Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-05-15

Grace Noir was silent. She liked
Fran less than ever. but her look was
that Of hired secretary, saying,
with all this. have nothing to do"
Doubtless, when alone with Hamilton
Gregory. she would express her sim
cere conviction that the girls presence
would Interfere with his workout
! these others would not understand.
| Fran's Internationally had given
to Mrs. Gregbry's laugh a girlish note,
but almost at once her face resumed
its wonted gravity. Perhaps the
slight hollows in the cheeks had been
! pressed by the fingers of care, but it
was rather lack of light than presence
Of shadow. that told Fran something
was missing from the woman-heart.
In the meantime CID Mrs. Jefferson
had been looking ON with absorbed
attention, desperately seeking to tri-
umph over her enemy, deaf demon
that for years had taken possession Of
her. Now. with an impatient hand.
she bent her wheel-chair to her daugh-
ter's side and preferred her ear trum-
pet.
Mother" Mrs. Gregory called
through this ebony connector of souls,
This is Fran Derry, the daughter Of
Mr.. Gregory's dear friend, one he used
to know in New York. many years be-
fore he came to Littleburg. Fran is
an orphan, and needs home. We
have asked her to live with u.s.
Mrs. Jefferson did not always hear
l ~ HIT ohn a1xpo roonnnAor7 wit h
as much spirit as If her hearing were
never in doubt. "And what I'd like
to know" she cried, "is what you are
asking her to give u.s."
Grace Noir came forward with quiet
! resolution. Let me speak to your
mother" she said to Mrs. Gregory.
| Mrs. Gregory handed her the tube,
somewhat surprised, since Grace made
1t a point Of conscience seldom to talk
to the old lady. When Grace Noir
disapproved OF any one, she did not
think it right to conceal that fact.
Since Mrs. Jefferson absolutely re-
fused to attend religious services, al
leging as excuse that she could not
hear the sermon, refusing to offer up
the sacrifice Of her feshly presence
as an example to others-Grace disap.
proved most heartily.
Mrs. Jefferson held her head to the
trumpet shrinkingly, as If afraid Of
getting her ear tickled.
Grace spoke quietly. but distinctly,
as she indicated Fran-"You know
how hard 1t Is to get good servant in
Littleburg." Then she returned the
ear trumpet. That was all she had to
say. -
Fran looked at Mr.. Gregory.
He bit his lip. hoping it might 60
at that.
The old lady was greatly at sea.
Much as she disliked the secretary,
her news was grateful. BE sure to
stipulate," she said briskly, about
wheeling me around in the garden.
The last one wasn't told in the begin
ming. and had to be paid extra, every
time took the air. There's nothing
like an understanding at the begin
ming"
Fran walked up to Grace Noir and
shook back her hair in the way that
Grace particularly disliked. She said:
Nothing like an understanding at the
beginning; yes, the old lady's right.
Good thing to know what the trouble
| is, SO we'll know how it'll hit us.
guess I'm the trouble for this house,
but I'm going to hit it as the daugh-
| ter Of an old friend, and not as serv.
ant. I'm just about as Independent as
Patrick Henry, Miss Noir. I'm not re-
| sponsible for being born, but it's my
outlook to hold on to my equality"
"Fran!" exclaimed Mrs. Gregory.
| in mild reproof.
Grace looked at Mrs. Gregory and
nothing could have exceeded the saint
liness Of her expression. Insulted, she
was enjoying to the full her pious sat-
isfaction Of martyrdom.
Dear Mrs. Gregory" said Fran
kindly. I'm sorry to have to do this,