The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-11-26
CHAPTER VIII

When he had finished, her father turned of the radio. T respect no mans opinions more than I do Curtis" he said, and smiled at Diana again. Was he, perhaps, getting accustomed to the Idea that had at first SO displeased himp Was the entirely human thought that this man whom he 60 admired might be part of his family, of his life, even for Q abort time, outweighing more prudent consideratlonsp
 On Tuesday afternoon Diana walked down to Bill Jackson's store ct the crossroads. Her mother had gone off to 6 missionary meeting at the church and she had become so bored with her own company that ehe could stand 1t no longer.
 The cold weather had continued and the macadam road was full of icy spots. There was not as much snow as In town, only the fence corners and ditches showing patches of white. She covered the three e-uuarterS of 0 mile quickly, Eeflecting that she had not lost her love of walking. A bus passed her, and someone waved. Diana thought, with c mounting excite Gnent, that tomorrow stephen Curt would come down this very koad.
 Rill greeted her effusively. eWell, this is an honor. Take the khair by the fire"
 He puttered about making her eomfurtahle, hanging up her coat and hat, Diana laughed. T haven't come to stay week, you know, Bill"
 "Ncw that I've got you here I won't be letting you 60 soon"
 Sh0 lAnced about ct the or aerly shelves. There was c little DS everything in Bill's store. A s'genaeal" store, it was called. Canned good, produce, hams, dry Eoods, thread, fishing tackle, oyerails -- the people of the coun- tryside could buy almost anything Nhey needed here. Bill was an excellent storekeeper - genial, friendly, talkative. They all liked hin, He was one of them. And piana knew that the business was gsowly but surely making him wealthy.
 As sch sat by the fire, she watched the customers come ana no. She knew most ot them ana they ell called greetings to her. They were interested to know Why sch was home, when she was Roing back. "Its just cyrios. Ity" Diana thought, "just friendly interest" ,
 During the lulls In businss, Bill came and sat beside her and eaiked, He spoke interestingly and well. You'd think he'd had Q 'lot more than Q high school eau. cAtion. That was because he reao ao much and kept abreast ot the eimes. They laughed about things ithat happened when they were in Rciaooi, He told her about some of the boys and girls that shed Soak track of. He was in his ele' ment here In his own domain Any constraint that had been uresent in his manner the night 6efore had completely vanished FRere Ell Jackson was king.
 FanAlly he stood looking down at her, his eyes earnest and intent, ms mouth Q little grim at the corners Ghe saw e pulse beating nervously n N.lm hv0WY1 throat
 T don't suppose it's much use to say it again, Dianas but you know I love you"
 "Thank you, Bill. I cherish that. But you're right. It's nc use. I'm sorry"
 she saw his shoulders droor and was terribly sorry for him "Oh. Bill, why does 1t have to DC Ike that between us? It's SC pleasant just being friends witr vcn - like this afternoon. Why don't you fall in love with some. me who likes this sort of life anc will make you 6 good' contenteo v1fe7"
 Hs said, his jaw tightening