Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-05-15

hoarse. strained voice. he glanced ar
the coat and hat Where are you
going?"
Polly avoided his eyes and continued
nervously TO jim:
what made you come back7 why
didn't you wait for me down the
street? Now you've spoiled every
thing" She pretended 20 be very
veXed with him. The big fellow look
ed puzzled He tried 70 protest. but
she put a warning finger to her lips
and pressed the little brown satchel
into his hand. Its no use" she went
on hurriedly. I'VE might as well tell
them everything now" She turned TO
Douglas and pretended 10 laugh. You
have found us out"
The deacons were slightly uneasy.
The frown on Douglas forehead was
deepening
"Oh. see how serious he looksr' she
teased. with toss OF her head toward
the grim visaged pastor.
els this some trick?" be demanded
sternly.
Don't be angry" she pleaded wish
me luck"
She held out one small hand. He did
not take H. She wavered: then she
felt the eyes Of the deacons upon her.
Courage returned. and she spoke IN a
firm, clear voice. II am going TO run
away"
Douglas stepped before her and stud
led her keenly.
run awayT" he exclaimed incredu
lousy.
''Yes-to the circus with jim"
You couldn't do such a thing" he
answered excitedly why. only a mo-
ment ago you told me YOU would never
leave me-"
"Oh, but that was moment ago"
she cried IN strained high voice.
'Ehat was before Jim came. You see.
] didn't know how 7 felt until I saw
Jim and heard all about my old
friends-how Barker IS keeping nv
place for me and how they ali want
20 see me. And ] want 20 see them
and 20 hear the music and the laugh
ter and the clown songs on. the
clown songsr' She waltzed about.
humming the snatch Of melody that
Mandy had heard the morning that
Polly first woke IN the parsonage:
ring ling
That's how the bells ring.
Ting. ling pretty young thing.
She paused. her hands clasped be.
hind her head, and gazed at them with
a brave little smile. "Oh, it's going 10
be dne-hner'
You don't know what you're doing!''
said Douglas. He seized her roughly
by the arm. Pain was making him
brutal 81 won't let you gol DO you
hear meF wont-not until you've
thought il over"
Il have thought a. over" Polly an
swered. meeting his eyes and trying 20
speak lightly. Her lips trembled. She
could not bear for him 20 think her so
unRrateful She remembered his great
Kindness, the many thoughtful acts
that had made the past year so pre-
cious 10 her
You've been awfully good 70 me.
MT. John" She tried 20 choke back a
sob "Iu never forget it-neverl III
always feel the same toward you. But
you mustn't ask me 20 stay. | want TO
get back TO them that knew me first
10 my own. Circus folks aren't cut out
for parsons homes, and l was born In
the circus. ! love 1T love it!' She
felt her strength going and cried out
wildly: Il want Bingo! want TO go
round and round the ring! want the
lights and the music and the hoopsl l
want the shrieks OF the animals and
the rumble or the wheels In the plains
at night! ] want TO ride In the big pa
rade! went 20 live and die-just die
AS circus folks die! / want 10 10
back ! want 10 go backw
She put out one trembling hand TO
Jim and rushed quickly through the
gate. laughing and sobbing Historically
, and calling TO him 70 follow.