The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-09-06

his Inconsistencies. Why did this
stranger speak of Miss Grace Noir as
the lady who isn't Mrs. Gregory"
The young man at times had caught
himself thinking of her in just that
way.
School superintendents do not enjoy
being mystified. Really" Abbott de-
clared abruptly. Il must go back to
the meeting"
Fran had heard enough about his
leaving her. She decided to stop that
once and for all. If you 60 back,
go. tool" she said conclusively. She
gave him a look to show that she
meant it, then became all humility.
Please don't be cross with little
Nonpareib" she coaxed. please don't
want to 60 back to that meeting
Please don't want to leave me. You
are so learned and old and SO strong
you don't care why a little girl
laughs"
Fran tilted her head sidewise, and
the glance Of her eyes proved irresist.
ible. But tell me about Mr.. Greg
ory," she pleaded. and don't mind my
ways. Ever since mother died I've
found nothing in this world but love
that was for somebody else, and
trouble that was for me-
The pathetic cadence of the slender
throated tones moved Abbott more
than he cared to show.
IF you're In trouble" he exclaimed
you've sought the right helper in Mr.
Gregory. He's the richest man in the
county, yet lives so simply, 30 fru
gally-they keep few servants-and
all because he wants to do good with
his money. l think Mr.. Gregory is one
OF the best men that ever lived"
Fran asked with simplicity, "Grea,
church worker"
Hes as good as he is rich. He
never misses a service. | can't give
the time to 1t that he does-to the
church, I mean; have the ambition
to hold, one day, a chair at Yale OF
Harvard-that means to teach in q
university" he broke of, in explana
ton.
You see," with a deprecatory
smile, 81 want to make myself felt In
the world"
Fran's eyes shone with an unspoker
"Hurrah!" and as he met her gaze, he
felt thrill Of pleasure from the i'm
preston that he was what she want
ed him to be.
Fran allowed his soul to battle q
while in divine eyebeams of flatterinf
approval, then gave him little sting
to bring him to life. you are pretty
old, not to be married." she remarked
81 hope you won't find some woman t.
put an end to your high intentions
but men generally do. Men fall II
love, and when they finally pull them
selves out, they've lost sight of the
shore they were headed for"
A slight color stole to Abbott's face
In fact. he was rather hard hit Thi.
wandering child was no doubt witch
He looked in the direction Of the tent
as IL to escape the weaving Of hel
magic But he only said. THAT sound,
l-er-practical"
YES" said Fran. wondering whit
"the woman" was, IF you can't b,
practical, there's no use to be. Well
can see you now, at the head o
some university-you'll make 1t, be
cause you're 30 much like me. Why
when they first began teaching me t.
feed Good gracious! What am
talking about7" She hurried on, al
IL to cover her confusion. but
haven't got az far in books as 20,
have. so I'm nos religious"
Books aren't religion" he remon
strated. then added with unnecessar!
gentleness, Little Nonpareil! Wha
an ideal"
Eyes, books are" retorted Fran
shaking back her hair. swinging he
foot, and twisting her body impatient
ly. That's the only kind Of religion
In know anything about-just books
Just doctrines; what you ought to be
lieve and how you ought to act-al
nicely printed and bound between Gov
ers. Did you ever meet any religion
outside of q book, moving up an,
down. going about in the open!"
He answered in perfect confidence
"Mr. Gregory lives his religion daily
the kind that helps people. that make
the unfortunate happy"
Fran was not hopeful. We'll, ~
come all the way from New York I,
! see him. I hope he can make m