Putnam patriot., 1913-07-18

reruse! cried Gregory, again. "Of course l refuse"
 Very we'll" said Abbott, turning.
 But what are you going to dol" Gregory asked shrinkingly.
 T shall go now: my endeavor to stYaighten out things-or rather to keep everything peaceful and forgot ten-comes to nothing, it seems. Good evening. Mrs. Gregory
 But waitl Waitl Let us discuss this alone-'
 Tt is useless now, for the time has expired"
 That's right" Clinton confirmed, clicking to his watch.
 And ali of it 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 a 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 q am the most miser- able man on earth because for mere caprice. for mere spite, for no earthly good. it is the determination of people who have lost positions and the like, to drive me wild'
 Robert Clinton thumped the keys of the piano with one hand.
 "Why, hello, MT. Bob!" cried Fran. dancing into the room. "So you're back, are you?" She shook hands breezily.
 Come back, Abbott, come back" called Gregory, discovering that the young man was indeed going. "You know what I must do, if you drive me to the wall. I am obliged to do what you say State the condition again if you have the courage to say it aloud.'
 The past will be forgotten" said Abbott solemnly, If 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 I shall tell"
 
 cried out, in an agony of fear. T promise. Yes, I'll dismiss her. Yes, she shall go! Yes, let Fran have the place."
 Do I understand you to dismiss me, MT. Gregory" asked Grace, in a low concentrated tone, leaning slight ly forward.
 Fran turned on the lights to their fullest extent and looked about with an elfish smile.
 Hamilton Gregory was mute.
 ''I have your promise" said Abbott, lowing gravely. That's enough"
 Yes" groaned Gregory. but it is infamous"
 Fran looked at Abbott inscrutably. l a whisper. I'm proud of you this time, Abbott"
 Grace turned with cold dignity, and moved slowly toward the hall door
 Fran slipped between Clinton and the piano. and began to play softly, carelessly with one hand, while she watched the retreating figure.
 slO himself alone in the parlor. Abbott and Clinton had withdrawn rather awkwardly, Mrs. Gregory had melted away unobtrusiyely, and Fran, last of all. had given the piano final bang, and darted out of the house.
 Gregory stood pale and miserable. It seemed as if all the world had de- serted him. The feature without Grace would be as dreary as now seemed his past with Fran's mother. He suffered horribly. Was suffering all that life had left for him? Per haps he was reaping-but Is there no end to the harvest? One sows in so brief time; is the garnering eternal?
 bell rang, but he was not curious. Voices ounded It the front door, foot steps passed, then silence once more silence and despair. Gregory went to the open window, and leaned heavily on the sill, taking great breaths, star ing duly.
 Footsteps were heard again. They were near by. They stopped at the door-they were hers. Gregory start ed up with :. low cry of reanimated hope Whatever happened-he was about to see Grave Noir once more.