The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-07-31
Noir just die?
! :

she comes now.
Fran left the disconsolate young
man in wild precipitation, and flew
into the house. He turned off liz an
other direction, and Gregory and Grace
came slowly toward the house, having,
without much difficulty, eliminated
Simon Jefferson from their company.
In truth, Simon, rather than be i'm
proved by their conversation. had
dived down a back alley, and found
entrance through the side door. When
Hamilton Gregory and his secretary
came into the reception hall, the old
bachelor lay upon a divan thinking of
his weak heart-Fran's flight from
the choir loft had reminded him of it
and Mrs. Jefferson was tanning him,
as If he were never to be a grown
man. Mrs. Gregory sat near the
group, silently embroidering in white
silk. Fran had hastily thrown herself
upon the stairway and, with half
closed eyes, looked as if she had been
there long time.
Fran said Mrs. Gregory colby.
you left the choir practice before we
were two-thirds done. Of course |
could hardly expect you'-he looked
at his wile-"to stay. although your
presence would certainly have kept
Fran there; and it does look as if
we should be willing to resort to any
expedient to keep her there!"
How would a lock and chain do?"
Fran inquired meekly.
Il don't think she came straight
home, either" remarked Grace Noir
significantly. Did you, Franz"
Miss Noir," said Fran, smiling at
her through the banister-slats, you
are so satisfactory; you always say
just about what l expect. Yes, ] came
straight home. I'm glad it's your bust
ness, so you could ask"
Hamilton Gregory turned to his
wife again, with restraint more
marked. Next Sunday is roll-call day,
Mrs. Gregory. The board has decided
to revise the lists. We've been carry
ing so many names that it's burden
to the church. The world reproaches
US, saying, Isn't So-and-so a member?
He never attends, does he% do
hope you viii go next Sunday"
Mrs. Gregory looked down at her
work thoushtfully, then said, Mother
would be left"
It's just this way" her husband in
terposed abruptly: IF no excuses. such
as sickness, are sent and if the people
haven't been coming for months, and
don't intend coming, we are simply
determined to drop the names-strike
EN- out. We believe church members
should show where they stand. And
and if you"
Mrs. Gregory looked up quietly.
Her voice seemed woven of the silk
threads she was stitching in the white
pattern. IF | am not a member of
the church, sitting an hour in the
building couldn't make me one"
Simon Jefferson cried out. rs that
my sister Lucy? Blessed if thought
she had so much spirit"
DO you call that spirit?" returned
Gregory with displeasure.
Well" snorted Simon, what do
you call it, them"
Perhaps" responded Gregory, with
marked disapprobation, perhaps it
was spirit"
Grace, still attired for the street,
looked down upon Mrs. Gregory as if
turned to stone. Her beautiful face
expressed something like a horror at
the others irreverence.
Fran shook back her hair, and
watched with cleaning eyes from be-
hind the Stats. not unlike a small
wild creature peering from its cage.
Oh cried Fran, Miss Noir feels
so bad"
Grace swept from the hall, her
rounded figure instinct with the suffer
ings of a martyr.
Fran murmured, THAT killed her!"
And you" cried Gregory turning
suddenly in blind anger upon the
other-"you don't care whose heart
you break"
Il haven't any power over hearts,"
retorted Fran, gripping her fingers till
her hands were little white balls. "Oh,
if l only had! I'd get at 'em If
could-Iike this ="
She leared to her feet.
Am I always to be defied by you?"
he exclaimed; lis there to be no end
to it? But suppose l put an end to