The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-10-29

AAAp OA SOAAOSS AAS AAeSSA @S~>e~~@ out who she was. He probably be- lieved she had been masquerading. But all that could be cleared up when she talked with him. He would laugh at her for being foolish. And that would be all.
 But despite her sensible reason- ing, with which she was bolster ing her courage, Jill felt far from outrageous, as she ran lightly down the great stairway. There was something of the frightened little girl about her as she reached the bottom step, and saw Alan waiting.
 He had looked about the im- mense drawing rooms with their discriminating but prodigal dis play of wealth, and he had not liked them at all. The sight of Jill's lavish home added fuel to his burning bitterness.
 He could scarcely wait for Jill to come. At the sound of her step on the stair, he had rushed into the hall.
 Jill's dark and troubled eyes met his. She was very pale. Alan had wild desire to shake her, and then take her in his arms, he would be lost. Jill and all the things she stood for would win over the things he had set as standards.
 Please let's go into the music room," Jill spoke in a low tone. She had recognized the signs of avid curiosity in her stepmother. The door closed behind them, and Alan burst out hoarsely. T came to return $2,600. Unfortu- nately $4oO of your money is re- posing in the pocket of the man who rented me his place, who, I understand, left town tonight-I don't know where. But I assure you every penny of the balance will be paid to you as quickly as the money comes in."
 Did anyone tell you I bought your picture?" Jill asked in a low tone.
 Not in SO many words. But you did"
 Jill nodded miserably. Her throat was aching, and words would not come.
 "Thank you very much," Alan said, unsteadily. T - it happens that I'm not yet an applicant for charity. And I detest men who let rich women take care of them"
 Jills face blanched. T think you are terrible" she whispered.
 "Jill" cried Alan. T don't see how you could have done this to me-" He stepped closer.
 All of Jill's anger was suddenly gone. She was conscious of deep shame. She didn't see how she could have done this to him either. He had wanted only to achieve, and she had made his achievement a sham.
 Alan's swift impulse of tenderness was succeeded by another surge of unreasonable anger.
 All that time in the restaurant, he thought, Jill had been laugh ing at him, encouraging him to talk of the old graybeard, who had been bowled over by "Sun Over Seville.' Even when he had been kissing Jill, she must have been thinking of how easily he had been duped.
 He had been a toy for rich Jill Wentworth. Well, from now on, she could find somebody else some sissy chap who wouldn't mind having favors heaped upon him.
 "Goodby," Alan said, with cruel finality.
 "Goodby." Jill barely whispered 1t. She watched him walk away. Tall, handsome and unhappy.
 She wanted to rush after him. But after all, when girl knew a man was through with her, she couldn't run and throw herself in his arms. Not if her heart died within her. Jill felt hers had. She felt cold and lifeless and weary.
 At the top of the stairs, she ran into her mother.
 "Who was the young man?" Mrs. Wentworth asked. And what did he want?"
 Jill answering the first question spoke in dull voice: Allan Jeffry."
 T never heard of him." Mrs. Wentworth snapped. People she had never heard of simply didn't exist.
 Jill had reached her room. She turned the key thinking of her mothers curious eyes. Then she threw herself on the bed, staring into space. Her face felt drawn and taut.
 The telephone was ringing and,