The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-11-29

aged to slip into young Johns hand the money for the core. spondence course he so wanted Co take.
 Elsa, who had left young Bili vii Bill, Senior, and her mother, had gone into ecstacies over the house, much to Adela's disgust Adela never showed enthusiasm over anything and considered 1t vulgar for anyone elso to do so She made no attempt to conceal her shudders over what she called the "crudities" of Dlana's rela- tives. Being genuine people them. selves, Elsa and Mrs. Tucker con- idede to Diana that they thought Adela Q little "queer", but never for Q moment suspected that she was snubelng them severely.
 
 Mrs. stephen Curt was launched Into Q new and very exciting life, made all the mora glalnorous be- cause she knew it was not to last. She was intensely interested in ste- phefl's writing and was delighted when on occasion he asked her to help him prepare copy. Now sine was no longer nervous in taking dic- tation because Stephen was 50 pa- tlent and kind. Consequently she turned out manuscript that was Q Joy to behold and which stephen, himself Q hunt-and-peck typist, sent to his publishers with pride. Even MISS Todd, Stephens regular secre. tary, coinplimented her work.
 Diana had been drawn to Eiva Tod ct their first meeting and subsequently, they had become friends. Diana was sure that Elva was in love with stephen, and also that he was completely unaware of the fact. She was 6 small, dark-eyed person with severely cut clothes and an equally severe manner which had c violent inc fertority complex She often lunched with the Curts after hay. ing been closeted alone with Ste. phen in the library for hours.
 All in all, 1t was . pleasant, orderly, abundant life -- except for Adela. From the first, Stephens sister had resented Dianas preS- ence in the house; had resented the ease with which "that gtefios. rapher" as she called Diana, had fitted into the life of the Curts; resented the deference tile serV. ants paid this girl whom Adela was sure was deliberately trying to usurp her own place. Since childhood she had worshiped Ste. phen, who was 10 years older than she, and the thought that another woman = any woman -- might take her place with him was agony to her.
 Suppose he should really grow to care for that schemlng adVen. turess and not let her go when the times comes" her thoughts would run in abject terror, when on occasion she SOW Stephens eyes following Diana. Then they wouldn't want me around = they'd want to get rid of met @tephen wouldn't = but she'd make hlinl She'd poison his mind against me. And where would l go2 Where would l go2 None of this would have happened if it weren't for that hideous old Ellen. She inc fiuenced my father to make such . ghastly will. How I hate that womanl"
 Feeding an already active irnag- nation with such thoughts, Adela would become filled with self-pity and finally dissolve in tears. Then she would determine that she must do oil in her power to make sure that Diana did not stay--tiat q divorce should Dc arranged ct the proper time.
 Diana more than half suspected the thoughts of dislike with which Adela was seethirg, but deter. mined to make the best of c try. Ing situation. Whenever Adeia became too difncult, Diana would console herself with the thought that she would soon be free, with Si0,O00 to spend as she chose, Not c fortune, to be sure, but Diana had decided to invest it SO wisely that before long 1t might be doubled, tripled. Perhaps Ste. phen Curt might 70 SO far as to advise her. They were good friends and Diana was sure they would part as such.
 Now, putting the finishing touches to her makeup, Diana was pleased with her reflected image. Her hair lay In smooth shining waves of red gold; her skin glowed from exquisite care and attention; and the warm white of her beautiful neck and shoulders rose from the folds of black chiffon where white gar. denias lent fragrance and beauty. The ruffled folds of the bouffant skirt fell to the floor. It was a lovely frock, bought only that after. noon, and Diana drew courage from the knowledge that she looked exactly right.
 She answered low knock ct the door to find Stephen, hand some in dinner clothes, waiting for her. It was little attention for which she was always grateful this privilege of going down into the unknown world below at his side and not alone.
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