The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-09-10

such way as to throw doubt upon the
sex. Now that he realized how his
wife's Misunderstanding might save
him, he had not the courage to unde-
ceive her.
Fran waited for him to speak. The
delay had lost him the power to re.
veal the truth. Would Fran betray
him? He wished that the thunder
night drown out the sound of her
words, but the storm seemed holding
it's breath to listen.
Fran said quietly, "My mother died
three years ago."
Mrs. Gregory asked her husband,
did you ever tell me about this
friend? I'd remember from his name;
what was it?"
1t seemed impossible for him to ut.
ter the name which had sounded from
his lips SO often in love. He opened
his lips. but he could not saw Jose
phine." Besides, the last name would
do. Derry" he gasped.
Come here, Fran Derry" sai1 Mrs.
Gregory, reaching out her hand, with
that sweet smile that somehow made
Fran feel the dew of tears.
Hamilton Gregory plucked up spir.
It's. II couldn't turn away the daugh.
ter Of my old friend. You wouldn't
want me to do that. None of you
would. Now that I've explained ev-
erything. l hope thereIl be no objec.
ton to her staying here in the house.
that Is, If she wants to stay. She has
come to do it. she says-all the way
from New York."
Mrs. Gregory slipped her arm about
the Independent shoulders, and drew
the girl down beside her upon a diyan.
DO you know" she said gently, "you
are the very first Of all his New York
friends who has come into my life?
indeed. l am willing, and indeed you
shall stay with US. Just as long as you
will"
Fran asked impulsively, as she
clasped her hands, do you think you
could like me? Could-you?"
Dear child"-the answer was &C.
companied by a gentle pressure, "you
are the daughter of my husbands
friend. That's enough for me. You
need home, and you shall have one
with us. like you already, DEAR"
Tears dimmed Fran's eyes. "Ard
Just love you," she cried. my! What
q woman you are!"
Grace Noir was silent. She liked
Fran less than ever, but her look was
tnat or a hired secretary. saying.
with all this, have pothing to do"
doubtless, when alone with Hamilton
Gregory, she would express her sin.
cere conviction that the girls presence
would Interfere with his workout
these others would not understand.
Fran's unconventionality had given
to Mrs. Gregory's laugh a girlish note,
but almost at once her face resumed
Its wonted gravity. Perhaps the
slight hollows in the cheeks had been
pressed by the fingers Of care, but It
was rather lack Of light than presence
OF shadow, that told Fran something
was missing from the woman.heart.
In the meantime old Mrs. Jefferson
had been looking on with absorbed
attention, desperately seeking to tri-
umph over her enemy, deaf demon
that for years had taken possession of
her. Now. with an impatient hand,
she bent her wheel-chair to her daugh.
ter's side and proffered her ear trum-
pet.
Mother" Mrs. Gregory called
through this ebony connector of souls,
This Is Fran Derry, the daughter Of
Mr.. Gregory's dear friend, one he used
to know in New York. many years be.
fore he came to Littleburg. Fran is
an orphan. and needs a home. We
have asked her to live with U.s."
Mrs. Jefferson did not always hear
Alright, but she always responded with
as much spirit as If her hearing were
never in doubt. And what I'd like
to know" she cried, "is what you are
asking her to give u.s."
Grace Noir came forward with quiet
resolution. LET me speak to your
mother" she said to Mrs. Gregory.
Mrs. Gregory handed her the tube,
somewhat surprised, since Grace made
1t point Of conscience seldom to talk
to the old lady. When Grace Noir
disapproved Of any one, she did not
think it right to conceal that fact.
Since Mrs. Jefferson absolutely re-
fused to attend religious services, al
leging as excuse that she could not
hear the sermon, refusing to offer up
the sacrifice Of her fleshly presence
as an example to others-Grace disap-
proved most heartily.
Mrs. Jefferson held her head to the
trumpet shrinkingly. as If afraid Of
getting her ear tickled.
Grace spoke quietly, but distinctly,
as she indicated Fran-"You know
how hard 1t Is to get good servant in
Littleburg." Then she returned the
ear trumpet. That was all she had to
say.