Rocky Ford enterprise., 1914-01-02

and Mrs. Jefferson was tanning him.
as II he were never to be a grown
man. Mrs. Gregory sat near the
group, silently embroidering in white
silk. Fran had hastily thrown herself
upon the stairway, and, with half
closed eyes, looked as If she had been
there long time.
Fran" said Mrs. Gregory coldly.
you left the choir practice before we
were two-thirds done. OF course !
could hardly expect you"-he looked
at his wife-''to stay, although your
presence would certainly have kept
Fran there; and it does look as II
expedient to keep her there!"
How would lock and chain do?"
Fran inquired meekly.
II don't think she came straight
home, either" remarked Grace Noir
Significantly. Did you, Franz"
Miss Noir." said Fran, smiling at
her through the banisterslats. you
are SO satisfactory; you always say
just about what expect. Yes. | came
straight home. I'm glad it's your busi-
ness, SO you could ask"
Hamilton Gregory turned to his
wife again. with restraint more
marked. Next Sunday is roll-call day,
Mrs. Gregory. The board has decided
to revise the lists. We've been carry
ing SO many names that it's a burden
to the church. The world reproaches
us. saying, Isn't So-and-so a member?
He never attends. does heT do
hope you will go next Sunday!"
work thoughtfully. then said. Mother
would be left"
Its just this way" her husband In
terposed abruptly: IF no excuses. such
as sickness, are sent. and II the people
haven't been coming for months. and
don't intend coming, we are simply
determined to drop the nsmes-strike
'em out We believe church members
should show where they stand. And
and If you"
Mrs. Gregory looked up quietly.
Her voice seemed woven of the silk
threads she was stitching in the white
pattern. "If l am not a member of
the church. sitting an hour in the
building couldn't make me one
Simon jefferson cried out, as that
my sister Lucy? Blessed II thought
she had SO much spirit!"
DO you call that spirit?" retained
Gregory. with displeasure.
Welt" snorted Simon. "wha: do
you call 1t, them"
Perhaps" responded Gregory. with
marked disapprobation. perhaps 1t
was spirit"
Grace, still attired for the street.
looked down upon Mrs. Gregory as If
turned to stone. Her beautiful face
expressed something like a horror at
the others irreverence.
Fran shook back. her hair, and
watched with cleaning eyes from be-
hind the stats. not unlike a small
wild creature peering from its cage.
"Oh." cried Fran. Miss Noir feels
SO bad!"
Grace swept from the hall. her
rounded figure instinct with the suffer
ings of a martyr.
Fran murmured. THAT killed her!"
And you!" cried Gregory. turning
suddenly in blind anger upon the
other-.you don't care whose heart
you break"
II haven't any power over hearts,"
retorted Fran. gripping her fingers till
her hands were little white balls. "Oh.
II only had! I'D get at 'em If l
could-like this
She leaped to her feet.
Am | always to be defied by your"
he exclaimed; ''is there to be no end
to it? But suppose | put an end to
it, myself-tell you that this Is no
place for you"
You shall never say that" Mrs.
Gregory spoke up. distinctly. but not
in his loud tones. She dropped her
work in some agitation, and drew Fran
to her heart. 81 have a friend here.
Hamilton-one friend-and she must
stay"
Don't be uneasy, dear one" Fran
looked up lovingly into the frightened
face. He won't tell me to go. He
won't put an end to it. He won't tell
me anything"
Listen TO me, Lucy" said Gregory.
his tone altering. yes, she must stay
that's settled-she must stay or
course. But you-why will you refuse
what / ask. when for years you were
one of the most faithful attendants
at the Walnut Street church? l am
asking you to go next Sunday because
well, you know how people Judge
by appearances. I'm not asking il
for my sake-of course I know your
real character-but go for Miss
Grace's sakc-go to show her where
you stand"
How is it about church attendance.
anyway" asked Fran. with the air of
one who seeks after knowledge. Il
thought you went TO church for the
Lords sake, and not for Miss Noir's."
II have given you my answer. Mr..