The age-herald., 1898-07-31
TheLeft-H HandedCouple [?

There was a stir in Washington society; and I, society girl detective, was con- suited about it.
 In Washington there are public receptions which practically the whole world attends. Cards are sent out, and scores come with no cards at all, and the nunky at the door without inspection, lets them in upon the merits of a silk hat and long coat. The women he measures by their ornaments.
 Mrs. Secretary K, the wife of a cabi- net minister, sent for me one day to tell me that numerous thefts had been going on in her house at her receptions, and she asked me if I would attend these func- tions with card, and keep my eye out for the guilty ones. It was so annoying, she said to have ones friends robbed in ones own house of valua5les.
 I promised Mrs. X- that would at tend her receptions in future, and she wrote my name and address in her invitation book Scarcely had I reached home when I found Mrs. Secretary -, another cabinet lady, had called to see me, leaving word that she would call an hour later. When she came received her with some nutter of excitement, for 1t was not every day that the wife of cabinet officer calls. and did not know whether etiquette bade me receive her in the parlor or whether l should ask her to my owc little apartments. She set my uncertainty at rest by saying, q wish to see you alone a minute"
 I took her to my room showed her III and closed my door,
 "Mv cau is one of most confidential business said she land I come to you upon recommendation of the chief of police of Washington. am in the habit, as you know, of holding regular Wednesday after noon receptions. Last Wednesday at my reception I lost a valuable chatelaine, and one of my guests lost watch. week ago no less than three thefts took place and so it has continued through the Win fer. until I am annoyed lest the matter gain publicity. It is terrible said she neryously, Ito think that I cannot receive my friends in my own parlor without robbery.
 DO you suspect any one?" I asked.
 'No," said she, "I do not. There is no one on my invitation list whom l regard with suspicion"
 T will do all I can," I said, "in the meantime leave it with me. Place me upon your invitation list and see that am invited to your house on every occa- sion.'
 When she had gone seated myself and did some vigorous thinking. Tt is evi- dently some one who attends these public receptions'' I said to myself, "and that person may be either man or woman, a left handed person! He or she must have considerable experience in lifting or neither could be so expert" Mrs. Y-- had the services of a professional detective at one of her receptions, she told me, yet at this reception she and her guests lost many articles. .'t',
 A society detective must act and dress like other women, so my next move in the work of finding the guilty party was to drive to the best dressmaker in Wash n0to order a handsome recpD- tion dress. "They will be less apt to sus- pect my vocation," I said, 'if I carry out the deception of being simply a guest. shall wear many jewels and play the role ington.'
 At the next reception of Mrs. X-, my first client. was present and was introduced to many people. The following day was Mrs. YAs regular reception day, and there, too, I had the pleasure of pleasant afternoon. l carefully observ- ed all who came and went, but to my chag- rin, saw nobody on whom l could fasten the faintest suspicion. It is different work catching thieves in store and spotting pickpockets in crowd from detecting a robber in private house. In the stores could work openly and in the street I could watch publicly, even exposing my badge of public service, but in society the detective must be a society woman, and her work of deception must be carried on while she discusses society topics and talks small talk with the men and women.
 I talked small talk to all the men, keep ing my eyes on all about me.
 When the afternoon was over my hostess came to me and whispered, "have you dis covered anything?'
 "No," I sad, nothing"
 Well" said she, that is a pity because there have been three losses reported. Mrs. Peyton has lost a watch, Mrs. Brownlee a handsome pin which confined the right lapel of her coat. and Mrs. Grey has lost a valuable stone from a ring which she