The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-10-21

/ Just in case that driver suspected
her deep disappointment.
Maybe he is very good pant
cr, Jill thought, trying to extract
some comfort. Maybe his pictures
will be exhibited. Certainly. she
was going to read the art sections
in all the newspapers from now
on.
The lonesome feeling persisted
Jill couldn't shake it. Not even
when the taxi was rolling up the
/ driveway of her home.
Pm at homew Jill thought
| trying TO muster enthusiasm.
a moment later, she was stand
ing irrcSolutely in front of the
massive door. She waited another
moment before pressing the bell.
Well, what had she expected? A
brass band, as Alan Jeffry had
suggested?
The door swung open. Miss
Jllw
"How are you, Howell" Jill
spoke pleasantly to the amazed
butler. Some of her sober mood
dropped from her.
Nobody knew | was coming,
Jill added. 'IS mother at home?'
Yes, Miss Jill, and mighty
busy" Howell checked himself
with a swift upward glance.
Jill mounted the stairs, smiling
a little. When had she ever known
her stepmother when she wasn't
busy at something. Making a tre'
mendous stir about the simplest
thing.
She had reached Mrs. Went
worth's room. and now Knocked
IF she were my own mother,
Jill thought, doors wouldn't STOP
me. But she's probably being
masSaged."
1t was her stcpmOther'S nail.
this time.
Admitted by Norah, Mrs. Went
worth'S maid, Jill found her step
mother lying back in deep, cush-
toned chair. One plump, white
hand was extended for the dcft
miniStratiOn of red-haircd mani
curiSt.
Jill! Heavens, where did you
come from" Mrs. Wentworth eX-
calimed.
From Europe. I've been spend
ing some time there recently
Didn't you know" Jilps tone was
light, as she stopped and kissed
the older woman.
ITS a wonder that | did. You
are a very unsatisfactory CORE
Spondent, Jill. Why didn't you
cable that you had definitely de-
cided to sail?"
at doesn't matter now. I'm
here" Jill said.
1T matters great DEAL" Mrs.
Wentworth spoke Stiffly. "You
know what your father will say
when he finds out no one met you.
Of course, if had been a mind
reader" She broke off, as her
attention wavered from Jill to her
roSe-tipped nails. "They look very
nice, Miss Cartwright. Norah, take
Miss Cartwright'S case down. Tell
Davis to drive her back to town,
and to stop on the way for the
cakes"
Jill had risen from her chair.
ooh, don't go, Jill"
There was something queer
about her stepmother's manner,
Jill decided. The bright excite
ment in her face and voice pre-
saged something.
Barry is giving a house party
at the lodge" Mrs. Wentworth
said, when they were alone.
Grand Jill said. But her tone
was not enthusiastic. House par
ties at the lake were generally
terribly tame affairs.
"It'S for Sylvia Suttonw Mrs.
Wentworth exclaimed. Triumph
was in her voice.
"Ohw
Even in Europe Jill had heard
the name of. the oil heiress-the
fabulously rcih oil heiress-who
had come to New York last year
and been presented at one Of the
biggest and most extravagant
parties in metropolitan history.
1t was difficult to believe that
a rich and lovely girl could be
interested in Barry. 1t wasn't on
ly that Barry was weak and dissi-
pated. He was arrogant and self
ish, beside. :,
"Sylvia's been giving him all
her time since she came here.
Pride was in Mrs. Wentworth's
voice. Jill could see that merely
coupling Sylvia Sutton's name
with that of her son was intoXi-
eating to her stepmother.
81 saw her picture in a London
paper once" Jill said slowly. "'She
is beautiful, isn't she?"
Eyes"
81, " S&s
Mrs. Wentworth was staring at
Jill. She noted the slim charm of
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