Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1913-10-31
rep she asked with admirable T

m -" she asked with admirable re-
stAalnt.
miss Grace!" Hamilton Gregory ex-
clNimed, disturbed. 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. Franz" she ex-
claimed reproachfully.
Old Mrs. Jefferson stared from the
girl seated at the table to the erect
secretary, and her eyes kindled with
admiration. 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, ever
come at sight of Mrs. Gregory's dis
tress. "Sit down, Miss Noir. Let me
be the one to leave the room. since 1t
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.
Don't you bother about me-" Fran
coaxed; Ito think of giving you pain.
dear ladyi / wouldn't hurt you for
anything in the world, and the per-
son who would isn't worthy of being
touched by my foot" and Fran
stamped her foot. IF it'll make you
a mite happier, I'll go to church, and
Sunday -school, and prayer meeting,
and the young peoples society, and the
Ladies' Aid, and the missionary 80
ciety, and the choir practice, and the
night service and-and-" She darted
from the room.
Grace looked at Gregory. seeming
to ask him If, after this outrageous be.
havior, he would suffer Fran to dwell
under his roof. OF course, Mrs. Greg
DRY did not count; Grace made no at
tempt to understand this woman who
while seemingly of a yielding nature
could show such hardness, such a fixed
purpose In separating herself from her
husbands spiritual adventures. II
made Grace feel so sorry for the hus
band that she quietly resumed heI
place at the table.
Grace was now more than ever re
solved that she would drive Fran
await had become a religious duty
How could 1t be accomplished? The
way was already prepared; the secre
tary was convinced that Fran was ar
impostor. 1t was merely needful tc
/ h. 81 4 81 he
ter of Gregory's dead friend. Grace
would have to delve into the past. pos
sibly visit the scenes of Gregory'I
youth-but 1t would pay. She looked
at her employer with an air suggest
ing protection.
Gregory's face relaxed on f1ndini
himself once more near her. Fortu
nately for his peace of mind, he coult
not read the purpose hidden behint
those beautiful eyes.
81 wonder" Simon jefferson growled
why somebody doesn't badger me Il
go to church," Indignant becaus,
Fran had fed the pleasing fields o
his interested vision. he paused. a
II to invite antagonism.
He announced This talk has excit
ed me. II we can't live and let live
I'll 60 and take my meals at Mis-
Sapphire Clinton's."
: No one dared to answer him. no
4 even Grace. He marched into the gar
{ den where Fran sat huddled upon
rustic bench. II was just saying.
: Simon told her ingratiatingly, that
r all this TODD over religion isn't put
I stop to, I'll take my meals at the Cir
: tons'!"
' Fran looked up at him without mo,
ing her chin from her palms, and aske
: as she tried. apparently. to tie he
|. feet into a knot, Isn't that wher
v Abbott Ashton boards?"
d do you mean Professor Ashton?
d he returned, with subtle reproof
o Fran, still detected, nodded careless
r ly. Were both after the same man.
n Simon lit the pipe which his phys
/ clan had warned him was bad for hi
heart. Eyes, Professor Ashton board
: at the Clintons'."
/ Must be awfully jolly at the Gil
v TONS" Fran said wistfully.