The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-11-03
y 7 LII ... ::: ~, ; :; (: :::::'..
Copyright 1897, NEA Service. Inc

1.-THE impression again that he look
ed weary and worn. She felt
troubled. The next moment her
/ StepfatheT'S eyes met hers. and
he smiled IF Jill has her heart
on having her party"
81 haven't, though, dad" Jill
broke in quickly. I'D hate hav-
ing it away from home" She
added with a flash of her old,
mischievous smile: ut would look
as though you and mother were
introducing me all over again.
| Anyway. we can take care of
everyone comfortably at home"
Mrs. Wentworth had finally
| given in. A week later the invi-
tations were being addressed.
IL hope you've thought of
everybody" Mrs. Wentworth said
TO jill. 1--WE racked my brain
trying to remember all the par
cnts of your best friends, and
other special older guests"
Parents of all the most eligi-
bic men," Jill couldn't resist say
Ing. 81 suppose YOU included Mr.
Montanne.
She had encountered her step
mother at the top os the beauti-
full Spiralling star, and now would
have hurried past. but Mrs. Went
worth spoke neryouSly: Gould
you come into my room for a
moment. want to talk with YOU"
Jill scarcely ever came to this
room. It's magnificence depress-
ed her. Designed by an interior
decorator of faultles taste, it was
get definitely stamped by the
personality of it's owner. Some
how, Jill had the feeling that it
had been u battle between them.
\ question of how much should
be left out or how much could be
put in. Mrs. Wentworth, whose
ideas always ran to qantity, had
evidently won out.
Too gorgeous" Jill secretly
thought, her eyes on the gold fit
tings on her mothers dressing Ia
bic.
rs anything wrong, mother"
Jill asked.
Jill, | did ask Mr.. Montanne,
of course. You know we wouldn't
have a big party without asking
him. But he refused"
81 don't blame him." Jill re-
piled. 1T would probably bore
him to death"
You are taking this very light
~, Jill. | tell you it was strange.
He spoke very abruptly. There
was something"
What could there be-" Jill
asked, perpleXed. Mother, I'm
sure yoa'rc wrong"
I'm just as sure Pm right"
Mrs. Wentworth spoke coldly.
Jill I've meant to ask you be-
fore, but I've been so busy it slip
ped my mind. You asked Milo to
receive with you, of course"
mo" Jill said. IL didn't. II
would be encouraging him to be-
heve care something for him.
And ! don't. | haven't any use
for him, really. only tolerate
him around because of the friend
ship between father and Mr.. Mon
tame
"Now. | understand what was
the matter" cried Mrs. Went
worth. ANY father would resent
the slight to his only child. He
adorcS Milo. Surely, Jill, it isn't
too late to ask him to receive with
you"
II won't ask him, mother. 1t
would spoil the party for me-"
Very WE'LL" Mrs. Wentworth
spoke in an aggricvcd voice, I'm
afraid you will be sorry, some
day"
Jill left the room in n depreSs-
ed mood. II couldn't be true that
4 grown man-any adult person
would be petty about n thing
like that. OF course, Milo had
been hurt. even angry, when he
learned Jill planned TO ask Bill
v hitman ii 10 receive with her.
He hadn't come near her at
a!iSc's party, and he had been
stiff and priggish at the dinner
at the Worthingtons last night.
But he would get over il. He
always did. And it wouldn't have
been homes: asking him to re-
cCive with her, when she would
have loathcd having him.
But she mustn't leave her step
mother in this frame of mind. jill
turned, rctraced her steps, and
knocked on the door.
Il gave Miss Dexter my list"
Jill said. putting her head inside.
Miss Dexter was double-check-
ing. though, and she added sew
cral additional men 10 the stag
list. She said men are always
failing you at the last minute for
one reason or another
Presently, Mrs. Wentworth
sought Miss Dexter.
The secretary was in a bright
little sitting room that Adorned
her bedroom. II was cheerful,
coy place with hangings of deep
blue, and furniture upholstered
in a bright, pumpkin shade. Clear,
winter sunshine gushed through,
giving an illusion Of warmth that
was really supplied by two radia-
tors. Boxes of invitations were
stacked on the floor and chairs.
Miss Dexter, a neat, efficient
person in her late thirties, sat at
wide table stamping envelopes.
She looked up with professional
alertnesS as Mrs. Wentworth
came in.
1--WE almost finished" she said.
They'll be ready for mailing