The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-17
CHAPTER TX

the ships hurricane deck, leav- ing him with his own hurt and in- jured pride. Hot tears stung her cheeks, but she wouldn't let Dirk see them.
 Now they were both aware of a woman, heavily yelled and in au- tumn furs, who walked along the rail, pausing at intervals. She was alone. For moment she stood and looked out over the huge swells in the sea.
 Jane watched her breathless. Her figure was/of the cast which should remain forever in black velvet or as now in a silhouette against the early evening. There was some- thing imposing about her appear hnce.
 The figure of a man was rapidly approaching her. It appeared as if he were going to speak, and she turned to him, revealing her face. She merely looked at the man with an ironic smile. The man walked away hurriedly, disconnected before her smile. He has picked the wrong nurnberl
 Jane felt herself trembling. "You saw thatl" she breathed, low, to Dirk. "It makes us see ourselves Ns we are, I'm @ pickup, and you're the kind of 8 man who does" She saw that he was irked. Browns creased his forehead, and b hand went through his blond hair. "Aren't we a little too seri- puss" he begged. After all, you're Q swell girl. I'm fellow - of sorts, sven if I'm not a moon-struck opera star. But if that's the way you Feel about us, goodnight, Miss Wes- bon-"
 Goodnight, MT. strom." Sene walked away, her head held proudly erect. Disillusionment had been painful, but there were no teays. Now. She had the feeling Ehat they had both merely in- kbulged in nasty words. When she eRot to her room she flung herself Hown on the berth, and lay there, seery still,
 After she was gone Dirk stood Eby the rail, nursing his injured pride. He didn't see why Jane should be so touchy about @ romantic mo- kion. He had lived long enough elose to Nature to know realities. But he guessed he had let his im- IAgination play a little on this cruise. He had wanted to know the sun and khe moon and the earth and the Lntars.
 He found himself watching the Voman in wells who stood looking but over the water. He felt hypno- Mixed by her poise, and for mo- Ep1ent he forgot the vanity which sane had surprised in him.
 The woman had medallion lpyofile. He saw her stretch her farms out over the water, and her Hips moved almost imperceptibly. But the words somehow reached his pars.
 T don't know what I have done" She said, to deserve all this un- happiness" She said 1t in a deep, 'khroaty voice that was less theatri- Dal than convincing.
 Dirk was sympathetic and sorry Cor her. This was the penalty for his honesty of sentiment in all his moods. He felt impelled to speak 10 her. but she moved away from him down the rail. He followed her, not knowing why, until she was lost in the maze of passage ways.
 For . moment he had almost for gotten Jane Weston! But he still remembered that he had hurt her with his frankness, and he was sorry for that. She had done some thing to him already. Kisses under Ehis moonlight would alter any mans personality.
 He was walking along Deck B toying with the idea that he was IFeally in love with Jane when he hnet the purser talking with the 'Neiled woman. He stopped on the trail to avoid the very meeting he had been seeking, and lit a cigaret.
 T can't sleep in my room for the ebnen in the next suite" she said. s"I've even had strange knocks on hny door, and saying things which .are less shocking than loud. I took this cruise simply to rest my lnerves, and get away from that Esort of thing. But I don't like to annoy. They are quite possibly tired business men. Can't you give me another suite on board?"
 The ship was filled. The purser Twas sorry he didn't have another l6uite. And 1t was obvious that he Idid not wish to disturb the poker 'playerS from whom his largest tips would come.
 Then Dirk acted on impulse. He istepped up to the purser quickly, and tipped his fingers to his head. TT beg your pardon. Would Suite lAA do for Madame?' he said, smil- ,ng. I'm lost in it. honestly. I'd gladly exchange. I won't mind the poker players. never go to bed before in the morning, anyway"
 The purser stared at him. You have Suite A, alone? That's the best suite on board" he said. "The royal suite"
 The woman lifted her veil and smiled at Dirk. You are very Kind she said. But I don't really deserye a royal suite"
 For the first time Dirk saw her gaee clearly. It was the most in- eelligcnt face he had ever seen. It Mas the actress married snd un- Paarried and unhappily married beain, Nora Lane.
 I'm Nora Lane" she said. sim- pb. T tried to keep my room