The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-09-25

thrilled his soul, while through the re-
fined ether of this pious Joy appeared
the loneliness of Grace Noir, lending
something like spiritual consciousness
to his vision of duty.
He did not want the applause of
the general public any more than he
wanted his past unearthed. 1t was
enough if his philanthropy was known
to God and Grace Noir. She stood, to
his mind. as a symbol of religion
there can be no harm in reverencing
symbols.
Frans eyes drew him abruptly from
his reverie.
Fran he said, as If she had ap-
peared in answer to a summons, Il
am unhappy about you. Your deter
mination to have nothing to do with
the church not only distresses but en-
harnesses me. You have insisted on
coming into my life. Then why do
you disgrace it? You pretend that you
want to be liked by US, yet you play
cards with strangers at night-it's out
rageous. You even threw a card in
my yard where card was never seen
before"
do you think cards are so very
wicked?" asked Fran. looking at him
curiously.
you know what | think. look on
gambling as immoral But it ought to
be enough for me simply to forbid it,"
She closed the door, and placed
her back against it. She looked him
in the eyes, and said abruptly
81 want to be your secretary"
Hamilton gripped his chair. II have
secretary" he retorted, looking at
her resentfully. He checked words he
would have liked to utter. on rejecting
that his secret was in Fran's keeping.
How Grace would shrink from him, If
she knew the truth-how that mag
nificent figure would turn its back
upon him-and those scornful, imperi-
Gus, never-faltering eyes.
Fran drew nearer. She seated her
self upon the arm of a chair, one foot
on the floor, and spoke with restrained
intensity: Pm we'll enough educated.
| can take dictation and make good
copy"
He allowed his tone to sound def
ance-''I already have a secretary"
Fran continued, with an effort,
Mother didn't like studying, very well,
but she was determined to get me out
of the condition / was born in; she
taught me all she knew. Wasn't she
splendid! So patient" Fran paused,
and stared straight before her, straight
into the memory of her mothers eyes.
Gregory refiected-"If this child had
not come, had not intruded herself
upon my life! Haven't ] suffered
enough for my follies?"
when mother died." Fran resumed,
''she thought maybe Uncle Ephraim
had mellowed, so | went to him, be-
cause | thought l couldn't get along
without love-" She shook her head,
| with a pathetic little smile. "cut |
could! Uncle Ephraim didn't mellow,
he dried up. He blamed me for being
born-I think, myself, it was mis-
take. He turned me out, but | was
| so tough | just couldn't be winter
killed. After that / went back to the
show and stocked up in experience
| mention it to point out that mild
job like being your private secretary
| wouldn't strain a muscle"
Gregory's voice cut across hers. MY
secretary must be in sympathy with
my work. To exercise such talents as
have, is my religion, and | need a
helper whose eyes are fixed upon the
higher life. This is final, and the sub
ject must never be reopened. | find
it very painful"
Fran's discovery that he had not
heard her plea, crimsoned her face
She jumped from the armchair
breathing rapidly. Then" she cried
'if you won't have me, get another
The one you have must CO."
"She shall do nothing of the sort.
he coldly responded.
"Yes," Fran retorted violently, &c
tell you she must go!"
He struck the table with his palm
"Never!"
Shall I use my last resource?
Fran's eyes cleaned ominously.
The hand upon the table became q
fist That was his only reply.
II would entreat you," said Fran
faltering, "and with tears-but what
good would it do? None. There's nc
use for one woman to weep II another