The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-10

| low N0rtOn-the one who IS prOmoC- ing the Sale-is an old friend, and Hendry believes in him."
 Don't you?"
 "Not particularly"
 "Why not2 Do you know him?"
 q met him when he was east about four years ago, and - well, he's just one of those people I don't like. However, I may be all wrong" He blew a smoke ring toward the fire, dismissing MT. Norton with it.
 Presently, with less seriousness, he suggested: Suppose we forget the Bella Terra, my darling, and consider the future MT. and Mrs. Andrews"
 Joan smiled wistfully. Mrs. An- drews," she murmured. Tt sounds so-so safe"
 Unconsciously they drew closer to each other. The coffee in their cups grew cold, but they did not realize it. In the fireplace, the logs cracked with promise, and the flames drew bright pictures of the future.
 They did not notice as smart green roadster drew up alongside the Inn and parked at the curb out side the dining room. But the girl driving it caught sight of them as she glanced through the window, and her dark eyes narrowed. For a brief moment she watched them, then suddenly her face lighted as a brilliant idea occurred to her. She got out of the car and entered the inn.
 A moment later Bob looked up and saw Sybil Hendry enter the dining room. She walked toward them, apparently with the inten- ton of taking the next table. Then, carelessly raising her eyes, she saw them.
 Hello, Sybil," Bob greeted hearti- ly.
 "Bob!" Sybil raised her eyebrows in surprise. Tt is nice to see you. And Miss Barrett! How are you?"
 Bob jumped up and pulled an extra chair to the table for her. Why not join us, Sybil?" he sug- gested pleasantly. We've just fin ished our lunch"
 "Oh. I've had lunch, thank you" She sat down with them, neverthe- less. T just stopped in for a cup of chocolate-it's so chilly driving"
 Bob signaled the waiter and Sybil gave the order.
 T just talked to Uncle John on the phone" she remarked. "He tells me that you're going in his place, Bob"
 "Yes. He asked me to go this morning" :,
 sybil looked at Joan and smiled disarmingly. That is unfortunate for you. Miss Barrett. Won't you be lonely?"
 "Oh, mol" Joan replied thought lessly. T have so many things to do."
 Bob laughed. "She doesn't tiatter me exactly, does she?"
 T mean" Joan flushed uneas- ily. Suddenly it seemed as if the charm of the afternoon were lost She felt vaguely uncomfortable in Sybil Hendry's presence. The girI was so utterly perfect, so sure oi herself.
 "You're leaving this evening?' Sybil asked Bob.
 "Yes. Seven o'clock from Newark airport"
 Sybil looked at Joan sympatheti' cally. That is sudden, isn't it. Uncle John might have permitted you the weekend together. Mis: Barrett-or do you mind if l cal you Joan?"
 T should love it."
 "Joan, then.' Sybil smiled gra- ciously. "Why don't you spend the weekend with me? My brother i; out of town for awhile and I shall be all alone, too"
 Thank you, Miss Hendry-"
 DO call me Sybil." Joan smiled her acknowledgement of the charming patronage.
 Ut is nice of you, Sybil," she said ito want me. But" and she lied de- liberately, T did plan to be with some friends on Long Island"
 As a matter of fact, Joan was a little taken back at Sybil's sudden friendliness. It could not be entirely sincere. Whenever Sybil lad stopped in at the office, she had never ack- nowledged Joan's presence by more than a slight nod. In all probability MT. Hendry had prompted this in- vitation; if so, there was no need tc embarras Sybil by accepting it.
 "Oh, I am disappointed, Sybi said. She hesitated moment, then asked brightly: twill you have tea with me then-some afternoon next week?"
 L ! II.