The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-09-10

name-the typical little rich girl coming back to her mothers home town"
 "What a conceited young idiot must have been in those days" Ruth remarked, enjoying herself thoroughly. Gan you recall any, thing at all nice about me?"
 "Yes," nodded John McNeill. You were always as game as the devil. They say you were never known to take a dare. You could outride and outswim any kid in town"
 "The advantages of wealth." Ruth pointed out. Swimming and horseback riding come easy to chill dren who'Ve been provided with beaches and horses and bridle paths." She realized that she was speaking a little bitterly. Back in her own dreary childhood there'd been a little girl in her town who Woodson girl ride it. She found , herself disliking Elaine Chalmers as the symbol of oil those selfish, pampered children who have more of this worlds plums than they need. Then she recalled that to- night she was Elaine herself and must remain in character. But you were just old enough to be scornful." she bantered. You treated me like dirt
 q kissed you once," he remarked as if it had become suddenly inn portant. II suppose I did it just to tease you. Have you frogotten?"
 Ruth said, "A girl never forgets thrust of dislike for the girl she was supposed to be. Let's go help Penny" she suggested.
 Penny gave them aprons and let them do as they liked. Ruth set the table while John and Penny argued about the steak. The silver and china which the old woman had given her to use were cheap and ordinary.
 "I guess they've taken away all the fine old Chalmers things.' she thought. Then she paused in her tracks to figure something out. l Hlo hoL q ShdlihClo iiouoSs for that name belonged to Elaine's father, and it was her mother who had lived here. Her mother was the daughter of the old railroad king who had owned, and perhaps built these walls. Not to know the family name gave Ruth a sudden feeling of insecurity. There was a way to find out
 She slipped from the room, clos ing the door behind her. She cross ed the hall to the big dark library which was back of the drawing room. There she took from shelf book and carried it into the con- meeting drawing room, into the cir cle of firelight. She opened to the fy-leaf and found something which sch had hoped was there, an old book plate bearing the Latin words, 'ex Libris." Underneath, in 8 strong clear masculine hand, was written, ''Silas s. Hunter"
 She made the test with several books and always found the same sir-name. In some cases "Silas s. and in other cases Duncan" pre- ceded the name Hunter. "The old Hunter house." Ruth said to her self softly. The knowledge would be useful.
 She did not know how long she stood there drinking in the past, wondering about the old house and the people who belonged to 1t. She only knew that all at once John McNeill opened the door and crossed the room to her, his face looking flushed and eager and glad, He held out his hand and she went to meet him, forgetting the past in the contentment of the pres ent. When he took her in his arms did not surprise her either. This was dream, and dreams should be | happy.
 He released her and said, q called you, and you didn't answer. had the feeling you might have left as suddenly as you came. It's a rotten feeling. I've had 1t all day"
 Forget it tonight" Ruth said with a shy little smile. I've just been in here absorbing atmosphere -how's the steak!"
 Its elegant" he said. Its per- feet"
 What modesty," commented Ruth. They had reached the threshold of the dining room. On the table there were lighted tapers, and a great bowl of pink roses was in the center.
 At Ruth's exclamation he said. with a sweeping gesture, Candles by Penny. Flowers by McNeill-"
 "Oh!" said Ruth. What have l done to deserve all this!"
 "Just being yourself,' he said