The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-07-25
"sTAY OUT OF MY LIFE"

41@AA44 EAAeANA GOIlC3 NO NCW
 York determined to show her
 home town, Marburg, and espe-
 ciRlly AMY JACKSON that she
 can make Q success of her life.
 Amy had been her best friend
 until HOWARD JACKSON broke
 the engagement Jane had forced
 upon him and married Amy.
 In New York Jane obtains a
 position in real estate office
 and soon is making q large in- ss come. She has an affair with
 ROGER THORPE, married. but
 tires of him. When he offers to
 bear the expense of their child
 she contemptuousIy dismisses
 him. Amy takes the baby, named
 NANCY, promising never to rec
 veal its percentage. She can never
 quite still the fear that Jane will
 some time try to take the child.
 America enters the World War
 and Howard decides to enlist in
 tlie aviation corps. Amy, heart-
 sick over this impending separa-
 tion, is obliged to play hostess to
 4 commencement dinner party
 at which Jane is a guest.
 CHAPTER XXVI
 "But you'll play for us, just a little," said MT Barney genially. T know we're due at the meeting, but we can't go without hearing you" He did not want to move. The dinner had been more than satisfying and he was smoking one of his own cigars, for though he had approved the Burgundy, he couldn't make up his mind to try faculty tobacco. He wanted to sit down and relax and be entertained without effort until that cigar was finished. It was extraordinarily pleasant here, the three charming young women, the men agreeable enough, no disturbing topics thrown about. A little, not too much, music would be the right ending. MT Prentice agreed with his fellow trustee.
 But I wonder" began Amy. She did not want to play. She was afraid of the emotion of music to- night.
 "Oh please, Amy" said Edgar and Alice seconded him with: T almost never get a chance to hear you"
 T don't either" said Miss Rosa. Come along, child. You don't have to be coaXed."
 Jane did not want to hear any music. would simply keep Amy in the limelight still longer, but she must appear generous and amiable before Howard. "Of course Amy must play for us," she said, and made room on the sofa for Howard to sit beside her and list o Nk 1r{, l,4 and Prentice took the place. How ard moved over beyond the piano so that he could see Amy's face and be away from everyone else.
 She did not ask them what they wanted to hear, but began involun- tarily the Franck Prelude with its questionings of mans destiny, its search for the sustenance of faith and hope; then on into the Chorale where these questionings are an- swered with noble wisdom, immor- tal grace, and harmony is wrought between human insignificance and human aspiration.
 The music reached them all, even Jane, but Jane the least. Jane tried to find it show-offish and solemn. Yet it impressed her and made her i'll at ease, and though she rose im- mediately to go when the music ceased-no more Amy for me to- night, she thought-she was sub- dued. She couldn't flash about and be smiling and provocative while majesty still echoed through the room. She was glad to get away. And when Prentice, who insisted on taking her and Miss Rosa home before he went on to the trustees meeting, began to ask for her ad- dress in the city-"I work in Chi cago. but I take time off to play in New York, ha ha!'-she told him coolly that her office was in the telephone book and made a mental note to warn Mrs Andrews that she was out If he called up.
 Tt was the most agreeable eve- ming I've spent for long time," said Miss Rosa when MT Prentice had left. "But what on earth made you rush off right away? Amy might have kept on playing for us, even if the rest of them did have to go. I could have stayed there listening to her forever"
 Jane was fitting cigaret in the long jade holder. "Oh, she had to show up at one of the Com mencement parties, too," she said. Someone said so. That wife of Edgar's, think it was"
 Now, there's nice little soul!" Miss Rosa exclaimed. Always well-mannered, plays a good game of bridge, keeps house. as if she was doing it for wages, has a good temper-'
 Jane laughed without mirth. Aunt Rosa, you must be losing your grip. Since when did you be- gin to think so much of sweet lit- tie creatures who keep house nice ly and have good manners? You know that girls bunny for brains. She's just a-a poultice for Edgar's feeling about Amy. an easy sooth- ing poultice."
 Miss Rosa's first impulse was to reply: You always were peeved because the boys liked Amy better than you," but she repressed it. She had come to be a trifie wary of this competent, assured and ruthless Jane. She wanted to pro- pitiate her. So instead of the gibe about Jane's jealousy. Miss Rosa merely remarked, Maybe so, may be so," adding with polite intent, "Well, neither Alice Moreland nor Amy ever had dress that touched that one you've got on, Jane. It's what call real style"
 Jane shrugged off the compli- ment. All the style in the world didn't seem to bring her any near CT to what she wanted most. But she could not swallow in complete silence her resentment of the even- ing and the thing she found her self resenting most was that Amy shouldn't be afraid of her.
 "Marburg doesn't progress at all," said Jane, going at her sub- ject indirectly. Its still got the same dub standards and ideas"
 What do you want?" asked Miss Rosa. II must say it's relief to me to have things go along about the same year after year."
 That's because you're old" said Jane cruelty. It was relief to strike at someone. But here, after all, it's a college town, full of