The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-07-19
(From Jay-Thorpe, New York)

afraid I don't know what you mean"
 Marsh winked surreptitiously at Jo, and plunged into the converse tion. Would you like to start with a seafood cocktail, Jo?" At his mention of her first name Jo hap pened to meet Mrs. Marsh's glance with her own. The resulting sen- sation was not pleasant.
 ''Tell me, Miss Darien," went on the old lady when her son had or- dered for Jo. "Tell me something about yourself. Douglas has tried. Perhaps he believed he was telling me something definite. But Douglas is always incoherent about good looking young women - and, as a matter of fact, I don't believe he knows much about you himself"
 For an awful moment Jo felt like springing from the table, telling Mrs. Marsh very definitely that what she was and who she was couldn't be, as yet, any of the old lady's business. But her com- mon sense intervened in time to warn her that she had everything to gain by being agreeable, nothing to ain with a show of temper.
 "Well," said Jo, trying hard to keep the edge from her voice. T was born and raised in Weston where my father ran a hardware and implement store. He sold it recently, and didn't make much of profit, I'm afraid. It was neces- sary for me to find work-oh, could have gone home after the university closed but"
 Then you are a university girl?" inquired Mrs. Marsh.
 You can hardly say that, really. I've been there only one year, and I doubt if can return"
 Indeed? You have other plans, I supose?" asked Mrs. Marsh, with a glance at her son.
 i've no plans at all beyond the summer, Mrs. Marsh. For the sum- mer I hope to be here-providing, of course. that can do my job in satisfactory fashion"
 Douglas laughed. "We haven't much fear about that, have we, Mother?'
 Perhaps not" said Mrs. Marsh. T always reserve my opinions about people until I've known them some time. You don't mind that, l hope, Miss Darien?"
 Not in the least" said Jo sweet iy. I'm inclined to do the same thing myself"
 At this point, perhaps fearful of where the conversation between Ja and his mother might lead, Marsh launched into a rather ex- tended narrative which was enter taining but pointless. Jo could not help smiling to herself when she saw how neatly he had drawn the old lady away from her quarry, for in few moments Mrs. Marsh was wholly absorbed in her sons rem- iniscences, allowing Jo to listen and eat her dinner in peace.
 Obviously Mrs. Marsh was ex- orbitantly concerned with her only sons past and future. Realizing this, Jo forgave her much of her animosity. She would be as sus- picious of any strang young wo- man in whom Douglas had shown so much interest. After all, Douglas Marsh was all the old lady had now. Compared with him, her money meant nothing, and the memory of his father might be only bitter memory. While Doug las ran on pleasantly, Jo watched Mrs. Marsh = and pitied her. But her pity did not blind her to the fact that the old lady could make it very unpleasant for her at Crest Lake, and that probably she would miss no opportunity to do so.
 
 They had received their coffee in fragile demi-tasses when Doug- las at last finished his yarn-it had been an amusing incident of sum mer when he had his yacht an- chored of Tahiti. And no sooner had he finished than Mrs. Marsh began.
 Douglas, you hadn't told me could invite anyone to Crest Lake. but"
 "Why. that's certainly under stood Mother" he objected.
 Understood or not, I invited the Montgomerys. They should be here tomorrow"
 He nodded. "Oh, yes Re- member. Jo. we saw Babs Mont gomery at the Olympic Bowl?"
 Jos mouth opened slightly. "Oh . those Montgomerys? She hadn't meant to say it. and at the words Mrs. Marsh looked at her oddly. In a surprised tone she asked Jo if she know the family.
 I only know the daughter" Jc explained. "She was a sorority sister of mine at school"
 "oh," said the old lady, as il that explained great deal. "she'l an attractive and charming girl and her family are of the best" She turned to her son. q thought it would be good for you to have the girl here, Douglas. Someone oi your own age and of your own-'
 "Yea, I'm sure it will" Marsh interrupted hastily. He offered Js e cigaret. Would you like C smoke on thc,veranda?"
 "Piease 60 ahead" said Mrs Marsh. can't stand to be .neai oisaret smoke even in the open air Tfel ansa@ II~ q. aaS Fnnm M~H