The Washington herald., 1913-05-11

left at home to visit; but Fran has
found that there is woman in town
that she used to know, and the woman
has mighty sick child, and Lucy has
gone to sit by it, so the mother can
rest. Think of that. Abbott, think OF
Lucy going anywhere. My! Have you
heard that we've lost secretary at
this place? | mean the future Mrs.
Bob. Yes, she's gone. I'd as soon
have thought of the courthouse being
picked up and set in the parlor." >.
Mrs. Jefferson drew back and said
Fsuccinctly, Fran did itl'
Her cap quivered as she leaned for
ward again. Get her to tell you all
about it. We darsen't speak about it
much because of the neighbors. We
conspired, Fran and l. Yes, she's down
at the carnival, you boyp
Abbott hastily departed. Later he
found himself in a cloudburst of con-
fetti, on the "city square" and when
he had cleared his eyes of the red and
white snow. he saw Fran disappearing
like a bit of crimson glass at the bot
tom Of human kaleidoscope. Fran
had thrown the confetti. then hed-how
much brighter she was than all the
other shifting units of humanity.
He fought his way toward her de-
terminedly, finding she was about to be
submerged Was she actually trying
to elude him?
Franz he cried reproachfully as he
reached her side. How have you the
heart to run away from me after I've
been lost for weeks? Nobody knew
I'd ever be found"
Fran gave up flight, and stopped to
look at him. A smile slipped from
the corner of one eye, to get caught
at the corner of her demure mouth
when you disappeared, you left me
yourself. A friend always does. I've
had you all the time"
Abbott glowed. Still, it isn't ex.
actly the same as if | had been able
to touch your hand. Suppose we
shake hands. little friend; what do you
say"
81 don't say anything" Fran retort.
ed; Il just shake
Her handshake was so hearty that
he was slightly Disconnected. Was hel
| friendship so great that it left no room
in her heart for something greater
Fran's emotions must not be compress
ed under a friendship-monopoly, but
Just now he hardly saw his way to-
ward fighting such a trust. .
Il want to talk to you. Fran, tall
and talk. oh, Just about all the long
night through. Come, let me take yor
back home"
Home? Me. Ridiculous! But II
tell you the best place that ever was
for the kind of talking you and
want to do to each other. Abbott, /
won't matter to you-will it?-at VIVA
place | say 10 meet me, at about halt
past nine"
why, Fran, It's not eight o'clock,
| Abbott demonstrated. glancing TOWARD
the court house clock to find it stopped
and then consulting his watch. Do
you think am going to wait till"
, Till half-past nine" said Fran, non
chalantly. Very we'll. then"
But what will we do in the mean
time, if we're not to talk till"
We" she Knocked him. Listen
Abbott. don't look so cross. I've ;
friend in town with sick daughter
| and shes a real friend; so | must g
to help her. while
He was both mystifed and disap
pointed Il didn't know you had an.
such friends in Littleburg.' he. remon
strated, remembering how unkin'
tongues had set the village against her
Fran threw back her head, and he
gesture was full of pride and conf
dence. oh" she cried. the tow
is full of my friends"