The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-07-20
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 nARKETT COLvIN, back fn Now York after years abroad, fails in love with ELINOR STAF- FORD. He is sS and she is 20, ElInOr returns his affection but her jealous, scheming mother, L1DA STAFFORD, breaks up the romance by convincing Barrett <hnf ElinoF in Q jleartleeg fllrt.
 Rich MISS ELLA SEXTON, Eli- nDr's aunt. dies and, to the de- entire fortune to Barret. Lfda VANCE CARTIER. When Vance lenrns she will not divorce her husband, BENTWELL STAF- FORD, he shoots BentwelI. It is uncertain whether the wounded man will live or die.
 Barrett goes to see ElinoF'e aunt, BESSIE THROPE, to ask what he can do to aid the girl. He does not want Miss Elias money and hopes to find some way to give it back to the right ful inheritors. <
 CHAPTER XXI
 The last thing Elinor wished that morning was the further strain of seeing Barrett Colvin. He had, with a blunt, inconsiderate strength she had not dreamed he possessed, overridden her suggestion that he should wait for the interview until her father was, better. As she said those last words her voice caught.
 s'I must see you." Barrett re- peated. Tt is important for both of us"
 T don't see how 1t could be, Mir Colvin."
 .I'li explain that. wouldn't bother you unless it was really necessary" He had not meant to let bitterness creep into that last sentence but 1t had, in spite of the defenses of will that he had erect ed against it. Well, since she en- joyed toying with aging hearts it might amtse her to laugh at their gtiffened creakings.
 There was silence. He broke 1t by saying, I'm coming to see you immediately. I'll only stay a few moments. Will you see that waiting and she knew by his de- cause it's really necessary"
 "Yes, I'll see you for few mo- ments, MT Colvin," she promised after another brief silence.
 Thank you," she heard. She put down the telephone. Benson stood waiting and she knew by his de- jectcd look that something else of a troublesome nature had come up.
 Its the druggist. Miss Elinor," Benson stated miserably. "He won't leave the medicine unless it is paid for"
 Purse in hand, she hurried to the foyer where the delivery boy wait ed "a trifle insolent because of his Instructions. She could still settle nurses, the doctor, the endless needs made by critically sick pa- tient-how would she manage to pay such bills? She had talked that morning to the one clerk in her fathers decaying brokerage of- flee. He had stammered that he needed his salary. He had two little girls and wife who was not we'll. He had his own bills, Elinor had dropped to a chair rather too suddenly, talking with him.
 How are things at the office, Mir Gerould?" she had asked. Bad" he told her bluntly, though his eyes were sympathetic. You see," he stammered, ESQ many peo- pie were waiting with the expecta- ton that MT Stafford would be remembered rather generously in Miss Sexton's will. The place is alive now with folks trying to col lect what they can. I went down and saw the line this morning and turned right around and came away. The rents overdue two months. The collector let it go, thinking"
 z "Yes, I know" she answered duly. She moistened her stiffened, father owe you?' she asked. She worked faithfully for her father for years. Besides there were his two small daughters and his ailng wife.
 She paid him his salary with ring worth twice the amount and $20 from her purse.
 I'm awfully sorry for you, Miss Stafford said the clerk, leaving. Her answering smile was a trifle twisted despite her effort to keep it genuine. Thank you," she an- swered. People were kind but kind ness would not buy drugs, com fort and ease for her father. He must have the right treatment, his chance to get well.
 Barrett Colvin's telephone call had come just after that. She received him in the drawing room. She had not been able to step into the library since she had seen the blood stains on a Chinese rug that, light in hue, showed them clearly.
 Miss Stafford" she heard Bar rett say and saw him bow. She murmured something vague.
 I'm going to sit down just a moment, please"
 She settled after his words and he dropped to a chair facing her.
 "I have a business proposition to make to you," he began blunt 1y.
 "Yes?" she prompted.
 "A proposition that is-will be- entirely one of business nature. Will you keep that in mind, please ?"
 "Yes."
 q know, Miss Stafford-I have made a point of learning = that your credit is almost exhausted and that your fathers business was on the verge of collapse before this accident"
 Her rounded chin went up with D little jerk. He saw this and went on swiftly, smoothly.
 'I know and you know that Miss Ella Sexton's will was unfair to your father and to your relatives, Ehe Thropes!''
 "Yss, but I don't blame you-'
 "That doesn't matter. What you and I feel about blame-or any thing-can't matter in this affair