The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-11-10

Alan had reached his apartment
and let himself in with his latch
key.
The place was now quite empty,
fact which brought feeling of
intense relief. In the rear room,
the stripped easel met his eyes,
and then q bit Of blackencd can
vas on the hearth.
He smiled grimly. 1t had been
a good picture. But he would for
get all about it. It's destruction
meant that Ardath Holm was now
definitely out of his life. Which
was a good thing. If she had hung
around, she might have done some
real damage.
The telephone rang later IN the
morning and he answered it I'M
easily. He was almost certain he
would hear Ardath'S voice taking
penitence.
Hello there, old chap"
The voice had a familiar ring.
1t was - of course it was - VIC
Ainsworth, whom he had last seen
heading for the grind of an Eng
lis bank.
"Vic! Where are you? I'll take
a taxi"
Pm sorry as the deuce, Alan.
But I'm leaving for Louisville IN
a few minutes. Missed my train
last night, all because beautiful
girl wanted your life's hosiery.
But it's just az well / didn't get
| off. There's something | think
you should know"
"Not bad news. Surely"
! "Pm afraid so. Lord Jeffry
isn't well, Alan. Mother wrote he
was in poor health. | haven't the
right to say so. old man, but |
think this isn't the time for pride
and family Quarels. Maybe |
shouldn't advise yOu-but I'd like
to-"
at isn't necessary" Alan's
voice was husky with emotion.
"Pm afraid I've been a Selfish
knOw-it-all. "
He felt stunned. His father
with his oak-like constitution! He
couldn't remember the time he
had ever been sick. He had an
iron constitution that marched an
iron will. -,
"I'n leave for home tomorrow" "
Alan said slowly.
"Therc'S no great hurry, Alan.
4 good rest and seeing you again
is about all your father needs TO
pull him around. 1--WE an idea he
should be getting out of harness,
though"
= Alan smiled grimly. Getting
out of harness. His father would
never slip it unless he could place
it upon his son. -,
He thought YEARLY: If it will
$ bring the old fellow any happl-
ness and peace of mind, I'll give
up painting. Surely, he had done
nothing with it of which either he
or his father could be proud.
Sun Over Seville" was still in
the hands of the dealer to whom
Jill had gone. The dealer had
persuaded Alan to allow him to
place it on sale.
"Tll sail tomorrow" Alan said,
slowly. Thanks Vic for telling
me-"
but Alan, your work. I'm seri-
Gus. There's no reason to hurry
home" :,
There's no reason to stay,
Alan replied. briefly.
"But you're coming back"
"No, | won't come back .
Vic AinSworth said uneasily: 81
don't doubt that your father has
changed this past year. Softened
Don't smash your bridges, Alan.
He added casually-too casual
ly. "By the way, the girl l was
talking with about you was JAG
queline Wentworth"
"You were there"
Vic smiled. Then, he had beer
right. The electric note in Alan:
voice told him everything.
eyes. She was quite excited
when | said | knew you. ! gath
cred she thought quite a lot OF
you"
There was a silence, more illum
mating than words would have
been.
Alan's face had frightened will
pain. Jill.
He was leaving Jill forever
Jill, who had shaped a world foI
hin, and tben had topDled il,