The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-11-17
CHAPTER KY

CHAPTER XIV
 St seemed strange, Alan thought, % Do in New York, in America Agaln.
 Six months he'd passed since his hurried departure that morning, kt might have been yesterday, Thinga were co unchanged.
 Rockefeller Center towering across the way. And early morn- ing wOrshlppers hurrying up the worn steps that led from the street to st. Patrick's Cathedral.
 It was even stranger to be here ln Q new role. Not as Q penniless young man ct odds with his father, seeking o foothold in Q big, strange city. But rather, as an artist rec turning with his fathers full ape proval, called back by an amazing turn of fortune.
 sun Over Seville" had really been sold by the dealer this time, and to an authentic purchaser. A connoisseur of art, who had paid 9S,0OO and then had insisted on an exhibit of Alans pictures.
 Tt is Q big opportunity for you" the dealer had written. "This man is one of New Yorks important patrons of art You must come to New York imme- diately."
 And strangest of all--with the world suddenly SO friendly - that there should be no thrill or happi- ness for him.
 He had not wanted to return, He dreaded the rush of unhappy memories that America would bring to him. He was afraid to open Q paper, for fear Jills face or her name would leap out at him. :,
 Jill, by now, he was sure, had married Milo Montanne, and was living c luxurious life with him, During the six months he had been away, Alan had tried to put her completely out of his mind He had told himself she was hard, unworthy, deliberately cruel. .
 whenever he thought of Jlll's loyeliness he would remind him- self of that cheap, spectacular dance to the dreadful sound of the Wedding March In one-step time.
 How could he think for Q mo. ment that he could love Q girl who could do thing like thatl
 He had reached his destination, and servant was ushering him in. to n rom filled with beautiful art treasures, rich with color.
 A hand was suddenly on his shoulder. Alan turned to face the smiling dealer,
 50 you're back This time here to make terms, rather than seek them, I'm glad to sec you, my boy, I think l shall be very proud one day to say sold your hrst picture In New York. Sit down."
 Alan sat down. :,
 'ft is scarcely beliovablc," ne said, 1T am very anxious to meet the man who liked my picture so well. I'll be frank. had become utterly discouraged"
 1T know. Artists are like that" the dealer said slowly II think yoYr first unfortunate experience ,ad something to do with It. t was misplaced kindness on tne part of Miss Wentworth FOOT A chill of apprehension ron .hrough Alan, Poor girl. What could he mean, speaking Of Jili
 T don't think Miss Wentworth is 10 be pitied,' Alan said Stiiily' Tt seems to me she has every thing to make her happy"
 The dealer stared. "1s it pos uihie you don't know that hei father diedp HIS fortune was loSt, and the young lady is working in c department store" - ,
 "But her fianceI" Alan began, His voice shook. "Surely, ne would not let her down because her fathers business failed.'
 I'm afraid, Jeffry, that you don't understand the human heart the dealer said softly, "The young man was not to blame. The papers carried the story. It seemed Jill Wentworth had become engaged to hi into save her fathers business And after his death -- the police tried to make something of e mys.. tery out of e heart attack -- Jill wentworth asked young Montanne to release her" ,,
 "What mysteryl Great heavens Alan cried, tell me something"
 I'm trying to tell you now ,Jeffry, There was 6 blow on MT Wentworth's temple, which the police declared contributed to hiS death. They tried to place Sus. r,icion on the girl. But m ola woman had seen her in front of m apartment on 67th street at the exact hour Mrs. Wentworth ant' the secretary had heard MT. Vent worth fall. Curiously, Jeffry, 1t was the same apartment building where you also lived"
 Aian's face was white. Jill had come to him that morning. Ana he had been away. Then. he had Sailed for England, without know, Ing of her trouble. What could Vhe have thought about his dis. appearance2 And she had not