The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-11-09
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and heap more coal on the open fire.
 Ardath found herself strangely fascinated and excited. He really was a grand painter, wasn't he? he would go places. And any girl who got him would go places, tco. Ardath was of the type who knew only one way to get a man. Entrap him with physical weapons. Her lips curved into warm invita- ton again.
 But her most alluring express, sions were evidently being lost upon Alan. She began to droop in weary defeat.
 Wake up," Alan cried out with professional ruthlessness.
 Let's quit" Ardath suggested, suddenly. "I'm - guess I'm too tired to sit still any longer. It's late, and there's tomorrow. You don't have to punch a clock at 8 a. m.
 I'm afraid I've been selfish" |" Alan said, compassionately. I'm fearfully sorry. I'll make this up to you. Models are well paid, you know"
 "Oh, skip it." Ardath said. T don't want any money. It wasn't so bad, really. Let's see what you've done."
 Alan threw a cover over the can- vas. Wait until it's finished. I'm afraid you wouldn't understand now what I'm trying to do. I'll call taxi for you now"
 "A taxi!" Ardath breathed. T couldn't be walking in or my land- lady at an hour like this. She's awfully strict, you sec" Alan did not see. She had believed this was one of those cheap ad- ventures. Only 1t wouldn't be.
 He tried to keep the contempt out of his voice, to make 1t sound casual.
 You want to stay here, then?"
 "If you don't mind. I could just curl up in a big chair somewhere" :"
 T wouldn't be comfortable at all sleeping in my bed. I've a bet- ter idea. I'm going to let you sleep there, while I go, out for a walk. I frequently walk for hours when I'm restless"
 And you're restless row?" Ar dath asked, her eyes on his.
 "Yes," Alan replied.
 "Ill come back in time to take you out to breakfast" Alan said. Ardatn didn't speak for a mo- ment. Put me out on the door step if you like" Her voice was choked. T don't want to run you out"
 You're not running me out. I like nothing better than a tramp in 8 snow. You've been a good sport about the picture. Now try to get some sleep"
 Ardath persisted. It seems silly for you to leave. If you're think ing about my reputation - you needn't. I'm not 8 conventional person"
 No" Alan said, his eyes meet ing hers steadily. T wasn't think ing of that. Besides the night is already over. It's close to 5 o'clock"
 He went out closing the door behind him. Ardath went back into the bed- room slowly. The covered canvas met her eyes, and angrily she turned back the cover.
 For moment she stood regard ing 1t blankly. Her own face, her own features. And yet 1t wasn't her. The soft, shining radiance on the face of the woman on the canvas bewildered her. Her lips had never curved in the sweet and gentle way this woman's did. Get ting a soul, he had saidl
 The arrogant fool. He had used her to paint this silly picture. He had been making fun of her all the time.
 In a blind fury. Ardath struck the canvas violently.
 All he had wanted was to paint like this. Well, he wouldn't have the picture.
 She would leave before he came back. Just as soon as 1t was light. But she would leave little re- hinder of her visit.
 With quick, savage fingers, she tore the picture from the easel, rolled 1t tightly and went over to the fire.
 For moment smoke curled about the canvas. Then, greedy flames leaped up.
 Hell be wild" Ardath thought. But guess he'll know then, he didn't make fool outa me-" '.
 
 A tawny glow was streaking the early morning sky when Jill drove away from the big, shadow-draped mansion.
 In her gray Persian coat and