Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-05-22
CHAPTER XIII

vJ-AAls
CHAPTER XIII
0r1oe eapeasSe tf,s outposts.
Tho next evening there was choir
practice Ct the Walnut Street church.
Abbott Ashton, hedtattng to make his
nightly plunge into the dustclouds of
learning, paused In the vestibule to
take q peep at Grace. He knew she
never missed choir practice. for
though she could neither sing nor play
the organ, she thought it her duty to
set IN example Of regular attendance
that might be the means Of bringing
those Who could do one or the other.
Abbott was not disappointed: but he
was surprised to go Mrs. Jefferson in
her wheelcha Ct the end Of the pew
occupied by tho secretary, while be-
tween them sat Mrs. Gregory. His sur
prise became establishment on discov-
eFing Fran ana Simon Jefferson in the
choir loft, styly whispering and nib
bling candy, with the air Of soldiers of
duty-for the choir was in the throes
OF solo.
Abbott, a. II hypnotized by what he
had seem. slowly entered the auditori-
UNI. Frans keen eyes discovered him,
and her face showed elflsh mischief.
Grace. following Fran's eyes. found
the cause Of the odd smile. and beck
oned to Abbott. Hamilton Gregory,
following Grace's Chancellor he saw
hvsk f>Ao AZ M .N~
she inspired him with deepest fervor-
felt suddenly rs IL he had lost some
thing; he hsd often experienced the
same sensation on seeing Grace ap
preached by some unattached gentle.
man.
Grace motioned to Abbott to sit be-
side her. with . concentration Of at.
'tention that shoyed her purpose Of
reaching a definite goal unsupported
by the other.
I'm SO glad Fran has taken place
in the choir" Abbott Whispered to
Grace. "And look at Simon Jefferson
who'd have thought til"
Grace looked at Simon Jefferson /;
she also looked 1t Fran. but her com.
pressed lips and reprovins eye ex
pressed mono Of Abbott's gladness.
However. she responded With an
80 glad you afe here, Professor Ash
ton. for I'm IN trouble. and can't de.
eide which way It IL my duty to turn.
VIM you help met I am going to
trust you-at isA matter relating to Mr.
Gregory"
Abbott was pleased that she should
think him competent to advise her 70
speeding her duty: 1t tho same time
he regretted that her confidence re
lated to Mr.. Gregory.
Professor Ashton" she said softly
docs my position - 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. It fall from heaven like man.
IA upon his soul, blending divinaly
with tho secretarys voice. Her ex'
preston hired" sounded like q tragic
inote-to think Of one 90 beautiful. 90
meek, 90 surrounded by mellow hymn,
notes, being hired!
you hesitate to advise ma, before
you know al. she said, and you are
right In q moment the choir will be
singing louder. and we can all talk to.
gether. Mrs. Gregory should be con
suited, too"
Grace. conscious Of doing all that
one could In consulting Mrs. Gregory
."too,s looked toward the choir loft
and smiled into Hamilton Gregory'e
eyes. How his baton. inspired by that
smile. cut magic runes in the air!
"Mrs. Gregory" Grace said In Low
tvoioe II suppose Professor Ashton ID
10 surprised at seeing you In church
it has been more than five months,
hasn't It? that I'm afraid he
isn't thinking about what I'm saying
Mr.. Gregory could not help feeling
IN the way, because her husband
seemed to share Grace's feeling. In.
stinctively she turned to her mother
and laid her hand on the invalid'a
arm.
"They amt botherins me, Lucy
said the old lady. aleEtly. II can't