The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-07-31

thrilled his soul, while through the re
fined ether of this pious JOY appeared
the loneliness 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. 1t was
enough if 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 if she had ap-
peared in answer to a summons, Il
am unhappy about you. Your deter
mination to have nothing to dc with
the church not only distresses but en-
harnesses ne. 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 a card in
my yard where a card was never seen
before"
DO you think cards are so very
wicked?" asked Fran, looking at him
curiously.
You know what | think look on
gambling as immoral But it ought to
be enough for me simply to FORBID it,"
She closed the door, and placed
her back against it. 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 Frans keeping.
How Grace would shrink from HIM, if
she knew the truth-how that mag
nifcent figure would turn its back
upon him-and those scornful, imperi-
Gus. neyer-faltering eyes.
Fran drew nearer. She seated her
self upon the arm of a chair one foot
on the floor, and spoke with restrained
intensity: I'm we'll enough educated.
l can take dictation and make good
copy"
He allowed his tone to sound def
ance-'I already have a secretary"
Fran continued with an effort,
Mother didn't like studying, very we'll.
but She was determined to get me out
of the condition l 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 reflected-"lf this child had
not come, had not intruded herself
upon my life! Haven't | suffered
enough for my follies ?"
when mother died" Fran resumed.
she thought maybe Uncle Ephraim
had melloWed, so | went to him, be-
cause l thought l couldn't get along
without love" She shook her head,
with a pathetic little smile Put |
could! Uncle Ephraim didn't mellow,
he dried up He blamed me for being
born-I think, myself it was a mis-
take. He turned me out. but | was
so tough | just couldn't be winter
killed. After that | went back TO the
show and stocked up in experience
| mention it to point out that a 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. 70 exercise such talents as
| have, is my religion, and | need a
helper whose eyes are fixed upon the
higher life. This is final, and the sub
ject 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 60"
She shall do nothing of the sort"
he coldly responded
Yes" Fran retorted violently, a
tell you she must go!"
He struck the table with his palm
Never"
Shall l use my last resource ."
Frans eyes cleaned ominously.
The hand upon the table became a
fist. That was his only reply.
q would entreat you" said. Fran,
faltering, and with tears-but what
good would it do? None There's no
use 7or one woman to weep if another