The Morgan City daily review. (Morgan City, La.) 1916-1920, 1917-01-25

thinkable- that his girl should be al
lowed to wear his engagement ring
and mourn for him. Yet it was deli
cate matter for father to handle. He
could not bear to blast the fresh inno-
cence of his daughter by recital of
Freneau's wickedness. He felt also
that her loyalty would not permit her
to believe evil of the dead man who
was now unable to defend himself.
The whole situation was intolerable.
He. went to Gloria's room. finding
her az he had expected, brooding by
the window. He took her in his arms
and. -clasping her hands, found they en-
folded q picture OF Freneau. Anger
mastered him; he took the photograph
from her, saying: II wish you would
put that out Of my sight and out Of
your life."
Gloria stared up at him in amaze
ment, tears trembling on her eye
lashes. Then she gently disengaged
the picture from his grasp and Rugged
1t to her breast. -
"Why do you hate him now? What
do you know against him3 How can
you be 80 cruel, SO unjustY'
Pierpont uneasily avoided her gaze
and shrugged his shoulders with
sigh.
Gloria put her hands pleadingiy on
his shoulders and he tried to take her
in his arms again, but noting the en-
gagement ring on her hand. he froze.
Then, with determination in his tone,
he commanded: Take 1t OFF,
: Terrified. Gloria snatched her hand
away from his arm and shook her
head. moving swiftly away from him.
Pierpont followed and clasped her
hand. Pointing to the photograph &C
cusingly, he said:
Everyone will ash who It - you are
engaged to. You are not engdged to
him any longer. I Insist on your re-
moving that ring"
Gloria protested. Pierponts stood
firm. She studied, him anxiously. He
reiterated his demand. She refused.
Bamed in his coercion. the old man be-
gan to plead. She was all he had. He
was old and heartbroken. He could
not endure the sight Of her In black.
He was Jealous Of the dead mars hold
on her heart. Pity moved her as fear
could not. To comfort him she yield
ed. She drew the ring from her finger,
dropping It into his outstretched palm.
He clutched It with q sigh Of relief
and put It in his waistcoat pocket.
1t the nnality Of this Gloria's
cheeks famed with remorse. She ran
to him, begging for It again. Pierpont
only held her OF with his right hand,
took out his watch with his left, and
said: ITS time to dress for dinner"
At this moment Burroughs entered
With 4 black dinner gown on her arms
for Gloria. PieEpont motioned It away.
mo. not that, Burroughs! Bring
Miss Gloria q. bright gown. BACK II
not becoming 10 her at any time. You
understand ne, DurpouShsr
The maid nodded . respectful Yes,
~" and WithdFsw - the dressing
room. she presently re-entefed bear.
ing . gown a. brilliant turquoise blue.
fsoeooned with garlands Of varicolored
Aowsea Gloria shuddefed. But her
fathee nodded his head approvingiy.
THAT'S It. Now shall have my
own fttie beautiful siri to dine with
M. ....,.<,. ,as,,,.-..~.s
He left her.
Gloria studied the blue gown for Q
moment then snatched Il from Bur
roughs, threw Il on the door in wrath
and burst into tears.
The malu was at q loss. She pom
dered, then went again to the dressing
room and brought forth another gown.
'Here. Miss Gloria, dear, here's your
little black tulle dress with the gold
and black brocade bodice. Mr.. Staf-
ford won't mind that and you'll feel
better In Il too"
Gloria patted Burroughs On the
shoulder tenderly. Yes. that viii have
to do" she murmured sorrowfully, and
she let the maid dress her.
Then she went slowly down the
stairway. Her father met her and
they entered the dining room together.
The table, laden with its lsce and
silver. was alight with candles: the
butler was waiting; q man stood b.
mind each chair. Seating themselves.
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