They were hurrying down the avenue when they heard some one call, "Frances! Frances!" and there was Mrs. Marvin just leaving her carriage at the gate. "You must come in and wait till the storm is over," she said, and almost before they knew what had happened they found themselves standing on the porch with her, while the rain swept down in torrents.
"I am grateful to the wind for blowing you in my direction," Mrs. Marvin said, looking at Frances with her intent gaze.
The little girl smiled, and then remembering that Mrs. Marvin did not know Mark, she introduced him.
The lady was very gracious and asked him in to wait till the storm was over, but Mark said he had an engagement at home to meet a friend, and did not mind the rain for himself; so, being provided with an umbrella, he went off, promising to return for Frances when it cleared. This Mrs. Marvin assured him would not be necessary, as she would send her home.
"I am always getting caught in the rain," said Frances, as she went upstairs, her hand clasped in Mrs. Marvin's. "That was the way I happened to get acquainted with the Spectacle Man."
"I am glad something brought you to me; I have been wondering if I should ever see you again."
When her own room was reached the lady sat down and drew the child to her. "Have you forgotten me in all these weeks?" she asked.
"Oh, no, I couldn't do that," was the reply.
"You couldn't? Why not?" and she was drawn closer.
Frances thought this was not the sort of person to be easily forgotten, but she only smiled.