The state herald., 1917-04-06

therefore worthless. HIS whole soul
rose in 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 Fre-
neau without wishing to kill him over
again with his own hands. 1t was un-
thinkable that his girl should be al
lowed to wear his engagement ring
and mourn for him. Yet it was deli.
cate matter for a 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 as he had expected. brooding by
the window. he took her in his arms
and clasping her hands found they en-
folded 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 hugged
1t to her breast.
"Why do you hate him now? What
do you know against him? How can
you be SO cruel, SO unjustr
Pierpont uneaslly avoided her gaze
and shrugged his shoulders with a
| 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 1t orr
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 1t Is you are
engaged to. You are not engaged to
him any longer. insist on your re-
moving that ring"
Gloria protested. Pierpont stood
hrm. She studied him anxiously. He
reiterated his demand. She refused.
Bafiied 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 1t with sigh of relief
ana put 1t In his waistcoat pocket.
At the nnality Of this Gloria's
cheeks famed with remorse. She rnn
to him. begging for 1t again. Pierpont
only held her of with his right hand,
took out his watch with his left. and
said "lts, time to dress for dinner"
At this moment burroughs entered
with black dinner gown on her arms
for Gloria. Pierpont motioned It away.
mo. not that, Burroughsl Bring
Miss Gloria bright gown. Black is
not becoming to her at any time. You
understand me, Burroughsf"
The maid nodded a respectful ayes,
Hr." and withdrew to the dressing
room. She presently re-entered bear
Ing gown Of brilliant turquoise blue.
festooned with gnrlnnds Of varicolored
flowers. Gloria shuddered. But her
father nodded his head approvindy.
That's II. Now ! shall have my
own little beautiful girl to dine with
me-"
He left her.
Gloria studied the blue gown for
moment. then snatched 1t from Bur.
roughs, threw II on the floor In wrath
and burst into tears.
The maid was mt a loss. She pom
dered. then went ngain to the dressing
room and brought forth another gown.
"Here, Miss Gloria. dear. here's your
little blnck tulle dress with the gold
and black brocade bodice. Mr.. Staf-
ford won't mind that md you'll feel
better in II. too."
Gloria patted Burroughs on the
shoulder tenderly. ayes. that will 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. lnden with it's lace md
silver. was alight with candles; the
I.s. AI.-