The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-10-27
JILL ....... ".: ,.. :::::: <: ::.::. ...

He leaned forward, his gaze in- tent on Jill'S. "Jill, I've sold . picturel"
 The way he said itl He might have been saying: Jill, I've pur- chased the Chrysler huildingl Jill, I'm endowing the Metropolitan Museuml Jill, I've struck oill Jill, I've found gold minel
 In exactly that tone.
 Alan's voice was so glad 1t sound- ed solemn. It hurt Jill, and at the same time made her happy. Sup pose, she hadn't thought of doing this simple thing for him that was bring ing him such happiness and giving him Q sense of power and com" mand2
 "I'm 50 glad" Jill said, simply. Its wonderfull"
 But, Jill told you this is the most extraordinary thing. You won't believe me. You'll think I've suddenly gone stark crazy. l have sold the picture for 5000"
 Jill's voice was calm. I'm sure 1t was worth it."
 Worth it!" Alan stared. "Youre an infant in arms. How many artists without regulations sell pictures for $3O00? Name one."
 T don't know any artist except you"
 Then you can't realize how amazing this IS. The old codger must have been aS crazy as Q loon."
 What old codger2"
 "The eccentric old chap who wouldn't pay . cent less than $3,00O."
 Jill laughed. "It sounds queer" !"
 Tt is queer. He bought 1t through Q dealer who wouldn't give the mans name. It seems this old fellow goeS about appraising pictures, and if he sees one he likes he buys 1t for what he considers 1t is worth. A bit touched, don't you think?"
 ''Touched2"
 Crazy, then," said Alan. Plain crazy"
 He was studying the glowing tip of his cigaret now, and missed the smile in Jill's eyes. After c moment he looked up.
 \ remember an old graybeard who came in twice. He would look at the other pictures, but he would always come back to Seville"
 "Yes," Jill said softly. She per- sisted loyally: "Just the same, I'm sure 1t was worth every bit of the money"
 "The funny part of 1t Is that you may be right" Alan replied. Though, somehow, I feel like I've robbed e bank. It's the best thing I've done anyway. I put more into 1t than any other picture I've paint ed. I tested out a lot of theories I have about color and color combina- tions."
 The lightness had gone out of his voice. It was intensely serious, stirred by emotion.
 They left the tearoom and went out into the warm, autumn night. Alan signaled to c taxi. In the darkness of the cab, they moved closer.
 "Let's ride around for awhile" Alan whispered. T want to cele- brate extravagantly, reckleSsly. If you only knew all the corners I've cut and the pennies I've saved" He groaned.
 "on one condition" Jill said. T take a bus home alone"
 Great heavens, Jilll Why can't I take you home?"
 "I'm being awfully foolish" Jill said, but, please not tonight"
 She could feel his gaze upon her.
 Jill was frightened. Tonight with the sense of c miracle upon him was no time for him to see the Wentworth town house. II would take the edge off his ex- perience to find he had not been confiding his good fortune to 6 girl l VA GNCAGSV ADVERTISEMENTS Uuv OA one of immense wealth.
 Alan spoke suddenly. "All right Have 1t your way, Jill" He real ized that Jill did not want him tc accompany her home. He tried reasonably, to justify her. There might be an old grouch for a father A nervous mother. A living room badly in need of new furniture Foolish reasons. All of them. But girls had strange notions about things.
 The taM rattled along, cricline about the city, doubling black or tracks.
 And then, suddenly, they were both very quiet. A lump was in JillS throat. It was happening.