Circle of Love Read Free

nights under the care of Miss Claudine Hunter, who works at the Society's oflBce, then return to Kansas. And just think, you'll have enough time to see some of New York City again."
    Frances's heart gave a thimip. New York City! The

    very name made her feel thirteen years old once more. Suddenly every facet of the city came vividly alive in her memory. She could almost see the bustle of people, hear the shouts of drivers firom the crowded cabs and wagons, smell the salt air and the horse droppings and the overperfumed ladies on the avenue. And she could feel the warmth of the one-room home in which the Kellys had lived. Sometimes they'd been a little hungry, sometimes a little cold, but the strength and comfort of their love had overcome most of their troubles.
    A deep longing swept through Frances. She ached to see once more the room where she'd happily sewn piecework with Ma, where Da had been a strong, laughing father before he sickened and died, where Mike and Danny had played and wrestled, where Megan—loving Megan—^had cared for little Peg and Danny. She could hear Da's laughter and Mike's banter. She could see Peg twiiiing on one foot and demanding, "Dance with me, Frances." She closed her eyes as memories swirled into her mind, pulling at her, tugging at her, begging her to come.
    Frances had never imagined she'd see New York City again, but Andrew was offering her the chance to go. / want to go, she thought / have to go!
    But if she went to New York City and back, she'd be away from Johnny for nearly three weeks! She couldn't do it
    "Frances, if I could have your answer by—diet's say noon?" Andrew asked.
    Fd also be away from the wall of bitterness Johnny is building around himself Frances thought Fd have time to think about what I want to do with my own life, if Johnny doesn*t want me.

    Maybe this was meant to be so that Fll have the good sense to plan a future vrithout Johnny in it.
    Shaken, she raised her eyes to Andrew's. "I can give you an answer now," she said. *T11 take Stefan back to New York."

    With Stefan trotting at her side, Frances tucked his cardboard box from the Children's Aid Society into the wagon. She was familiar with the contents of those boxes—a change of clothing and whatever small family keepsakes, trinkets, or toys the child held dear.
    "I think I remember my aunt and uncle," Stefan said. "When I say my uncle's name to myself I see a big mustache. It's thick and wide, like a hairbrush."
    FVances chuckled as she led Stefan into the general store. She smiled and nodded at Mrs. Garrett and Mrs. St. John, who stood near the doorway.
    Mrs. Garrett's eyebrows rose and fluttered. "Don't tell me you've taken an orphan train child, Miss Kelly. Isn't there some rule against single parents? Or perhaps you and Johimy Mueller have finally decided—"

    Frances interrupted. "This is Stefan Gromeche. Til be taking him back to New York. He has an aunt and uncle waiting for him."
    Mrs. St John giggled and said to her friend, "You're speaking out of turn, Mrs. Garrett, about Frances and Johnny. We haven't been hearing the sound of wedding bells, have we?"
    "Please excuse me," Frances said calmly, although she knew her face was burning. Taking Stefan's hand, she pushed past the women and strode into the cool dimness of the store.
    Stefan gasped, jerking Frances to a stop. She glanced down at him in surprise. He was staring fixedly at the mounds of fresh carrots, golden onions, and white turnips tinged with purple.
    "What are those?" Stefan asked.
    Mr. Nash picked up a carrot, rubbed some specks of dirt fit)m it onto his already soiled apron, and handed it to Stefan. "Have you ever eaten a carrot?" he asked.
    Stefan shook his head. "At home we mostly had potatoes and cabbage. Then at the orphanage we had bread and butter and sometimes a thick, brown soup." He studied the carrot, then took a bite, jumping as it cracked under his teeth.
    "Like it?" Frances asked.
    Stefan munched happily. "It's good!"
    "So