The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-01-02
Il Want to
Belong to
Somebody"
CHAPTER XVI.
(contlnued.)


Had any one but Mrs. Gregory been
singing that hymn, had any one but
Fran been the one to intrude upon
the library scene, Grace must have
been overwhelmed. AS II was, she
stood quite untouched, resolving TO
stay IN order to prove herself, and TO
nhow Gregory that they must sacri-
nee their love for conscience sake.
Gregory, however, was deeply
touched by Fran's yearning arms. He
rose and stood before her. Fran,
child, we promise that what you saw
shall never happen again. But you
mustn't tell about II. | know you
won't tell. / can't send Grace away,
because l need her. She will not go
because she knows herself to be
strong. We are going to hide our
souls. And you can't tell what you've
seen, on account of her" point
ed In the direction of his wife.
Fran knew very well what he
meant II she told the secret, II
would disgrace Mrs. Gregory. The
revelation might drive Grace away.
though Fran did not think so, but
certainly whether Grace went. or
stayed, It would break the heart CT
the one she loved best In that home.
Gregory was right; Fran could never
betray him.
She turned blindly upon Grace:
~Then have you no conscience?--you
are always talking about. one. Does
K no sense Of danger warn you away?
Can't you feel any shame?"
Grace did not smile contemptCous-
". She weighed these words at their
real value, and soberly interroSated
herself No" she declared with de-
liberation, Il feel no sense OF danger
because mean TO guard myself after
this. And my conscience bids me
stay. to show that | have not really
done anything" But she could not
deny the feeling OF shame, for the
burning OF her cheeks proved the rec
objection OF hot kisses.
'But suppose tell what / have
seen"
We'll" said Grace. flashing out de-
family, .'and suppose you do"
Gregory muttered, who would be-
lieve your"
Fran looked at him. Then" she
said. 'sthe coward spoke" She add.
ed. II guess the only way is for you
to make her leave. There's nothing in
her for me to appeal to-
II viii never tell her to CO." he as
while, on the contrary" said
Grace, Il fancy you viii be put 20
hight in three or four days"
Fran threw back her head and
laughed silently while they stared AT
her In blank perplexity.
Fran regained composure to say
coolly, II was just laughing" Then
she stepped to her fathers chair and
handed him the sheet she had drawn
from the typewriter The upper part
was an unfinished letter to the Chi,
cage mission, just as Grace had left
her haste TO get rid OF Fran. Al
o.(lo-xariance with its philanthroplc
message were the words Fran had
pounded out for the deception OF Mrs.
Gregory.
Hamilton Gregory glared at them
az first uncomprehendingly, then in
growing Amusement. They read
Ask her why she sent Bob Clinton
10 Springfield"
He started up. What is this?" he
exclaimed wildly. extending the paper
toward Grace.
she read ii, and smiled coidly.
YES she said, ''the litSe spy has
even ferreted that out, has she! Very
we'll, she won't be so cool when Ir.
Clinton returns from Springfield"
From. Springfield" echoed Greg
DRY, aghast.
.From Springfield. Mr.. Gregory,
have made the discovery that this
Fran, whom you imagine only about
sixteen years old, and the daughter OF
5 an old friend. Is really OF age. She's
nothing but circus girl. You thought
her Joking when she called herself a
& lion-tamer; that's the way she meant
for us to take it--but she can't de-
coiye me. She's nothing but a show
girl pretending TO come from Spring
field But l know better. So I've
sent Mr.. Clinton there to find out al
about the family OF your friend, and
IN particular, about the girl that this
Fran Is impersonating."
rYon sent Bob Clinton to Spring
ntldl" gasped Gregory, as IL his minC
could get no further than that. TneI
ne turned savagely upon Fran-"An'
did you tell her about Springfield"
Fran smiled her crooked smile.
Grace interposed: You may b,
sure she didn't! Do you think sh
wanted her history cleared up? MI
Gregory, you have been blind all tn,
time; this girl never saw Springfield
EID's a complete fraud. Since you ar,
10 Blinded by what she says that vol
WON'T Investigate her claims. de
cI1ed to do this for your sake. Nher
Mr.. Clinton comes back, It's goodby,
20 his circus-lirl!"
Fran looked at her father inscrut
ably. II believe. after this" she said
II will be safe to leave you two to
6tther.'
CHAPTER XVII.
Shall the Secret Be Told7
Fran had expected Robert Gin