Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1913-08-23

Hamilton Gregory took her IN his
arms and held her to his breast.
Fran" he said brokenly. my unfor-
tunate child my daughter-oh,
why were you born?"
Yes" sobbsd Fran, resting her
head upon his bosom, yes. why was
born?"
You break my heart" he sobbed
with her. Fran, say the word, and
will tell everything; l will acknowl-
edge you as my daughter, and if my
wife"
Fran shook her head. you owe no
more to my mother than TO her," she
said, catching her breath. INC. the
secret must be kept-always. Father
i must never call you that except
when We are alone-I must always
whisper it. like a 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 bewildermcnt,
as if 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
emotions that she failed to hear ad-
vancing footsteps.
Some one is coming" he exclaimed,
with illconcealed relief. I'VE 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 so 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"
II 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
81 am here" she steadily persisted.
because / learned something that
affects my interests. ! went part of
the way with Mr. Clinton, but after
thinking over what had been told me,
l decided to leave the train at the next
station. | have been driven back in a
carriage. | may as well tell you, Mr..
Gregory, that ] am urged to accept
responsible position in Chicago"
He understood that she referred to
marriage with Robert Clinton. But"
he began, very pale.
She repeated, "A responsible posi-
ton in Chicago. And / was told. this
morning, that while | was away. Fran
meRt to apply for the secretaryship
thus taking advantage of my absence"
Fran's face looked oddly white and
old, in it's oval of black hair. Who
told you this truth ?" she demanded,
with a menacing CLEAN of teeth.
who knew of your Intentions" the
other gracefully said. But this is no
matter. The point is that | have this
Chicago opportunity. SO if Mr.. Greg
DRY wants to employ you, must know
it at once. to make my arrangenle nts
accordingly"
Can you imagine" Hamilton cried
reproachfully, that without any warn.
ing, | would make change? Certain
" not. have no intention of employ
ing Fran. The idea is impossible.
More than that, it is-er-it is abso-
lutely preposterous. Would | calmly
tear down what you and | have been
building up so carefully"
Then you had already refused Fran
before / came?"
Il had-hadn't /, Franz
Fran gave her father a look such
as had never before come into her
dark eyes-a look of reproach, look
that said, 81 cannot fight back because
OF the agony in my heart" She went
away silent and with downcast head.