Putnam patriot., 1913-05-09
CHAPTER TX.
Skirmishinq.

Skirmlshing.
 Fran made no delay in planning her campaign against Grace Noir. Now that her position in Hamilton Greg ory's household was assured, she re- solved to seek support from Abbott Ashton. That is why, one afternoon, Abbott met her in the lower hall Of the public school, after the other pu- pills had gone, and supposed he was meeting her by accident.
 Good evening, Nonpareil," he said, pleased that her name should have come to him at once. His attentive look found her different from the night of their meeting; she had lost her elf ish smile and with it the romance of the unknown and unexpected. Was 1t because, at half-past four, ones charm is at lowest ebb? The janitor was sweeping down the hall stairs. The very air was filled with dusty realism Fran was no longer pretty; he had thought
 Then you haven't forgotten me-" murmured Fran.
 "No." he answered. proud of the fact You have made your home with Mir. Gregory. You are in Miss Bulls classroom. knew MT Gregory would befriend you-he's one of the best men living. You should be very happy there"
 No" said Fran, shaking her head decidedly, mot happy"
 He was rather glad the janitor was sweeping them out of the house. You must find it pretty hard" he remarked, with covert reproaeh, "to keep from being happy"
 Tt isn't at all hard for me-" Fran assured him. as she paused on the front steps. Really, it's easy to be unhappy where Miss Grace Noir is."
 It happened that just then the name Grace Noir was a sort of talisman opening to the young mans vision the interior of wonderful treasure-caves; it was like crying "Sesame!" to the very rocks, for though he was not in love with Gregorys secretary, he fancied the day of fate was not far ahead
 He had no time to seek fair and TO- mantle ladies. Five years ago, Grace Noir had come from Chicago as if to spare him the trouble of a search. Fate seemed to thrust her between his eyes and the pages of his text books. Abbott never felt so unworthy as when in her presence; an unerring instinct seemed to have provided her with an absolute standard of right and wrong, and she was so invariably right that no human affection was worthy of her unless refined seven times. Within himself, Abbott discovered dross.
 Try to be good girl, Fran" he counseled. Be good, and your asso- citation with Miss Noir will prove the happiest experience of your life"
 Be good" she returned mockingly, "and you will be Miss Noir.. Then she twisted her mouth. "She makes me feel like tearing up things. I don't like her. l hoped you'd be on my side"
 He came down the steps gravely. "She is my friend"
 I'm a good deal like you," Fran declared, following. "I can like most anything and anybody; but I can't go that far. We'll, don't like Miss Noir and she doesn't like me-isn't that fair?"
 Examine yourself" he advised, "and find out what it is in you that she doesn't like; then get rid of what you find"
 "Huh!" Fran exclaimed, I'm going to get rid of her, all right"
 He saw the old elfish smile now when he least wanted to see it, for 1t threatened the secretary, mocked the grave superintendent, and asserted the girls right to like whom she pleased Self-respect and loyalty to Grace hast ened Abbott's departure. leaving the spirit of mockery to escape the jani- tors broom as best 1t might.
 Fran escaped. recognizing defeat; but on her homeward way, she was already preparing herself for the next, move So intent was she in estimat- ing the forces of both sides. that she gave no heed to the watchful faces at cottage windows, she did not recog- nize the infrequent passers-by, nor ob- serve the occasional buggies that creaked along the rutted road. With, Grace stood, of course. Hamilton Greg ory; and. judging from Bob Clinton's regular visits, and his particular atten- tions to Grace. Fran classed him also as victim of the enemy. It now seemed that Abbott 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. and an old lady with an ear-trumpet. The odds. were terribly against her.
 The first light skirmish between Fran and Grace took place on Sunday. All the Gregory household were at late breakfast Sunday-school bells vsfs ringing their first call. and there