The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-11-08

house on footing OF equality, and all
seem to like you. except Miss Grace
and l must say. her disapproval dis.
turbs you very little. But you won't
adopt our ways. You make everybody
talk by your indiscreet behavior-then
wonder that the town shuns your so.
ciety. and complain because you feel
lonesome!"
Fran's eyes filed with tears. "If you
believe in me-if you try to like me-
that's all l ask. The whole town can
talk. II I have you. I don't care for
the world and it's street corners-there
are no street corners in my world"
"But, child"
"You never call me Fran II you can
help It," she intesposed passionately.
Even the dogs have names. Call me
by mine; It's Fran. Say 1t, say it.
Call me-oh, father, father. / want
your love-"
"Hush!" he gasped, ashen pale.
"You will be overheard"
She extended her arms wildly:
What do you know about God, except
that He's Father. That's all-Father
and you worship Him as His son.
Yet you want me to care for your re-
ligion. Then why don't you show me
the way to God? Can you love Him
and deny your own child? Am to
pray to him as my Father in Heaven,
but not dare acknowledge my father
on earth? No! don't know how 9th.
ers feel, but I'll have to reach hesy.
emily things through human things.
And tell you that you are standing
between me and God"
Hush, hush!" cried Gregory.
Child! this ia sacrilege!"
mo, 1t is not. / tell You, I can't
see God. because you're In the way.
You pray Our Father who art In
Heaven give us thi, day our
daily bread And I pray to you, and
/ say. My father here on earth. give
give me--your love. That'B what
want.-nothing else-I want 1t 80 bad.
. I'm dying for 1t, father, can't
you understand? Look-I'nl praying
for it" She threw herself wildly at
his feet.
Deeply moved. he tried b lift her
from the ground.
NO." cried Fran. scarcely knowing
what she said, II will not get up till
you grant my prayer. I'm not asking
for the full. rich love child has the
right to expect--but give me, a crust,
to keep me alive-father. give me my
daily bread. You needn't think God is
going to answer your prayers. II you
refuse mine"
Hamilton Gregory took her in his
armr and held her to hig breast.
Fran" he said brokenly, "uy unfor-
tunate child my dauglater-oh,
why were you born?"
"Yes," sobbed Fran, resting her
head upon his bosom, yes. why was
! born"
"You break my heart" he sobbed
with Ter. Fran, say the word, and
will tell everything; I will acknowl-
edge you as my daughter. and II my
wife,
Fran shook her head. "You owe no
more to my mother than to her," she
said. catching her breath. mo, the
secret must be kept-always. Father
II must never call you that except
when we are alone-I must always
whisper 1t, like a prayer-father, let
me be your secretary"
1t was strange that this request
should surround Fran with the chill
atmosphere Of tomb. His embrace
relaxed insensibly. He looked at his
daughter In frightened bewilderment,
as IL afraid she had drawn him too
far from his security for further hid.
Ing. During the silence, she awaited
his decision.
1t was because Of her tumultuous
emotions that she failed to hear ad.
footsteps.
Some one Is coming" he exclaimed,
with ill-concealed relief. 1--WE mustn't
be seen thus-we would ue misunder-
stood" He strobe to the window, and
pretended to look out. His face
cleared momentarily.
The door opened, and Grace Noir
stArted In, tnen paused s1gnidcanuy.
Am / interrupting!" she asked, IN
Quiescent accent.
Certainly not" Gregory breathed
freedom. His surprise was so Joyful
that he was carried beyond himself.
Grace! It's Grace! Then you didn't
go to the city with Bob. There wasn't
any train"
Il am here" began Grace easily
YES. of course, that's the main
thing" his delight could not be held
In check. "You are here. indeed! And
you are looking-I mean you look
well--I mean you are not ill-your re.
turn Is so unexpected"
II am here" she steadily persisted,
because learned something that
Affects my interests. l went part of
the way with Mr.. Clinton. hut affair