Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-02-13
CHAPTER XII.
Grace Captures the outposts.

Grace Captures the Outposts.
The next evening there was choir
practice at the Walnut street church.
Abbott Ashton, hesitating to make his
nightly plunge into the dust-clouds OF
learning. paused in the vestibule to
take a peep at Grace. 1t always
rested him to look at her; he meant
to drink her in, as 1t were, to cool his
parched soul, then make dash at his
stack of examination papers. He knew
she never missed choir practice, for
though she could neither sing, nor
play the organ, she thought 1t her duty
| to set an example of regular attend
ance that might be the means OF
bringing those who could do one or
the other.
! Abbott was not disappointed; but he
was surprised to see Mrs. Jefferson in
her wheelchair at the end of the pew
! occupied by the secretary, while be-
tween them sat Mrs. Gregory. His
surprise became establishment on dis
covering Fran and Simon Jefferson in
+ the choir, slyly whispering and nib
bling candy, with the air of soldiers
off duty-for the choir was in the
throes of solo.
Abbott. as II hypnotized by what he
had seen, slowly entered the auditori-
UNI. Fran's keen eyes discovered him,
and her face showed elfish mischief
Grace, following Fran's eyes, found
the cause Of the odd smile, and beck
oned to Abbott. Hamilton Gregory,
following Grace's glance-for he saw
no one but her at the practices, since
she inspired him with deepest fervor
felt suddenly as II he had lost some
thing; he had often experienced the
same sensation on seeing Grace APP
preached by some unattached gentle-
man.
Grace motioned to Abbott to sit be-
side her, with a concentration OF at
tention that showed, her purpose OF
reaching definite goal unsupported
by the other. On account of the solo,
there were the briefest of whispered
greetings to Mrs. Gregory, and mere
ly wave to old Mrs. Jefferson.
I'm so glad Fran has taken a place
in the choir" Abbott whispered to
Grace. And look at Simon Jefferson
/ who'd have thought it,"
Grace looked at Simon Jefferson:
she also looked at Fran, but her COM
pressed lips and reproving eye ex-
pressed none Of Abbott's gladness.
However, she responded With am
so glad you are here, Professor Ash
ton, for I'm in trouble, and can't de.
eide which way 1t is my duty to turn.
Will you help me? am going to
trust you--it is matter relating to
Mr. Gregory"
Abbott was pleased that she should
think him competent to advise her re-
specting her duty; at the same time he
regretted that her confidence related
to Mr. Gregory. 1t came vaguely to
his mind that 1t was always like that
which was natural, though, since he
was her employer.
Professor Ashton" she said softly.
docs my position as hired secretary
to Mr.. Gregory carry with it the obli-
cation to warn him of any misconduct
in his Householder"
The solo was dying away, and sweet
and low, 1t fell from heaven like man.
ma upon his soul, blending divinely
with the secretary's voice. Her ex-
preston hired" sounded like tragic
note-to think OF one 80 beautiful, so
meek, so surrounded by mellow hymn
notes, being hired! He had lost the
vision Of his career In mists Of an at
tenuated Grace Noir. AS the material
skirts Of the spiritual Grace Noir
brushed his leg, it was as II, for mo-
ment, his veins ran muslin and pink
ribbons.
you hesitate to advise me, before
you know all" she said, "and you are
right. In a moment the choir will be
singing louder, and we can all talk to-
gether. Mrs. Gregory should be con.
suited, too
To Be Continued