The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-10-09
SYNOPSIS,

Fran arrives at Hamilton Gregory's
nome in Littieburg, but finds him absent
conducting the choir at a camp meeting.
She repairs thither in search of him
laughs during the service and is asked to
leave. Abbott Ashton, superintendent Of
schools. escorts Fran from the tent. He
deeply interested in charity work, and
pillar OF the church. Ashton becomes
greatly interested in Fran and while tax
ing leave of her, holds her hand and is
seen by Sapphire Clinton. sister of Rob
ert Chnton. chairman of the school board.
iran tells Gregory she wants a home
with him. Grace Noir. Gregory's private
secretary, takes a violent dislike to Fran
and advises her to go away at once.
Fran hints at a twenty-year-od secret,
and Gregory in agitation asks Grace to
leave the room. Fran relates the story
OF how Gregory married young girl at
Springfield while attending college and
then deserted her. Fran is the child of
that marriage Gregory had married his
present wife three years before the death
of Fran's mother. Fran takes a liking to
Mrs. Gregory Gregory explains that
Fran is the daughter OF a very dear friend
who is dead. Fran agrees to the story.
Mrs. Gregory insists on her making her
home with them and takes her to her
arms Fran declares the secretary must
go. Grace begins nagging tactics in an
effort to drive Fran from the Gregory
home. Abbott. while taking a walk alone
at midnight. finds Fran on bridge tell
ing her fortune bV cards. She tells Alb
bott that she is the famous lion tanner.
Fran Nonpareil She tired of circus life
and sought a home. Grace decides to ask
Bob Clinton to go to Springfield to iuVes-
tigate Fran's story. Fran offers her
services to Gregory as secretary during
the temporary absence of Grace. The lat
ter, hearing of Fran's purpose, returns
and interrupts touching scene between
father and daughter. Grace tells Gregory
she intends to marry Clinton and quit his
service. He declares that he cannot con-
tinue his work without her. Carried away
by passion, he takes her in his arms.
Grace must leave the house at once. To
Grcgory's CONSERVATION he learns Of
Clntons mission to Springfield. Clinton
returns from Springfield and, at Frans
request Abbott urges him not to discuss
what he has learned On Abbott's assur-
once. Clinton agrees to keep silent Drv-
en- into a corner by the threat of eX-
posture. Gregory is forced to dismiss
Grace. Grace is offered the Job of book
keeper in ClintOn's grocery store. Greg
orys infatuatiOn leads him to seek Grace
tells her the story of his past. Grace
points out that as he married the pres
ent Mrs. Gregory before the death of
Frans mother. he Is not now legally mar
ried They decide to flee al once. They
attempt 20 escape during the excitement
Of a street fair and are forced to enter
the lion tent to avoid Clinton. Abbott
wanders into the lion tent to pass the
time A young woman wearing a mask
is taking the place of the regular trainer.
One of the lions rebels and the trainer re-
moves her mask revealing the features of
Gregory's eyes are opened to the real ma
ture Of Grace as he sees murder in her
eyes during Fran's contest with the lion.
He tells her all is over between them.