The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-10-21

cided, The bright excitement In her face and voice pregaged something. {
 Barry Is giving Q house party at the lodge" Mrs, Wentworth said, when they were alone.
 "Qrand" Jill said. But her tone was not enthusiastic. House par- ties at the lake were generally ter. ribly tame affairs.
 "Its for Sylvia suttonp Mrs. Wentworth exclaimed. Triumph was In her voice.
 "OhW
 Even in Europe Jill had heard the name of the oil helress--the fabu. lously rich oil heiress - who had come to New York last year and been presented at one of the big geSt and most extravagant parties in metropolitan history.
 It was difhcult to believe that . rich and lovely girl could be inc terested in Barry. It wasn't only that Barry was weak and dissipated. He was arrogant and selfish, bee side.
 "sylvias been giving him oil her time since she came here" Pride was in Mrs. Wentworth's voice. Jill could sec that merely coupling Sylvia Suttons name with that of her son was intoxicating to her stepmother.
 T saw her picture in c London paper once" Jill said slowly. "she Is beautiful, Isn't she'"
 "Yes."
 MRS, WENTWORTH was star- 1NA ing ct Jill. she noted the slim charm of her stepdaughter, the dark blue eyes curtained by sooty laSheS. Jills waVy bob was rich brown. Her nose was slender and her mouth, curving Into Q smile, revealed lovely white teeth. There was c hint of firmness In Jlll's chin which had Q small cleft that often passed As Q dimple.
 People would be calling Jill q beauty now. Which would have It's coinpensations. Beautiful girls got husbands without much effort. She was sure Jill wouldn't 90 out of her way to get one. Like oil other gifts Of the gods, Q husband would prob- ably have to be dumped right down into Jill's lap.
 "its about time you settled down In New York for c while" Mrs. Wentworth said slowly. Most of your friends are marrying or are engaged. What arc your plans for the winter7"
 "A grand campaign of taking over the natives" Jill answered. The last thing I want to do is to take over tho town, Jill thought, laughing inside. But this was the kind of batter that pleased her stens mother. So why not?
 Scotch though dad says I am, I Still have some vera vera smart clothes" Jill continued. T quite daESled . young man who was on tho same boat coming over, He was plainly disappointed because c brass band didn't meet me-"
 "Did you sec very much of him2" Mrs. WontworthS voice rosc eagerly,
 T bumped into him practically everywhere" Jill was smiling, NcV. or, never would she tell her stop- mother that the young man had come over tourist. Her interest would register absolutely nothing II she knew that.
 I'm planning for you to attend tho house party with Milo" Mrs. wentworth said suddenly
 TILL leaped to her feet. Her face y flushed scarlet, and then turned very white. "Then I won't gol You know l detest him."
 "You forgot, Jill, that MT. Mon. tame has been Q wonderful friend to your father" Mrs. Wentworth'S voice was soft, but somehow 1t sounded hard and cold, despite It's
 Never, Jill thought miserably. have ! beon allowed to forget tho Big Three. The trio of bankers had loomed in the background of tho wentworth existence as iong as she could remember.
 Jill had always realized vaguely that In some way tho three bank. CTS were definite connected with the financial well-being of her family, Ever since the beginning of the de- preAsion-.which everybody spoke of now In the past tense--the Mon- aFne-Whitman. .Deresford triumVir. ato had boon "conferring" with her Stepfather.
 You can Do very rude and ob- stinato, Jill" Mrs. Wentworths eyes gleamod Coldly. I'm afraid it's too late for you to refuse, how ever. 1 called Milo and told him there was c chance you'd arrive in time for tho party. And he said he would Do delighted to take you."
 "Then, I suppose there is nothing I can do about it," Jiii said, furious ly. You were afraid l would re- fuse. And 50 you called hin first"
 Don't Do rude, Jili," Mrs. Went- worth dropped her gaze before the honest blaze in Jiil's eyes, and crit- ically studied her nails.
 After c moment, she heard the door close behind Jill.
 Tier lips closed in c hard, thin line. This was the way to handle that spoiled, determined girl.
 Barry and Sylvia Jill married to rich Milo Montanne and out of her way. Things would work out if she played her cards carefully.