The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-01-07

Tracy said. 'I'm dead!"
 You look tired" Allan Vincent said to Ann. Wouldn't you like to have dinner in bed. too? Don't hesitate, if you feel you'd like to. This is the original Liberty Hall Very frequently, the children are the only ones at the table,"
 Ann was tempted. She felt tired, lonely, sick at heart. But, think ing of two children sitting alone at the table, she said, No. I'd prefer having dinner with the chill dren. It will be good time to get acquainted"
 "Td prefer having dinner with the children, too," the young man said.
 It was q queer meal, Ann thought. The strange young man with the intelligent, restless eyes at one end of the table. 8 child on each side. The children were quiet, Occasionally, under her coaxing. they broke into excited converse tion.
 \ My mother doesn't know" any stories but Miss Lane told us some. About Rumple--"
 "Stilts." prompted Sonny.
 "Skin," finished Sissy.
 Ann knew about Rumplestiltsken too. And after dinner, she told the story with many embellish- ments.
 She led her admiring charges off to bed, tucked them in, and then returned to the hall. Allan Vim cent was there, sitting by a read ing light. He laid his book on the table.
 Good night" Ann said.
 Turning in so soon?"
 "Yes. I'm a little tired"
 Wont you come into the living room with me while I smoke a couple of cigarets. Or better, will you smoke one with me?"
 "I don't smoke"
 "Well, come in for a moment any way"
 They sat down on a comfortable divan before the fire.
 'The little beggars will be both ering you to death now" he said. You're the first person to pay any attention to them, Miss Jones. What is your other name"' Ann"
 q like that better. I shall call you Ann"
 She smiled a little. He was ex- tremely cocksure, almost arrogant. But she liked him in spite, of 1t. Perhaps. she thought. it is because he Is lonely and unhappy, too.
 "I suspect" he said, you've picked a job for life-until you get ready to marry. That won't be any time soon?" After a moment, Ann answered, "No."
 He leaned over. knocking the ashes from his cigaret. That's good news. I should hate to see you leave. The children need you and it's damned lonesome here sometimes"
 Why don't you live in ?" Ann queried.
 Tt would be lonelier there," he answered moodily. After mos ment he burst out impatiently, My sister probably dramatized me to you. But it's only @ picture. The truth is I'm a sorry sketch. The only thing I know is woman's s work, like getting a home in shape curtains, rugs, mirrors!"
 Ann said, "The way you do it., 1t is art"
 You really think so?" His voice had wistful note.
 "I know it."
 ''It isn't what l want to do."
 "No. And you make it hard for yourself because you won't accept a substitute"
 You don't know anything about it."
 "Yes." she said, 'T do."
 There's some other place you'd rather be-now?"
 Ann got to her feet. She swayed little, and put out hand to the surroundings, fighting the sick de- spair within. Was there some other place she'd rather be? He had asked that!
 i've upset you!"
 'Its only that I'm tired. I'm sorry, but 1 must go-" Her stum- bling voice broke and she slipped to the floor. When she regained conscious ness she was lying on the divan and Allan Vincent stood looking anxiously down at her. Her hair against her cheeks was wet. A wet cloth was on her head. What happened?" "You fainted. Here drink this. It's strong. but you need it." Ann drank from the glass. After moment she sat up.
 Thank you, I'm feeling better. 1t was silly of me to faint"
 '"Take 1t easy. Not too fast. you've been hurt recently? How did you knOw?" T saw the scar---a fresh one un- der your hair when put the cloth on your head" "l had fall" He was studying her gravely. Tt