Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-02-08

sne doesn't IKE; tnen get RID or what
you flnd." 'r
"Huh!" Fran exclaimed. I'm going
to get rid of her, all right"
He saw the old elflsh smile now
when he least wanted to see it. for 1t
threatened the secretary Knocked the
grave superintendent, and asserted
the girls right to like whom she
pleased. Self.respect and loyalty to
Grace fastened Abbott's departure,
leaving the spirit Of mockery to es-
cape the janitor's broom as best it
might.
Fran escaped, recognizing defeat;
but on her homeward way. she was al
ready preparing herself for the next
move. So intent was she in estimating
the forces on both sides, that she gave
tage windows. she did not recognize the
infrequent passers.by, nor observe the
occasional buggies that creaked along
the rutted road. With Grace stood. Of
course, Hamilton Gregory: and. iudg-
ing from Bob Clinton's regular visits,
and his particular attentions to Grace,
Fran classed him also as a victim Of
the enemy. 1t now seemed that Alb
bolt Ashton followed the flag Noir:
and behind these three leaders, massed
the congregation Of Walnut Street
church, and presumably the town Of
Littleburg. .-
Fran could count for her support an
old bachelor with weak heart an old
lady with an ear-trumpet. The odds
were terribly against her.
ro,,k,o1 aA.~y AVA
most vitality concerned in the struggle
about to take place. Like the king
Of chess-board. Mrs. Gregory was
resolved, it would appear, to take not
even the one step within royal preroga.
tive. Fran wondered, her brow creas-
ing in baffled perplexity If it ever oc-
CURED to Mrs. Gregory that her hus-
band might, say at some far. far dis
tant day. grow too much interested in
his secretary? Did the wife perceive
his present rate OF interest. and fancy
at that rate, that he might not reach
a point beyond prudence? Surely she
must realize that, in the family econo-
N.Y. the secretary might be spared;
but II so. she made no sign.
The first light skirmish between
1Au vi uSC tooh pltt e VII ohhubf
All the Gregory household were at, a
late breakfast. Sunday-school bells
were ringing their first call. and there
was not cloud in the heavens as big
as a mans hand, to furnish excuse for
non-attendance.
The secretary fired the first shot.
Apropos Of nothing that had gone be-
fore, but as If It were an Integral part
OF the conversation. chn offered--"And,
Mrs. Gregory. it is so nice that YOU can
go to church now. since. if Fran doesn't
want to go. herself"
(Which she doesn't herself" Fran
interjected. ..' ~
80 I presumed" Grace remarked
Mrs. Gregory. Fran can
stay with your mother-since she
doesn't care for church-and you can
attend services as vo', did when first
came to Littleburg."
IT am sure" Mrs Gregory said
quietly, that it would be mu"h better
for Fran to go to church. She o"ght
to go-I don't like to think Of her stay.
ing away from the sorvices-and nv
duty is with mother -.
Grace said nothing. but the express
sion of her mouth seemed to crv alond.
Duty, indeed! What did Mrs Creeorv
know about duty. negla"t'~~ the Cod
who had made her. to STAY with an OH
lady who ought to be wheeled TO
church! Mrs. Gregorv was willing for
her husband to fight his Christian war
fare alone. But alone? No, not while
Grace could go with him. II all the
rest of Walnut Street church shorld
remain in tents of Indifference. she
and Hamilton Gregory would be found
on the field
Gregory coldlv addressed Fran
Then will you go to church," 1t was
as if he complained. Since my wife
won't"
81 might laugh" said Fran. 81 don't
religion"
Grace felt her purest ideals insulted.
She rose, a little pale. but without
rudeness "Will you please excuse
me?" she asked with admirable re-
straint.
"Miss Grace" Hamilton Gregory ex.
claimed. distressed. That she should
be driven from his table by an insult
to their religion was intolerable.
Miss Grace-forgive her"
Mrs. Gregory was pale, for she. too,
had felt the. blow. Fran" she ex-
claimed reproachfully. .~
Old Mrs. Jefferson stared from the
girl seated at the table to the erect
secretary. and her eyes kindled with
Had Fran commanded the
dragon" to "stand?"
Simon Jefferson held his head close
to his plate, as If hoping the storm
might pass over his head.
Don't go away" Fran cried. over.
come at sight of Mrs. Gregory's dis
tress. "Sit down. Miss Noir. Let me
be the one to leave the room. since it
isn't big enough for both of u.s." She
darted up. and ran to the head Of the
table.
Mrs. Gregory buried her face in her
hands. g..
Don't you bother about me-" Fran
coaxed; ito think of giving you pain,
dear lady. I wouldn't hurt you for
in the world, and the person
who would isn't worthy OF being touch.
ed by my foot" and Fran stamped her
foot. "If it'll make you mite happier,
III 20 to church, and Sunday school,
and prayer meeting. and the young
peoples society. and the Ladies Aid,
,,d tba missionary society and fhe