The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-04-06
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
CHAPTER KILT.


 manner that what he had to say was important. EEK S
 Its about my sfamily,r he said. .I'd rather tell you myself than else"
 Gypsy waited, Her heart was beating rapidly. There was nothing that she could think of to say.
 Last night" went on Wallace T told you I'd lived with my aunt ever since was kid. Aunt Ellen was my fathers sister. She never married. was 12 when my mother died. Pneumonia. She was sick less than a week with 1t. Father was away on business trip and he didn't get home in time. When he dtd--I guess 1t was rather terrible. They'd never been separated before for more than a. day or two in all the time they were manfred. We'll, two weeks later father shot himself" :"
 Gypsy's shocked "Oh-h!" was in- voluntary. The exclamation was out before she could stifle it.
 Wallace was watching her.
 Most people," he said. seem to think it's sort of disgrace. That's why I wanted to tell you myself x Somehow I can't think of it. that way. To me it's grown to be-
 Gypsy nodded slowly, He could barely hear her words, "F5e must have been awfulfy fond of her!" SC said. "He must have loved
 "He left a note. think Aunt Ellen has 1t yet. All 1t said was that he couldn't live without her and he didn't want her to be ary- yUhAra n1n :. tf ax xa. understand at the time. Tough for kid to lose both her parents but Aunt Ellen did everything any one could to make up for father and mother both."
 Gypsy put out one hand and laid 1t on Wallaces' arm. I'm glad you told me-" she said.
 Jim Wallace looked out the window after that and the girl had no way of knowing what he might be thinking. He turned his head again when she spoke.
 Your Aunt Ellen" Gypsy be- gan, Do you think she'll like me ?" An uncomfortable premonition was stirring at the girls heart.
 "Of course she will" Wallace as- sured her with bland masculine se- renity. " Why sSehouldn,t she ?"
 Gypsy smileds Lots of reasons" she said.
 "sheli be glad to see you" the young man insisted: .'She's been telling me for the last six months that ought to get manfred. Thinks l should settle down." He grinned indicating that this was humorous.
 It was on the tip of Gypsy's tongue to ask if his aunt, wanted him to marry particular girl. That would make q difference. Then she re- membered 1t would hurt Jim as much to talk about his former fi- ancee as 1t was hurting her now whenever she thought of Alan Cros- by. Poor Jim--it must be trying morning for him too. x81
 Perhaps Aunt Ellen would be glad to see her. Anyhow she would try to think so.
 Wallace held up his wrist and looked at his watch. Twelve o. clock" he announced Are you ready for lunch?"
 Gypsy said she would rather wait. For half an hour Wallace devoted himself to his newspaper and the girl started at the printed pages before her. Not once in that half hour did she turn the page. Then q colored boy in stiffly starched white uniform came thruogh the car singing out. Luncheon now being served in the dining carl" Wallace glanced over the top of the newspa- per and Gypsy nodded to signify that she was ready.
 A solictious head waiter ushered them to table in the center of the car and offered the menu. Only about half of the places at the other tables were occupied.
 Across the car at@athe right Gypsy noted the woman with the beautiful mink wrap. She was eat- Ing her luncheon alone. Gypsy glanced at the young man facing her and felt a thrill of possession. He was her husband--and e hus- band to be proud of!
 Whatever madness she had committed. however. much she might later regret the mornings