The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-09-13

repeated vacantly, 81 am willing tC
pay"
Fran interrupted f1ippantly: Il have
all the money l want" Then she
passed swiftly into the hall, rudely
brushing past the secretary.
Gregory could only follow. He spoke
to Grace in low voice. telling all he
knew of the night wanderer. Her
attitude called for explanations, but
he would have given them anyway. in
that low, confidential murmur. He
did not know why it was-or seek to
know-but whenever he spoke to
Grace, ii was natural to use a low
tone. as IL modulating his touch to
sensitive strings-as II the harmony
resulting from the interplay Of their
souls called for the soft pedal
What Is to be done?" Grace in
quired. Her attitude of reserve to-
ward Gregory which Fran's presence
had inspired. melted to potential help
fulness; at the same time her dislike
for the girl solicited.
What do you adviser? Gregory
asked MS secretary gently.
Grace cast disdainful look at Fran
Then che turned to her employer and
her deliciously curved face changed
most charmingly. Il think" she re-
sponded with faint shake of rebuke
for his leniency, that you should not
need my advice in this matter" Why
should he stand apparently helpless
before this small bundle Of arrogant
impudence?
Gregory turned upon Fran with af-
fected harshness. You must CO." He
was annoyed that Grace should imag-
inc him weak.
Fran's face hardened. 1t became an
AK of stone, sharpened at each end.
with eyes, nose and mouth in a mar
row line Of cold defiance. To Grace
the acute wedge of white forehead
cleaning its way to the roots of the
black hair. and the sharp chin cut
ting its way down from the tightly
drawn mouth. spoke only of cunning.
She regarded Fran as a fox, brought
to bay.
Fran spoke with calm elaboration:
II am not going away"
Il would advise you.' said Grace,
looking down at her from under droop-
ing lids. ito go at once, for a storm is
rising. Do you want to be caught in
the rain?"
Fran looked up at Grace, undaunt-
ed. 81 want to speak to Mr.. Greg
DRY. II you are the manager of this
house, he and | can go outdoors.
don't mind getting wet I've been in
all kinds of weather"
Grace looked at Gregory. Her ST.
lences were effective weapons.
81 have no secrets from this lady,"
he said, looking into Grace's eyes, an
swering her silence. What do you
want to say to me. child"
Fran shrugged her shoulders, always
looking at Grace. while neither of the
others looked at her. Very well. |
then, OF course 1t doesn't matter to |
me, but ] thought it might to Mr..
Gregory. Since he hasn't any secrets |
from you, Of course he has told you
that one Of nearly twenty years ago"
II was not the rumble of distant
thunder. but a strange exclamation
from the man that interrupted her; 1t
was some such cry as human crea-
lures may have uttered before the
crystallizing of recurring experiences
into the terms of speech.
Fran gave quick, relentless blows:
"Of course he has told you all about
his Springfield life"
"Silence!" shouted Gregory, culver
ing from head to foot. The word was
like an imprecation, and for a time II
kept kissing between his locked teeth.
And OF course" Fran continued.
fitting up her chin as II to drive In
the words. since you know all Of his
secrets-all Of them-you have natu.
rally been told the most important
one. And SO you know that when he
was boarding with his cousin in
Springfield and attending the college
there. something like twenty years
ago"
Leave u.s." Gregory cried, waving
a violent arm at his secretary. as if
to sweep her beyond the possibility
Of overhearing another word
Leave you-with herr" Grace STAN
mered. too amazed by his attitude to
feel offended
Yes. yes. yes! Go at oncei" He