The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1917-03-30


therefore worthless. His whole soul
rose III revolt. His son would have to /
win his own way out of his mesh;
he was man. But his daughter, his
Gloria, must be helped out of the
shadows and back into the light.
Stafford could hardly think of Ere
neau without wishing to kill him over
again with his own hands It was I'M
thinkable that his girl should be al
lowed to wear his engagement ring
and mourn for him. Yet it was q deli
cate matter for a father to handle. He
could not bear to blast the fresh innO-
cence of his daughter by a 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 as he had expected, brooding by
the window. He took her in his arms
and clasping her hands found they en-
folded a picture of Freneau Anger
mastered him; he took the photograph
from her, saying: sI 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
iashes. Then she gently disengaged
the picture from his grasp and Rugged
it to her breast.
"Why do you hate him now? What
do you know against him? How can
you be SO cruel so unjust?''
PierpOnt uneasily avoided her gaze
and shrugged his shoulders with q
| sigh.
Gloria put her hands pleadingly 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 it 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 ac-
cusingly, he said:
| Everyone will ask who it is you are
engaged to. You are not engaged to
him any longer. I insist on your re-
moving that ring"
Gloria protested Pierpont stood
firm. She studied him anxiously. He
reiterated his demand She refused.
Baftfed 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 mans 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
At the fnality Of this Gloria s
cheeks famed with remorse. She ran
to him, begging for it again. Pierpont
only held her Off with his right hand
took out his watch with his left, and
said: "It's time to dress for dinner
At this moment Burroughs entered
with a black dinner gown On her arms
for Gloria. Pierpont motioned it away
"No, not that, Burroughs! Bring
Miss Gloria bright gown. Black i:
not becoming to her at any time. You
understand me, Burroughs?"
The maid nodded a respectful eyes
sir" and withdrew to the dressin:
room. She presently re-entered bear
ing a gown of brilliant turquoise blue
festooned with garlands of varicolore'
flowers. Gloria shuddered. But he
father nodded his head approvingly
'sTllat's it. Now I shall have M
own little beautiful girl to dine wit
me-
He left her.
Gloria studied the blue gown for
moment, then snatched it from Bu1
roughs, threw it on the floor in wrat
and burst into tears.
The maid was at a loss. She po1
: dered, then went again to the dressin
t room and brought forth another gown
< 'tHere, Miss Gloria, dear, here's you
r little black tulle dress with the gol
and black brocade bodice. Mr.. Sta
4 ford won't mind that and you'll fe'
8 better in it, too"
e Gloria patted Burroughs on tn
e shoulder tenderly. Eyes, that will hay
8 to do" she nurmured sorrowfully, an
e she let the maid dress. her.
G Then she went slowly down tt
y stairway. Her father met her an
n The table, laden with its lace an
e silver, was alight with candles; tt
" butler was waiting; man stood b
- EssSSssFssasS