The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-10-30
JILL ...::: ::. Y. ;:,::.: <, ::.: ;,
She thought Jill looked ex-

time. She thought Jill looked ex- cited.
 Jiil was. One of the letters m her hand was in Q clear-cut masculine writing that was new. Even before she opened 1t, she knew It was from Alan.
 She tore open the envelope. A check fluttered from the folded page. Alan had written: T hope YOU will forgive me. I realize now you meant to be kind. But 1t was impossible for me to accept. How ever, there seems no way to escape obligation. Moving was evidently the right idea. I've sold several pictures which made 1t possible to send a check, closing the transac- ton. Sincerely, Alan"
 Closing the transaction! He might just as well have said: End ing everything. He had asked for giveness for hurting her, but ne had not forgiven her. Which was the greatest hurt of all.
 Mechanically, she opened aI1- other letter. It was from Ellen Beckwith inviting her for @ visit. Ellen said the little tree shaded streets of her town would seem very quiet after the big city. But they all wanted Jill so much. And they really did have good times.
 For 8 long while Jill sat very still, holding the letters in her hand. One of them shutting the door to roc nance. The other opening the door to a temporary escape from life here at home-which had become in @ moment barren oasis. She would accept Ellen's invitation. There was nothing to wait for now.
 Sylvia Sutton had come over to say goodby to Jill.
 Jill knew that her stepmother ex- pected Sylvia to announce her engagement to Barry soon. But she was far from certain about 1t, her. self.
 There was none of the happy excitement about Sylvia that marked girls engaged to the men they loved. She was sure Sylvia was unhappy. Jack was not him. self either. The two facts added up and made @ complete conclu- sion.
 Maybe Sylvia was going to con- fide. If SO, she would say follow your heart" But maybe Sylvia was in the same boat with lots of other girls. You couldn't follow unless a man would let you.
 Sylvia wore an off-face hat matching her purplish crepe dress, which was fashioned with O monkish cowl that gave her @ sort of Fra Angelica look. Her big blue eyes looked almost violet, and there were violet shadows under them.
 Maybe she was imagining things. Maybe, Sylvia was only worn down by the strenuous social pace.
 Watching Jill assembling her wardrobe efficiently, Sylvia said: You're simply wonderful, Jill, l could never pack 6 trunk - or do dAlyLLluleI EVdAAys
 q think, I'd make a swell poor mans wife," Jill said slowly, care- fully placing a sky-blue evening gown on a padded silk hanger.
 Something, Sylvia thought, has happened to Jill. She isn't the same. Jill was the grandest girl she knew. She'd hate for things to go wrong for her.
 Maybe it's her home, sylvia's thoughts ran. I'd be unhappy, too, If I had Q stepmother as cold as @ fish.
 They went down stairs, and found Mrs. Wentworth waiting.
 1mpulsively, Sylvia put her arms about Jill and kissed her warmly. Jill looked so woebe- gone and lonely. As though she didn't want to go and as though she didn't want to stay.
 Wont you go to the station with us, sylvia2" Mrs. Wentworth asked eagerly.
 "Thank you, mo-" Sylvia replied. T must hurry home"
 She started walking toward her coupe. Got In and turned on the ignition. As the occupants of the big car waved, Sylvias hand went up gaily. A moment later the Wentworth car was lost around curve of the drive.
 Then, very calmly, Sylvia switched of the ignition and got out!
 Anything wrong, Miss Sylvia" queried the gardener, coming to- ward her.
 Sylvia smiled at the old Scotch man who had been the gardener for the Wentworths forever, as Jill said.
 "No, Andrew, was just thinking - ->--------