The state herald., 1913-12-12

tuebe ucu We CduuOl 30 Ou Will OuT
work, without her."
Not for worlds would Mrs. Gregory
have betrayed her eagerness for Grace
to go. but for no consideration would
she have asked her to stay. "Mr.
Gregory" she responded. 81 cannot
conceive Of your being in the power of
business interests to such an extent
as to drive you to anything that seems
like taking your hearts blood"
II refuse!" cried Gregofy. again.
"Of course l refuse"
Very WE'LL" said Abbott, turning
But what are you going to do?"
Gregory asked shrinkingly
Il shall go now; my endeavor to
straighten out things-or rather to
keep everything peaceful and forgot
ten-comes to nothing, 1t seems. Good
evening. Mrs. Gregory"
But walt! Walt! Let us discuss
this alone"
1T is useless now. for the time has
expired"
That's right" Clinton confirmed.
clicking to his watch.
And all of 1t is going to be told?
Everything?"
Unless you will dismiss your sec
retary."
But you insult Miss Grace to speak
in that way. Good heavens. Abbott.
what are you doing? How can you
insult that-the best woman In the
world?"
There was moments silence. Then
Mrs. Gregory turned to her husband
and said quietly, IF Miss Noir is the
best woman In the world. you should
be the last man In the world to say
So"
He covered his face with his hands.
Everybody has turned against me"
he complained. II am the most miser-
able man on earth because for mere
caprice. for mere spite. for no earthly
good, 1t is the determination Of people
who have lost positions and the like,
to drive me wild"
Robert Clinton thumped the keys OF
the plano with one hand.
why. hello. Mr. Bob!" cried Fran
dancing into the room. 80 you're
back. are your" She shook hands
breezily.
Come back. Abbott, come back!'
called Gregory, discovering that the
young man was indeed going. you
} know what must do. II you drive
me to the wall. am obliged to dc
J what you say. State the condition
again II you have the courage to say
II aloud"
THE past will be forgotten" said
Abbott solemnly. III you give your
word that your secretary shall go In
the morning."
And you'll take me In her place.
spoke up Fran decidedly.
"The time Is up" said Clinton harsh
ly Its too late now. for | shal
tell"
: Il promise. promise!" Greeor,
(. cried out. In an agony OF fear. 81
promise. Yes. III dismiss her. Yes
she shall 60! Yes. let Fran have the
place"
DO ] understand you to dismis,
me. Mr.. Gregory" asked Grace. in Z
low concentrated tone. leaning slight
iy forward.
Fran turned on the lights to theil
fullest extent. and looked about ~itt
an elhsh smile.
Hamilton Gregory was mute.
Il have your promise" said Abbott
bowling graveIy. That's enough"
'Yes." groaned Gregory. but II II
Infamous"
Fran looked at Abbott inscrutably
Third tines the charm" she said Ia
n whisper. I'm proud OF you thi,
time. Abbott
Grace turned with cold dignity. ant
moved slowly toward the hall door.
Fran slipped between Clinton ant
the piano. and began to play softly
carelessly with one hand. while she
watched the retreating figure.
In n very short time. Gregory found
himself alone In the parlor. Abbott
and Clinton had withdrawn rathei
awkwardly. Mrs. Gregory had melted
away unobtrusiIcly. and Fran. last ol
all. had given the plano n nnal bang
and dartcd ouf Of tho house.
Gregory stood pale and miscra Bile
1t seemed ns II NIL the world had de
o serted him, Tho feature without
Q Grace would bc M drcRry mr. nov
seemed his past with Fran's mother
!. He suffered horribly. Was sufrcrins
y all that life had left for him7 Per
|. haps ho was roapIng is there nc
" end to tho harvcnt1 Ono pows In nc
brief time; In the garnerIng eternal
I A bell rang. but hc waB not curious
n volcos sounded Mt the front door. foot
4 steps passed. thon silence once more
r ailonce and despair Gregory wsnt tc
4 tho open window. and leaned honvil,
on tho sill. taking great brcaths. star
). Ing DULY,
Footsteps were heard ngnih. The,
were near by. They stopped Mt tho
a aoor--thoy were hers. Gregory start
n cd up with a low cry OF rcnnimatce