the
higher lifes This is final. and the sub
jectl must never be reopened. find
it very painful"
Fran's discovery that he had not
heard her plea, crimsoned her face.
She jumped from the armchair.
breathing rapidly. Then" she cried,
IF you won't have me, get another
The one you have must CO."
She shall do nothing of the sort. /"
he coldly responded.
"Yes," Fran retorted violently, II
tell you she must go!"
He struck the table with his palm.
Never"
Shall / use my last resourcef 70
Fran's eyes cleaned ominously.
The hand upon the table became a
fist That was his only reply.
II would entreat you" said Fran,
faltering. "and with tears-but what
good would 1t do? None. There's no
H. A.