The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-18
CHAPTER x

At the tea dance in the Venetian room the ships passengers saw the blond young man with the &C., tress, Nora Lane.
 They wondered how he had met Che actress, and some of them made gueSses that he was going to be her third husband, now that her second marriage had gone on the rocks. It was exciting for the on- lockers. Miss Lane laughed for their exclusive enjoyment, it seemed. She was one of them, Dancing close to her, they could have touched her!
 But they saw that she laughed with . distinct retraction of her lips. Her eyes were undeniably sad.
 "Tell me-" she said to Dirk, "are you bridegroom who was left at the altar?" Her voice was sym- pathetic. T have been so terribly afraid that you were. It would hurt your kind so cruelty"
 Dirk flushed. You know my kind" he smiled. T quite prob ably would be left at the altar. But why do you ask that?"
 You had the best suite on board .-rnine now, thanks to you. Wasn't there a woman who changed her mind? Please tell me. The thought of . boy like you facing such cruelty has distressed me-terribly! Tfat is my failing. absorb too many peoples distress"
 Dirk said, "No, I haven't been tilted. I'm afraid I don't fall that hard"
 Nora Lane gave his shoulder a fond pat, and thrill passed through the watchful crowd again. "You are a charming boy" she said.
 She lifted a hand and made a gay gesture. But it seemed as though the gaiety which had been 1n her face slipped of as 8 mask. "A silence overcar11e them. They danced, each looking ahead, with his own thoughts.
 Dirk experienced 8 little self conscious pride. Everyone pointed them out in the saloon. He knew they were saying, "There is Nora Lane, the actress. I wonder who it is with her?"
 He wished he'd meet Jane Wes- ton now. He'd like to show her.
 Nora Lane asked them, What do you do? Do you work at something or are you still just living?"
 She was so careful not to hurt anyones feelings that she worded her questions like bright lines from a play. He told her he was only a ski jumper, and she smiled.
 T once saw those incredible fel- lows jumping at St. Moritz-sailing through the air like giant birds" she said. T talked to little Swiss in the stands. He was only 16. asked to feel his arms to see If jumpers had any nerves and I think he fell in love with me on the spot. It was a very trying affair. had to leave St. Morit3 with my husband"
 Suddenly the actress turned her head and said in surprise, "Who is that pretty girl staring at us?"
 Dirk looked about. He saw the broad-shouldered opera star and, over the mans shoulder, caught a glimpse of reddish hair and an up- tilted nose. It was Jane Weston. She was dancing with the opera singer.
 A moment more and her eyes met Dirk's. Each smiled with vague, whimsical expression of re- gret. Then they stiffened. That one look they exchanged was enough. It was youths challenge to youth. Jane flung up her head, almost with bravado, and Dirk smiled coolly in return.
 Later when they met in the foyer Dirk bowed formally and Jane smiled prettily. She and the bari tone were going out on deck to watch the sun set. Dirk let his eyes follow them, 8 little resent fully.
 He turned to Nora Lane. Lets go see the sun set," he suggested. we can go up on the hurricane deck and therell be nobody to stare at us"
 Miss Lane smiled. q was hop ing you'd ask me. I've been lonely