The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-11-01
JILL ..,.::, .: Y. ]: :.:::: x: :.:: ...

- idea was taking shape in his head. Thought there didn't seem to be much love between his mother and stepfather, she still had influence with him. And she was pretty tena- cious about getting what she wanted.
 T guess Sylvia was smart" Bar " said, cunningly. "She probably knew which one of us would come out the short end with dad so damn partial. have an idea he'll take care of Jack handsomely in his will. But what a joke on high and mighty Jack, if dad left everything to you. Most men do, don't they?"
 He watched the color wash back over his mothers white face, and a queer glitter come into her eyes.
 T suppose you don't know about the will, do you2" Barry pressed.
 "No. Your father has always said we'd all have plenty"
 That's hardly fair to you. And after all, Jack and Jill are only his stepchildren."
 You are c stepson, too," Mrs Wentworth countered. The queer glint was still in her eyes.
 But I'm your son." Barry said, softly. Tt wouldn't matter to me if he left everything to you. And what a huge joke 1t would be on Sylvia"
 His mother laughed a little shak- fly. "Yes, wouldn't itl But I'm afraid we're being foolish. Your father has strong will and plans of his own."
 "1t was just a thought I had" Barry got to his feet. Tt wouldn't hurt to talk to father about 1t. He should have confidence in your judg- ment. And 1t would be a beastly shame to put you on basis with stepchildren."
 "I'll talk with him, tomorrow. But I'm @ little afraid. Dr. Middleton has warned him against worry and any unusual excitement. suppose you know his heart has been giving him trouble, lately2"
 "No," Barry spoke indifferently. T didn't know. But that's another reason why you should straighten out the will"
 He walked unsteadily from the room.
 For a long while after he was gone, Mrs. Wentworth sat alone, thinking.
 At the end of the month, Jill came home. She had acquired a nice southern ten. But the shad- ows were still in her eyes.
 She heard from her stepmother about Jacks engagement to Sylvia. Feeling Mrs. Wentworth's eyes probing hers. Jill spoke lightly: 1T have to go away from home for something interesting to happen"
 But later Jack received Q warm hug and kiss. T don't think you could have picked Q grander girl anywhere" Jill said. "Wher Is the big event coming otf?"
 Not before spring. haven't dis crssed our plans with the family. Our engagement isn't too popular around here"
 Jill nodded. T know. But dad !s pleased?"
 Pleased as punch" Jack grinned. If IdEbeen marrying the Queen of Sheba, he couldn't have, been as proud"
 Naturally, I'd like to catch you marrying an aristocratic shade.'
 From Patty, Jill had g bit of news of Alan. '@ ~v"
 The news was second hand having been gleaned first by Patty from Ardath.
 Heaven only knew, Patty said, how Ardath had discovered Alan's new studio among the thousands in the city. It wouldn't surprise Pat ty at all If Ardath hadn't done some snooping, like questioning the rent al agent of that dismal place Alan had vacated.
 Ardath had come to see her, an- nouncing brightly that she had run into Alan's studio unexpectedly, and she was planning to visit 1t one day soon.
 A number of people were brows- ing about the day Ardath passed there, so she didn't go in. You could never tell when browsing might result in selling picture for $30ool
 "Just a cat" Patty had ended. "A migthy dangerous cat"
 The thought of Ardath being privileged to run in and talk with Alan was torment. Jill who had never known moment of Jealousy in all of her young life, was jeal- ous. Fcarfully jealous.
 Jealous of @ girl who had irn- pressed her as too lazy to do much ~-------------------- -O~@AAA@@H