The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-12-19
FRAN
Copyright. 1914 by The BOsS.-Msrin Co.

| the expectation that every member
OF the family would pursue his ac-
customed routine, undefiected by her
! presence. She was willing that they
should remain what they were, Just
as she expected TO continue without
change; however. not many days
passed before she found herself seek
ing TO modify her surroundings. II
a strange mouse be imprisoned in a
cage OF mice, those already Injured TO
captivity will seek TO destroy the
newcomer. Fran. suddenly thrust
into the bosom OF family already
fixed in their modes OF thought and
action, found adjustment exceeding
ly difficult.
She did not care TO mingle with
the people OF the village-which was
fortunate, since her laughing In the
| tent had scandalized the neighbor-
hood; she would have been content
never to cross the boundaries OF the
/ homestead, had 1t not been for Abb
bott Ashton. IL was because OF him
that she acquiesced I'm the general
plan to send her to school. In the
unanimous conviction OF the need OF
change In Fran, and because there
were still two months OF school, she
must pass through this two-months'
wringer-she might not acquire pol
ish, but the family hoped some
crudities might be squeezed out. II
was on the fifth day OF her stay, fol-
lowing her startling admission that
she had never been to school day
In her life, that unanimous opinion
was fused into expressed command
you must go to SCHOOL,"
Fran thought OF the young super
intendent, and said she was willing
When Mr.. Gregory and the secre-
tary had retired to the library for
the days work, Mrs. Gregory told
Fran, 81 really think, dear, that
your dresses are much too short. You
are small but your face and manners
and even your voice, sometimes,
seem old-quite old"
Fran showed the gentle lady soft
docility. well" she said, my legs
are there, all the time, you know,
and I'll show just as much Of them,
or just as little, as you please"
Simon Jefferson spoke up-"I like
to see children wear short dresses"
and he looked at this particular child
with approval. That day, she was
really pretty. The triangle had been
broadened TO an oval brow, the chin
was held slightly lowered, and there
was something In her general aspect,
possibly due to the arrangement OF
folds or colors-heaven knows what.
r. O httf
male observer--that made merit
OF her very thinness. The weak
heart OF the burly bachelor tingled
with pleasure in nice proportions,
while his mind attained the aesthetic
outlook Of classic age. To be sure.
the skirts did show a good deal OF
Fran; very good-they could not
show too much.
"I like" Simon persisted, ito see
young girls OF fourteen or fifteen,
dressed. so TO say, in low necks and
high stockings in-er-in the airy
way such as they are by nature
- IT was hard to express.
YES" Fran said impartially, 1T
pleases others, and II doesn't hurt
me-"
FRAN" Mrs. Gregory exclaimed.
gazing helplessly at the girl with
something OF a child's awe inspired
by venerable years. 1t was pa
thetic appeal to spirit altogether
beyond her comprehension.
Fran's quick eye caught the ex-
preston OF baffied reaching-forth. or
uncertain striving after sympathetic
understanding. "You darling LADY,"
she cried, clasping her hands to keep
her arms from flying about the
others neck. don't you be troubled
about me. Bless your heart, l can
take care OF myself-and you, too!
Do you think I'd add straw to your
Now you hear me: X you
want to do It, Just put me In long
trains with Pullman sleepers, for I'm
the little girl for you, dear heart,
and I'll do whatever you say. III
you want to show people how tame
am, just hold up your hand, ana III
crawl into my cage
The laughter OF Mrs. Gregory
sounded wholesome and deep-throat-
ed-the child was so deliciously
ridiculous. Come. then" she cried,
with a lightness she had not felt Tor
months. "come, crawl into your
cagel" And she opened her arms.
with a fash OF her 1.-the body
Fran was in her cage, and, for
time. rested there, while the fire In
her dark eyes burned tears to all
sorts OF rainbow colors. II seemed
70 her that Of all the people In the
world. Mrs. Gregory was the hst 10
hold her in affectionate embrace.
che cried out with a sob, as II In
answer 70 her dark misgivings-oh.
but 7 want to belong to somebody!
"You shall belong to me! ex-
claimed Mrs. Gregory, folding her
closer.
ITO your" Fran sobbed, overcome
by the wonder OF II. ITO you, dear
hearth" with a desperate effort she
crowded back intruding thoughts,
and grew calm. Looking over her
shoulder at Simon Jefferson-"No
more short dresses. Mr.. Simon" she
called. "you know your heart
mustn't be excited"
"Fran!" gasped Mrs. Gregory In
dismay, hush
But Simon Jefferson beamed with
pleasure at the girls artless ways
lie knew what was bad for his heart,
and Fran wasn't. Her smiles made