The state herald., 1913-11-07

Hamilton Gregory took her in his
arms and held her to his breast.
Fran" he said brokeniy, my unfor-
tunate child my daughter-oh.
why were you born?"
"Yes," sobbed Fran, resting her
head upon his bosom, yes, why was
I born?"
you break my heart" he sobbed
with her. Fran, say the word, and
l will tell everything; will acknowl-
edge you as my daughter. and II my
wife"
Fran shook her head. You owe no
more to my mother than to her." she
said. catching her breath. mo. the
secret must be kept-always. Father
i must never call you that except
when we are alone-I must always
whisper 1t. like prayer-father, let
me be your secretary"
1t was strange that this request
should surround Fran with the chill
atmosphere of tomb. His embrace
relaxed insensibly. He looked at his
daughter in frightened bewildermont,
as II afraid she had drawn him too
far from his security for further hid
ing. During the silence. she awaited
his decision.
1t was because OF her tumultuous
vancing footsteps.
Some one is coming" he exclaimed.
with ill-concealed relief. 1--WE mustn't
be seen thus-we would be misunder-
stood" He strobe to the window. and
pretended to look out His face
cleared momentarily.
The door opened. and Grace Noir
started in. then paused significantly
Am interrupting?" she asked. In
quiescent accent.
Certainly not" Gregory brea;hed
freedom. His surprise was 80 joyful
that he was carried beyond himself
Grace! It's Grace! Then you didn't
go to the city with Bob. There wasn't
any train"
81 am here" began Grace easily
"Yes, OF course, that's the main
thing" his delight could not be held
in check. you are here. indeed! And
you are looking-I mean you look
WE'LL mean you are not ill-your re-
turn is SO unexpected"
II am. here" she steadily persisted
because learned something that
affects my interests. I went part OF
the way with Mr. Clinton, but after
thinking over what had Seen told me
I decided TO leave the train at the mex,
station. l have been driven back In a
carriage. may as well tell you. Mr.
Gregory. that am urged to accept q
responsible position In Chicago"
He understood that she referred "a
marriage with Robert Clinton. but
he began. very pale.
She repeated. "A responsible posi-
ton In Chicago. And I was told. this
morning. that while was away. Fran
meant to apply for the secretaryship
thus taking advantage OF my absence.
Fran's face looked oddly white ant
old. In Its oval OF black hair. "whe
told you this TRUTH" she demanded
with n menacing CLEAN OF teeth.
who knew Of your intentions:" the
other gracefully said. But this In nc
matter. The point is that have thi,
Chicago opportunity. So II Mr.. Greg
ory wants to employ you. must know
It at once. to make my arrsnseme nti
accordingly"
"Can you imagine" Hamilton cried
rcproachfuliy. that without any warn
ing. I would make changer Certain
iy not have no intention OF employ
ing Fran. The idea is impossible
More than that. II ls-er-it Is abso
lutely preposterous. Would I caimly
tear down what you and have been
building up NO carefully"
Then you had already refused Fran
before | camey"
II had-hadnt !. Franz"
Fran gave her father n look such
as had mover before come into heI
dark cyes--n look OF rcproach. n look
that said. 81 cannot night back because
OF the agony In my heart" She wen,
away silent and with downcast head
CHAPTER XIV