Putnam patriot., 1913-07-18
THE PUTNAM PATRIOT July IS 1913
~The impudence," he exclaimed.

The auront4
 However" said Grace. T presume it is final that l am dismissedg"
 But his unseemly haste in sending this note-it's infamous, that's what I call it. infamous,"
 And you mean to take Fran in my place, do you no,?"
 You see" Gregory explained. "Bob Clinton came back to town this even. ing from Springfield. you understand. and Abbott came with him-er-and Mrs. Gregory was in the room so they could not speak exactly openly. and Abbott made the oondition-I can hardly explain so delicate an affair O. of business-but you see. Bob is evi. dently very much in love with you, and he has it in his power to de. mand-"
 Grace calmly waited for the other to lapse into uncertain silence. then said, This note tells me definitely that am offered another position. but you tell me nothing. It was I who sent MT. Clinton to Springfield to look into the private record of that Fran. '
 You see," Gregory explained. "he was afraid I might think it presumptu- ous of him to do that, 1t was like doubting my word, so he came to ne however, he is back and there Is noth- ing to reveal. absolutely nothing to reveal"
 "ls he sure that the girl is 10 i'm postor?"
 He knows she isn't. His pockets are full of proofs. I know you sent Bob on my account, Grace, but alas Fran Is a reality-she cant be dis missed"
 "lt seems I can be. But of course I am nothing"
 Grace. you are everything"
 She laughed. "Everythingl At the word of an Abbott Ashton, disgraced school-teacher. you make me less than nothing!"
 He cried out impetuously. Shall I tell you why we must part?"
 Grace returned with a somber look. So Fran is to have my placei"
 Gregory interposed passionately, "It is because love you.''
 So Fran is to be your secretaryi" she persisted
 Grace, you have read rly heart, I have read yours; we thought we could associate in safety, after that-but I am weak. You never come into the room that I am not thrilled with rap tune. Life hasn't any brightness for me except your presence. What can I do but protect your"
 "Mr. Gregory, Fran hasn't any in- terest in your work"
 T love you, Grace-I adore you. Beautiful darling-don't you see you must go away because you are so in- expressibly precious to me? That's why I mustn't have you under my roof" He sank upon his knees and caught her hand See me at your feet-should this thing be?"
 Grace coldly withdrew her hand. "1n spite of all you say, you have en- gagged Fran in my place."
 No one can take your place. dear"
 Grace's voice suddenly vibrated:
 You tell me you love me, yet you agree to hire that woman, in my place-the woman I hate, tell you; yes, the spy, the enemy of this home"
 "Yes, Grace. I do tell you that I love you would I be kneeling here worshiping you, otherwise? And what Is more, you know that you love me 70 know it. That's why I must send you away"
 'Then send Fran away, when you send me away"
 'Oh, my God, if I could!" he ex- claimed, starting up wildly. But you see. it s impossible. I cant do that. and I can't help you.'
 Why is it impossible? Must you treat better the daughter of an old college friend. than the woman you say you love? What are those myste- rious Springfield interests."
 And you are the woman who loves mel" Gregory interrupted quick ly. Say it. Grace! Tell me you lovl me before you go away-just those three words before sink back into my lonely despair. We will never be alone together in this life-tell me, then, that you love me-let me hear those words from your beautiful lips"
 'It makes me laugh!" Grace cried out in wrath that could not be con trolled, "to hear you speak of love in one breath and of Fran in the next. Maybe some day you'll speak both in the same breath! Yes, will go and you can hire Fran"
 "But won't you tell me goodby?" he pleaded. "As soon as l have become complete master of my love for you, Fran shall be sent uneeremoniously about her business. l fancy Abbott Ashton wants to marry her-let him take her away. Then she will be gone. Then my-er-duty-to friend ship will be fulfilled. And if you will come back again then, we might be happy together. after all."