New Britain herald., 1925-12-15

distant corridors.
 Barbara stood up and smoothed the crumpled taffeta dress. She went out O. the conservatory and along the deserted hall to back staircase that looked as if it might lead to the ballroom above.
 Half way up the stairs she saw Bruce at the head of the flight. She turned, as if to run back down again. But he had seen her and was hasten- ing toward her.
 Barbara" he said. The girl turn cd her head away. Her cheeks were scarlet.
 "Barbara," he said again. more tremulously.
 Don't" she choked. Don't speak to mo. There's nothing between you and me ever again. and don't want 10 talk to you" Her eyes sought fs- cape. She turned back toward the foot of the stairs and took 2 step down. Bruce put his hand on her arm.
 "Oh, Mr, Reynolds" The voice sounded from above. Barbara jerled away from him and ran down the stairs. It was Lydia's voice.
 Mrs. Stacy appeared at the head of the stairs There you are, Bruce" she called gayly. T have been looking everywhere for you. Gignclli Is about to talk. ] asked him to tell my guests something about civic consciousness in respect to art and architecture. He has been say ing the most amusing things about some of the monstrosities he has seen in New Britain. Come along"
 She ripped down the steps to meet him, her black spanglcs wink ing in the shadows Of the hall. She laid one white hand on his arm and looked up at him. Are you having a good time at my party, Bruce? You know it's really for you that l planned 1t all. Gignclli ought 10 stir up more interest in Vale Acres. l want you to enjoy my party Her red brown eyes were bright and her lips were parted.
 Bruce locked down at her, The stern lines of his face softencd. "Ot course l am enjoying your party, It is altogether splendid. Lydia" he said. And I do think it will help our plans l hope to double or triple your investment, my dear"
 Downstairs, Barbara stood hud- died in corner beneath the ban nistcr afraid to move, lest Lydia s gracious, patronizing eyes fall upon , hpon her.
 Bruce and Lydia came down the steps, the woman clinging daintily to the arm Of the man. Barbara rlattcned her body against the wall as they passed. Her eyes followed them down the long corridor and out into the main reception hall beyond. Then she turned and rushed for the stairs.
 She found the dressing room nt last. l. was deserted, save for a maid who drowsed in a great armchair near the window.
 Barbara looked around for her wrap. The maid stirred and sat up.
 Can I do anything for you, miss?" Barbara saw that it was the same woman who had had the alter cation with Mrs. Stacy on the day of the interview,
 No thank you, Della" she said I'm just getting my things, to go home"
 Why. it's the young newspaper lady, isn't it?" beamed Della. Sure miss, I appreciated your kind words that day the madam was so angry about her dress"
 Then she began to hunt for the wrap. At last, with the cape over her arm. she stopped in front of the mirror to apply powder puff. Hel face stared back at her, white and drawn,
 You look i'll. miss" said the maid Shall I call your car for you?"
 Barbara smiled grimly No thank you" she replied.
 Out in the hall again, she looked around. The house was quite still She advanced to the main staircase and looked over. The entire com pany was assembled in the hall be- low. Gigneli stood on the third steI talking. His words, hls mobile fac' and his hands, gesturing gracefully held the crowd.
 Near him stood Lydia Stacy anC Bruce. The women nearby looked a Lydia now and then with eyes fol her beauty, her dress, her handsome cavalier. Barbara saw it all quit' plainly. She stepped back out o sight and paused, trying to catch few words from the speech. It Wa useless
 She turned and ran back down tn hall toward the back staircase. Sh was half down when q great clap