The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-11-06
Oh, where was AlanP


 Then, Jill saw him. Standing Q little apart. He looked III and stern. The strange look on his face told her more than that. Behind that set, sick expression was inner turmoil. A thousand dreadful, des- troying thoughts were raging in his mind.
 She must stop this mad. sac- rilegious dance with a man she de- spised and go to the man she loved.
 But no, she must not. There were dad and MT. Montanne sur- rounded by people. Mir. Mon- tame was beatning ct dad. And on dads face was the look of a person reprieved from some fear full punishment.
 "oh, Jill. darlingl" Milo was whispering. "All the time you were planning this, Dearest you are trembling"
 Jill tried to smile. She spoke through stiff lips: "only because took such an awful risk. Sup pose you had decided you didn't want me-"
 "Riskl When I've been of my head about you ever since I knew youl" ...
 Jill scarcely heard Milos ardent protest. The music had stopped and they were In the center of 0 milling crowd. Everyone was con- graduating them. Saying the same things. Some of her closest girl friends were kissing her.
 She could hear her stepmother's 6 excited voice: No of course l didn't know anything about 1t You know how young people shut out their parents, They're not very communicative. It was dra. matic, wasn't 1t? Now, when l was young If I had danced the wedding March to ragtime :"
 Jill felt she couldn't possibly bear any more. But she danced on for hours 1t seemed, a smile on her white face, saying things which had no meaning. Alan had gone she knew. Now there would be no opportunity for whispered word to him. No chance to ask him to believe there was an ex- planatiof.
 party had tapered of until of the scores who had come only the late- leavers remained, Jill thought mis- erably.
 Jill felt immensely lonely In the midst of the brassy brightness, assailed by effusive farewells that had no real warmth or friendli- ness in them. Crowded by laugh- Ing, noisy people, she saw Jack trying to break through to her. HIS smile was touched by gravity.
 "Jack knows I've done some: thing I didn't want to do" Jill thought, with Q lump m her tnroae' But he doesn't know why
 "Hey there, sls." Jack had slipped an arm about her. I'm going to shove Milo out in the cold with the others. A big party and getting engaged iS too much for one little girl In the same eVen- ing" ., ,,,.
 "Just try showing me out" Mllo retorted. DO you realize haven't had Q moment alone with Jnl since we became engaged Have heart" ,w
 "iIi send him away, soon, jill said In Q low tone. Milo thought he deserved e goodnight kiss. And perhAps he did. She was going to have to 90 through with 1t. She might as well begin.
 When the door had closed upon Milo later, Jill stood for Q mo. ment letting weariness and despair have It's way.
 Suddenly, she stiffened. There was Q sound like the scraping of Q chair. Then cautious step'
 "Jilli"
 Barry stood In the doorway where Jill's frightened gaze was rooted. Ills eyes were red and queer looking. His hair was di- Sheveled,
 Y almost screamed" Jill said' shakily,
 Any other girl would" Barry's eyes registered admrauon' thought that dumb egg would never leave. had an Idea you wanted to tell your Don Juan to catch 6 boat to Spain"
 Tt wasn't very nice of you to snoop around" Jill said, slowly, continuing to regard Barry with unsmiling eyes.
 II never was very nlce," Barry replied, his lips twisting into q wry smile. But l hatter myself I'm better than that miShy Milo"
 He's much to drunk to argue with. Jill decided.
 "oh go to bed, Barry" Jill said, wearily.
 I'm fed up with the way you treat me, Jill" Barry'S voice
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