South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-06
By Ella Randall Pearce

why. you've-we've already eat
en- the extra portion" reproved
Frances.
That? I could eat ten such" he
scoffed.
A number OF people had come in
to I'LL the tables. and the service
Jagged. Otis glanced at the spoon
full OF stewed berries set before him.
DO you think that's real Gran
berry sass ?" he asked incredulous-
ly.
"A real home Thanksgiving din
ner." retorted Frances with sever
ity.
she looked adorable with her
mouth primly pursed and a con-
Trajectory twinkle IN her bright
eyes. Suddenly her companion
leaned over the little table and HIS
face famed.
why did you run away from Vol
land's?"
The question was softly spoken,
but 1t seemed TO be hurled at her.
Frances gasped. swayed back in her
chair. and gripped the edge OF the
table with nervous fingers. For an
instant their glances locked: then
the girl drew deep breath.
Now you've spoiled everything.
And we were getting on so nicely"
we were mott" declared Otis.
We were only making believe
over a fake dinner. Now let's he
honest"
The defiant stare of brown eyes
weakened as Frances realized that
in this quiet, commonplace way she
was confronting a wonderful crisis
in her life. Her lofty resolutions
that had been wavering for days
swiftly crumbled now into himsy
wreckage.
II can't-here." she made faint
response. II can't tell you now
But" her lips quivered and she
looked down. What would she have
said If she had spoken honestly? 81
ran away from Volland's because
you were there. I was learning TO
think too much of you. and 1 don't
want to love a poor man. ran away
from you and love because am
ambitious. And I hate poverty"
What a foolish speech that would
be. What a foolish thought il seem
ed now.
Her breath came fiutteringly, and
she gazed with timidity into the
steady, searching eyes opposite.
I'm sorry" she said honestly; and
hn 80
| satisfied.
The turkey had been placed on
the table. Paul Otis looked at his
meager portion wryly. Il know
where there is a real home Thanks
giving dinner waiting for me. And
the juicy brown bird won't weigh
less than 20 pounds And pumpkin
and mince pies-mother's make.
And a pair OF old folks Watching
for their only SON"
Paul Otis, what do you mean?
Why aren't you at home today?"
Because yesterday l saw a GER
tain young woman set down the ad-
dress of a certain restaurant And
! IL was looking for the truth.
A glance Of revealing tenderness
answered him. The girls face was
glowing with an inner light that
would not be subdued. PauTs spirit
quickened Instantly his watch was
I'm his hand. Then he sprang for
ward and snatched up Frances coat.
Come! We have just time to
catch the train. The old folks won't
be disappointed after all. And well
have a real home dinner together.
Where's that WAITER"
PAUL Oh, no began Frances
in protest. But he swept her on
ward with the strength of his desire
and determination.
Wen talk TO each other on the
train Now hurry-we have just
time. The people are looking at us.
Do you want me to carry you out?
Yes! It's only two hours out, and
We'll be back shortly after mid
night"
By this time, they were Fastening
along the street, arm in arm. with
glorified faces; and young Otis was
finishing his speech breathlessly.
Say, Honey it'll be great news
for the old folks. Our engagement
and-and my promotion to assistant
/ managers place. Um-m, since YOU
4 left You see-it's not generally
= known in the store-Volland's my
uncle, and I'm bound TO get TO the
top. But I've got TO work my way.
Doing pretty we'll for a country
boy. huh ?'
Frances only chung closer as they
rushed into the station with one
minute TO spare.